ZONTA INTERNATIONAL LEADERS IN LITHUANIA. 1994\u20132016<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n ZONTA INTERNATIONAL LEADERS IN LITHUANIA. 1994\u20132016<\/span><\/p>\n FACES AND OBJECTIVES OF LITHUANIAN (02) AREA DIRECTORS AND CLUB PRESIDENTS<\/span><\/p>\n Book-cataloque<\/span><\/p>\n Dedicated to the 63rd ZONTA International<\/span><\/p>\n Convention in Nice<\/span><\/p>\n Idea and resourses of this book<\/span><\/p>\n ZI D 13 02 area board 2014\u20132016<\/span><\/p>\n Partially sponsored by<\/span><\/p>\n Vilgelmina Podlipskien\u0117, JSC “LITBANA” general director, member of Vilnius ZC<\/span><\/p>\n Editorial board<\/span><\/p>\n Ina Dagyt\u0117 Mituzien\u0117 (general editor)<\/span><\/p>\n Members:<\/span><\/p>\n Viduta Ba\u010dkierien\u0117, Ona Ber\u0161kien\u0117, Aldona Janulevi\u010dien\u0117, Zofija Rauli\u010dkien\u0117, Ramun\u0117 Trakymien\u0117<\/span><\/p>\n Design <\/strong><\/u>Gra\u017eina Komarovska<\/span><\/p>\n Translation <\/strong><\/u>Olga Medvedeva<\/span><\/p>\n Photographs <\/strong><\/u>from personal archives<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a9 Vilnius ZC, Ina Dagyt\u0117 Mituzien\u0117, Gra\u017eina Komarovska, 2016<\/span><\/p>\n ISBN<\/span><\/p>\n TEN STEPS TO GET ACQUAINTED WITH ZONTA INTERNATIONAL LEADERS IN LITHUANIA<\/span><\/p>\n INA DAGYT\u0116 MITUZIEN\u0116<\/span><\/p>\n 5<\/span><\/p>\n 1<\/span><\/p>\n ZI CONVENTIONS:<\/span><\/p>\n UNITY OF MESSAGE AND ACTION<\/span><\/p>\n Every two years ZI members get together for ZI conventions: to share achievements and discuss problems, to work together on ZONTA\u2019s future scenarios. ZI Convention is a perfect opportunity to make your voice heard all over the world. The 63rd ZONTA International Convention<\/u><\/strong>, to be held on 2\u20136 July at the Nice \u2013 Acropolis Congress and Exhibition Center, France, will bring together a wide circle of participants: ZI president and her team, international directors, district governors and board members, area directors, club presidents and other zontians. All 70 ZI districts from Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa will be represented in Nice. This amounts to 2000 ZONTA clubs upholding the principles of democracy, transparency, sustainability.<\/span><\/p>\n LITHUANIA \u2013<\/span><\/p>\n SCANDINAVIAN D13 MEMBER<\/span><\/p>\n The preparation for the convention is a perfect time <\/u><\/strong>for every ZI district, area and club to review their activities and highlight results<\/u><\/strong>. Lithuania is no exception. In 1994 Lithuania became part of Scandinavian D13, which in 2015 in Bilund (Denmark) marked its 80th anniversary in ZONTA. The Lithuanian zontians are happy to belong to the extremely experienced and advanced ZI district (see more in “80 years. ZONTA International District 13 1935\u20132015” by D13 governor 2014\u20132016 Eva Nielsen, 2015) alongside Denmark, Norway and Iceland.<\/span><\/p>\n Lithuanians will always remember that Iceland was the first country to recognise the restortion of Lithuania\u2019s independence in the 1990s; the Danish zontians initiated the establishment of ZI club in Vilnius in 1994, they have rendered their support and assistance ever since. Today all three ZI clubs in Lithuania \u2013 Vilnius ZC (1994), Alytus ZC (1996), Marijampole ZC (1998) \u2013 learn from the Danish experience in promoting democracy and equal gender rights, follow Iceland\u2019s constructive approach to eradicating the “small nation” inferiority comlex and building up national esteem, they borrow Norway\u2019s best examples of promoting civil society and community values. Our cooperation is in the mainstream of ZI and D13 policies: prevention of violence, promoting women\u2019s rights, enhancing professional impact and others. One of the current initiatives \u2013 ZI leadership development programme \u2013 has special relevance to Lithuania.<\/span><\/p>\n 2<\/span><\/p>\n 6<\/span><\/p>\n A WORD OF PRAISE FOR ZI LEADERSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME<\/span><\/p>\n Why do the Lithuanian zontians find ZI leadership programme so important? Not only because the programme unites ZONTA\u2019s present and future through the permanent process of leaders\u2019 formation. The programme shows how to do away with the half-century long soviet traditions of creating false formal leader stereotypes, when leaders were appointed and a big part of their activities was just imitation. We cannot stay idle and wait till a new generation of leaders develops by itself, little by little. The ZI leadership development programme gives us the tools to accelerate the formation of leaders. One shouldn\u2019t forget the importance of cooperation with other global and national women\u2019s public organisations; being a dynamic vehicle of the global progress, pubic organisations contribute to integration processes, they support voluntary involvement in making decisions on national and international levels.