The Z Club of Saugus High School has been chartered by Zonta International (ZI)!! Zontians from the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley will mentor high school students who have formed the first local Z Club.
Z clubs are internationally known high school affiliates of ZI that are established to expose students to strong mentors and advocate for improving the opportunities available to women and girls. The mission of ZI is to advance the status of women worldwide through service, advocacy, and awareness.
Over 200 Z clubs in 19 countries around the world help students develop leadership skills and participate in community and international service projects. The local Z club is led by President Tyler Peckham, Vice President Russell Thomas and officers: Danielle Fitzwater, Noah Choudhury, Claire Zerbib, Keira Colleuori, Josh Martin, and Jessica Gurrola. These dedicated students, both male and female, have a strong connection and are proud to support women’s issues. Russell Thomas stated, “I feel as though my efforts are going to a justifiable cause that will do nothing but better the future of all women.” With such high goals, nothing will stop these students in their fight for gender equality.
In spite of being new, the youth group has already brought women’s issues to their peers. Operating officially for only three months, meetings have included topics such as: the concept of feminism, the history of feminism, media sexism, sexual violence, and cyberstalking.
Throughout October, members of the Z Club joined “Zonta Says No” campaign against domestic violence through activism and a display on campus which featured shirts made by domestic violence victims and posters with statistics. Many students partook in the Z Club’s “spirit days” whereas individuals wore red every Tuesday in October to show their support of raising awareness for domestic violence. Many students and teachers participated throughout the month. Noah Choudhury explained how he felt through these spirit days. “I never knew much about domestic violence until I became a part of Z Club, but I refuse to be ignorant about the injustice of raising one’s hand towards another in a blasphemy of anger.”
The Z Club members plan to volunteer within the community, have thought-provoking meetings, and make their peers aware of the issues women and girls face in our world.
Zontians applaud these young people for their enthusiasm to improve the lives of women and girls!
For information about the Z Club or Zonta call Phyllis Walker at 661-251-1172.