Young Women in Public Affairs

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The goal of the Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Program is to encourage more young women to participate in public affairs by recognizing a commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to the advancement of the status of women.

In order for more women to be represented in key decision making positions worldwide, we must encourage young women to pursue careers, or seek leadership positions in public policy making, government and volunteer organizations and further their education with these aims in view.

Public Affairs refer to all aspects of community life where decisions have to be made about issues which relate to and affect communities in which they work and live.

The program operates at the Zonta Club, District/Region and International levels.

WHO IS ELIGIBILE?

Women of age 16-19 on 1st April each year, studying and living, or working in a Zonta district/region and demonstrating evidence of the following, are eligible to apply.
  • Active commitment to volunteerism.
  • Experience in local or student government.
  • Volunteer leadership achievements.
  • Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs.
  • Advocating in Zonta International’s mission of advancing the status of women worldwide.

APPLICATIONS
Students must complete an official application.  Handwritten applications will not be accepted and should not be submitted. Students should adhere strictly to the number of words requested in brackets for each question and the word count should be provided at the end of each answer. Additional words will not be considered in the application evaluation.

Applications must be submitted by email and include the following:-
  • Verification of current enrolment by school official
  • Two confidential recommendations from adults, not related to the applicant, such as teachers, school officials or community leaders.

Any questions may be directed to the YWPA Coordinator at zontaclubofballarat@gmail.com

Club Award:
Following evaluation and interview by a panel, a cash award of $500 is offered for the Club winner.  This will be presented at a Club Awards Ceremony and Dinner to be held on 25 August 2016 with teachers, parents and friends invited, to publicise the YWPA Award and acknowledge the applicants. 

The Club winner’s application is forwarded to our District for further evaluation for the District and International Awards

District Award:
The Zonta International Foundation will issue a cheque in the amount of US$1,000, payable to the District winner

International Awards:
The International YWPA Committee selects and recommends ten International YWPA recipients from the approved District/Region recipients. The Zonta International Board (or the Executive Committee acting on its behalf) must approve the International recipients. For each International recipient, the Zonta International Foundation will issue a cheque in the amount of US$4,000, payable to the recipient. Excerpts from the recipients’ essays may be printed in The Zontian magazine and/or on the Zonta International website, or used for other Zonta International promotional purposes.
2018 Young Women in Public Affairs award winner Nia Harrison 
from Ballarat Clarendon College with President Donna Campbell