<\/span><\/p>\n BENEFITS OF ZI LEADERSHIP<\/span><\/p>\n DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME<\/span><\/p>\n Some specific features of the programme stem from the innate qualities of ZI, namely its high sense of responsiblity and respect<\/u><\/strong>. Leadership is <\/u><\/strong>viewed not just as an obligation <\/u><\/strong>but also as an individual and socially respected opportunity<\/u><\/strong>. The ZI statute envisages the rotation of leaders<\/u><\/strong>: one cannot hold the same position for more than 2 years. Other important for women qualities of leaders are flexibility, compassion and social appeal<\/u><\/strong>. None of zontians who have achieved high positions will hold it forever.<\/span><\/p>\n Although the constructive doctrine of liberal society is noted for its respect for individualism, today one must not be guided just by her own private interests, we should broaden our perspective by interacting with other social groups. Today\u2019s problems require collaborative effort. This is exactly how ZONTA functions: ZONTA empowers national and international womens\u2019 communities to seek common solution of socio-economic problems and ensure sustainability of the results<\/u><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n CHALLENGES FOR YOUNG<\/span><\/p>\n DEMOCRACIES<\/span><\/p>\n We need inspiring and strong leaders who possess flexibility and compassion, who will attract and lead others using their specific feminine charm. The process of becoming a leader starts with developing interactive skills, with demonstrating initiative, with developing the sense of responsibility and target orientation, even in the situation when the majority tend just to stay by and judge, rather than take steps and contribute to achieving the set goals. We need to master the very essence of community work: one should really care about common wellbeing, which requires each and everyone\u2019s involvement<\/u><\/strong>. Attending <\/u><\/strong>ZONTA meetings <\/u><\/strong>is, by far, not enough<\/u><\/strong>: zontians should actively participate in making and implementing decisions <\/u><\/strong>that would bring about positive changes in their environment. Though not fully appreciated and observed, ZONTA\u2019s fundamental principles pave way to effective leadership development.<\/span><\/p>\n BALTIC MENTALITY<\/span><\/p>\n INFUSION IN D13<\/span><\/p>\n The Lithuanian zontians found themselves under the strong influence of the Scandinavian mentality. The specific features of the Scandinavian character have been noted more than once, let us recall just a few. Scandinavians are known for their preference for minimalism in design, as well as for their strict inner discipline. All this agrees well with their direct, though polite, manner of communiction. Scandinavians are known for their highly reasonable and creative approach to satisfying their material needs. We are truly impressed by modesty and strictness of our colleagues from the so-called “rich” countries. It\u2019s worth mentioning that Danish women are perhaps the happiest in Europe, closely followed by Norwegians and Icelanders. We see how often Norwegian women wear folk costumes on their national holidays, how they react to injustice, how often they report wrongdoings or disorders to the appropriate agencies. We are impressed by Icelanders\u2019 efficiency in mobilising for common actions, be it a new initiative or a debate on new legislation.<\/span><\/p>\n 3<\/span><\/p>\n 4<\/span><\/p>\n 6<\/span><\/p>\n 5<\/strong>7 8 9<\/span><\/p>\n WHAT ARE THE DISTINCTIVE FEATURES<\/span><\/p>\n OF LITHUANIAN ZONTIANS?<\/span><\/p>\n The Baltic mentality is rooted in the rustling of our green woods and glares of bonfires on the ancient moulds, Sunday bell tolls in small towns and our rich folklore: legends, fairy \u2013 tales, proverbs, riddles, and songs. Our closest Baltic neighbours Latvians say we share one distinctive feature: our peoples find it easier to express themselves in songs rather than in words. Our dowry counts one million songs. Unlike Latvians, we have songs not only about love or work, but also about war. That is the way we are: at a time romantic and militant. Whatever circumstances might be, we care about producing tangible wealth.<\/span><\/p>\n We are proud of the fact that women\u2019s rights were enshrined in the Lithuanian statutes as early as 16th century<\/u><\/strong>. In the Lithuanian folklore, the Sun and the Moon, a woman and a man, enjoy equal importance. Although a popular proverb says: “A man supports one corner of the house, while a woman \u2013 the other three”. In a way, a similar situatiation can be observed in the 21st century. In Lithuania there are more educated women <\/u><\/strong>than men. If women start a business, their companies are less prone to going bankrupt. Nevertheless, men outnumber women in the area of inventions, there are more men among the laureates of national awards in arts and sciences.