Zonta campaigns to end gender-based violence

‘Orange’ signals women’s advocacy

Article and Photo by Karen Carr Keefe

Senior Contributing Writer

Next week, Islanders will start seeing orange ribbons around town as a sign of saying “No” to gender-based violence.

It’s the Zonta Club of Grand Island’s way of focusing the attention on its goals of advocacy for women. Zonta members also are working to gather wider support for the cause.

Zonta begins its “16 Days of Activism” on Saturday, Nov. 15, to get the community ready to “Orange the Town.” The orange ribbons mark an important time of awareness of women’s issues, observed from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10. Orange is regarded as a color that signifies change.

Zonta’s mission is advocating for human rights, gender equality, and a life free of violence for women and girls.

 Again this year, the club is inviting the community take part by placing orange ribbons around town to support the campaign to end gender violence. Grand Island residents, service organizations, and businesses are invited to display the ribbons at prominent locations. The ribbons are provided by Zonta at no cost.

The gazebo in the Town Commons also will display orange lights in support of the event.

“We’re moving (as a society) into a direction of more awareness of the situation,” Grand Island Zonta Club President Heidi Travagline said.

She noted people want to know more about the fight to end violence against women and girls, and about gender equity.

Travagline said Zonta’s goal is that women should live in a world free of violence so that they can reach their full potential.

“I would like to see, through the awareness campaign, a reduction in violence,” she said.

“Our club is becoming very active with our community, and our community is very supportive of bringing more awareness” to Zonta’s activist agenda. “It’s a positive progression on the part of our township and our residents.”

Travagline said people want to speak up for human rights and make a difference: “We have had a wonderful experience with community outreach these last two years.”

She said club members have face-to-face talks with residents about Zonta’s mission at events they participate in, including Relay For Life, the Tuesday night summer concerts, a “Your Best Self” event at Hybrid Defense, and an annual fundraising partnership with Dick & Jenny’s restaurant.

Travagline said the conversations have helped people feel comfortable in partnering with the club to make a better world for women and girls.

“We all have a voice … use your voice for good,” she said.

Island service organizations have begun steps to work together on projects, Travagline said. Moreover, Grand Island Zonta Club’s message is reaching across borders this month to have an international effect on raising awareness.

•On the first day of the campaign, Tuesday, Nov. 25, the Peace Bridge will be illuminated in orange from sunset to sunrise to mark International Elimination of Violence Against Women Day. Travagline reached out to the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission to make this happen.

•Also, at her request, the Peace Bridge will be lit in multi-colors from dusk to sunrise Wednesday, Dec. 10, the final day of the “16 Days of Activism,” to mark International Human Rights Day.

Zonta is an international nonprofit service organization created in 1919 in Buffalo by professional women for women. Its members, in more than 60 countries, collaborate with the United Nations’ UNICEF, UNESCO and UNFPA initiatives. To find out more, go to www.Zonta.org or find Zonta Club of Grand Island on Facebook.

Pick up for orange ribbons

•4-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Grand Island Welcome Center, 1999 Alvin Road

•10 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Grand Island Tops

•Noon-1 p.m.; 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at Tops

•11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at Tops

‘16 Days of Activism’ events:

•11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, Town Commons: Residents and service groups are invited to help “Orange” the Town Commons trees with orange ribbons.

•Monday Nov. 17: Proclamation of Zonta’s “16 Days of Activism” prior to 8 p.m. Grand Island Town Board meeting.