<\/span><\/p>\n We are proud of the fact that Lithiuanian women initiated and held four all-Lithuania women\u2019s congresses in 1907, 1937, 2000, 2005<\/u><\/strong>. The 2000 Congress, the first one in the re-established independent Lithuania, was organised by the Lithuanian zontians and LUMA \u2013 affiliate of Women graduates (GWI). 4000 women took part in the Congress events. Our ZONTA played a big role and in the 4th Congress (2005), which brought together even more participants. The Lithuanian ZONTA long-term programmes include educational programmes for girls in the problematic regions of Lithuania, further activities to assure women\u2019s rights, the creation and coordination of Crisis Centres, monitoring the distribution of resources, target group support etc. <\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n ZI Lithuania area is not big, at present we have three ZONTA clubs <\/u><\/strong>(the fourth one, Kaunas ZC, was closed for objective reasons). Although our clubs are not numerous at the moment , the latest figures show that the number of Lithuanian zontians grew by one third in 2014\u20132016<\/u><\/strong>. Partly it is the impact of ZI leadership development programme.<\/span><\/p>\n D13 LITHUANIAN AREA LEADERS,<\/span><\/p>\n WHO ARE THEY?<\/span><\/p>\n 30 women <\/strong><\/u>who, for the last 22 years<\/u><\/strong>, have been implementing ZI leadership in Lithuania. By the way, 22 is a symbolic figure<\/u><\/strong>: it is made up of the same digits that stand for Lithuania on the list of the D13 countries: 01 \u2013 Denmark, 02 \u2013 Lithuania<\/u><\/strong>, 03 \u2013 Iceland, 04 \u2013 Norway. 30 women managed ZI clubs in Lithuania: 11 in Vilnius (since 1994, when Vilnius ZC was established), 12 in Alytus (since 1995, when Alytus ZC was established), 8 in Marijampole (since the start of Marijampole ZC in 1998). <\/u><\/strong>Since 2005 five <\/u><\/strong>ex-presidents (3 of Vilnius and 2 of Alytus clubs) have been elected ZI D13 (02) Lithuanian area directors (AD)<\/u><\/strong>. They worked according to the ZI statute and D13 regulations, represented 02 (Lithuanian) area in the D13 Board. All D13 governors (1994\u20132016) were from Denmark, Iceland or Norway. We regret to say there has not yet been any representative of Lithuania elected the D13 governor. Yes, our 02 area is small in comparing with 01, 03, 04 areas. But we hope to increase ZONTA members in Lithuania, to have more and more experience. And the day will come when a zontian from Lithuania will be elected to the district leader\u2019s position.<\/span><\/p>\n The professional interests of our leaders <\/strong><\/u>are also worth mentioning. 9 Lithuanian ZONTA leaders represent the middle management of public service and public institutions, 6 women are in business, either owning or running enterprises, there are 5 physicians (practitioners and medical centre owners), 5 lawyers and auditors, 3 academics and university staff, 3 representatives of the arts sphere: an artist, an art gallery owner, a journalist.<\/span><\/p>\n At home they are caring mothers or grandmothers, loving daughters or sisters. What are their hobbies<\/u><\/strong>? Most of them like travelling, theatre, reading. They love housekeeping, care about making the surrounding more pleasing to the eye. Many enjoy cooking, quite a few are skillful in various craftwork. Some make fantastic jewelry, others engage in amateur arts. There are also zontians who write articles and essay books. How is it combined with ZONTA? For some, ZONTA activities come alongside their professions, but for most, ZONTA comes before, after or during their free time.<\/span><\/p>\n I will never forget how, during my workshop at D13 conference in Bilunde, Kirsten from Roskilde ZC said again and again: “ZONTA is my life”. For me this young looking zontian with a halo of silver grey hair and glowing eyes is the real “face of ZONTA”, I can easily see her image as an inspiring icon on the D13 home page. Do we have such zontians in Lithuania<\/u><\/strong>? Yes, I believe we do. Most probably they will express their attitude to ZONTA in a slightly different way: “ZONTA is a big part of my life<\/u><\/strong>“.<\/span><\/p>\n 7<\/span><\/p>\n 8<\/strong>10 11<\/span><\/p>\n No doubt, every zontian feels compassion for the call “Convinction \u2013 Commitment \u2013 Courage”. This slogan was launched by Marija Chose Ostergaard, ZI 2014\u20132016 prezident. When the ZI president visited Vilnius in October 2014, she used the slogan several times at the meeting with the Lithuanian zontians in Vilnius University. Of course every zontian will interpret the slogan in her own way. What does “conviction” mean to me? Which “committment” is expected from me? Where and why do I need “courage”? Your answers will lead you further on, beyond one\u2019s personal perspective: to help others, to inspire and take them along. The road is not an easy one. You should keep track of your achievements and failures, you must be fair to yourself and others, you shouldn\u2019t try to look better that you are. One should learn how to evaluate common success or failures, the ways and methods of working together. <\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n This is what prof. Evalda Jakaitiene, AD 2010\u20132012, writes about ZONTA\u2019s activities, objectives and experience: “Being AD 2010\u20132012, I seeked to involve all the Lithuanian ZONTA clubs in the activities that are in line with the serious professional approach and committment to one\u2019s duties. We used to receive regular instructions from Iceland (D13 headquarters at the time) as to what we should do. My knowledge of Norwegian, good communication skills and experience in international cooperation helped me a lot. But the instructions that we received were mostly oriented to figures and budget, not to concrete actions<\/u><\/strong>, thus pushing aside the very essence of ZONTA\u2019s ideology. We were required to keep up the existing clubs at all cost, to observe financial reporting deadlines, to put lots of effort into promoting ZONTA\u2019s activities. I often went to Alytus, Kaunas, Marijampole to meet zontians and participate in their events, we had friendly warm talks, but I had a feeling that something was missing<\/u><\/strong>. It might be due to our lack of experience in team work<\/u><\/strong>, our unwillingness to delegate tasks<\/u><\/strong>, our unability to listen to another opinion <\/u><\/strong>or to present your argurement in a convining way. Another common problem is a shortage of active club members<\/u><\/strong>. In most clubs there were just a few members (usually 3\u20134) who put forward ideas and initiatives; others were passive and uncommitted.”<\/span><\/p>\n Thinking about the present and future <\/strong><\/u>of ZONTA clubs in Lithuania, each of us has, at some time or other, pondered over Hamlet\u2019s question: “To be or not to be”. And the positive answer depends on our shared values, the attractiveness of iniciatives and activities, on meaningful results<\/u><\/strong>. Below <\/u><\/strong>you will find information about how each area director, each president of Vilnius, Alytus and Marijampole ZCs <\/u><\/strong>assesses her work<\/u><\/strong>. This catalogue provides a possibility <\/u><\/strong>to consider one\u2019s personal perspective and experience in order to create a complete picture of ZONTA\u2019s progress in our country<\/u><\/strong>. Can we find a methaphor for our common work: bees pruducing honey in a hive, wind-blown fluttering origami or maybe a nice pile of pots on a shelf<\/u><\/strong>. It would be great to hear opinions, suggestions of zontians from different countries<\/u><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n STRUCTURE OF ZI LITHUANIAN AREA<\/span><\/p>\n LEADERS\u2019 1994\u20132016 CATALOQUE<\/span><\/p>\n In October 2015 the Lithuanian area Board meeting made a decision to publish a catalogue <\/u><\/strong>of the area leaders and their achievements. The choice of the Board meeting venue was symbolic: the meeting was held in Monte Pacis hospitality complex of Pazaislis Monastery, Kaunas (https:\/\/montepacis.lt\/en). The founders of the place \u2013 the Pacai \u2013 were one of the most respected noble families in the Grand Dutchy of Lithuania, well-known for their spirituality, patronage and creativity. When giving instructions to the builders, the founders of the Grand Palace decided that the number of windows should be equal to the number of days, the number of doors should equal the number of weeks in a year. Indeed, this is the place where you become aware of the flying time, where you feel the need to look back and to remember people for their good deeds, to preserve their names for future generations. The place inspired us to commemorate the Lithuanian zontians who initiated and carried on ZONTA\u2019s activities in this country. We decided to prepare the catalogue for the 63rd ZI convention in June 2016 in Nice<\/u><\/strong>, so that not just our D13 colleagues, but zontians from all over the world get a chance to learn about the Lithuanians<\/u><\/strong>. To know each other means to create common ground as a pathway to mutually beneficial cooperation<\/u><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n How was the cataloque created? <\/strong><\/u>Our first step was to create a questionnaire to collect some basic information regarding the leadership timeframe, educational and professional background<\/u><\/strong>; then we focused on each leader\u2019s perspective and self-assessment<\/u><\/strong>, also their expectations and wishes for the ZI convention in Nice<\/u><\/strong>. The texts were complemented with relevant pictures and photoes of the leaders<\/u><\/strong>. Our designer helped create an attractive visual format. The result is the catalogue you are holding now. If you hesitate before putting it aside, we would take it as a positive assessment of our effort. We do hope there will be people who will follow our initiate. Good luck!<\/span><\/p>\n 9<\/strong>12 13<\/span><\/p>\n CONCLUDING REMARK: WHERE IS THE CLIP TO<\/span><\/p>\n CONNECT ZONTA\u2019 PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE?<\/span><\/p>\n