Every two years the Minneapolis Club votes in a new beneficiary and sometimes it stays the same for a while. Club Members are encouraged to invite program directors to speak to the Club about their particular projects and needs. They must fulfill the criteria of the Zonta goal, to improve the status of women and their children.

Service Project for 2006-2008

Women Achieving New Directions (WAND), a division of Employment Action Center, is a non-profit organization committed to the career and economic self- sufficiency of single lower income, working mothers. They recognize that for many mothers, career advancement is the means to improving the quality of life for themselves and their families. Using advocacy and a holistic, personal approach, WAND helps women to build skills and confidence and to develop the strategies for setting and meeting their lifetime career goals.Our support of WAND includes:

• An annual donation of $5,000 to be used for general operating expense. The money is raised at the Annual Zonta Minneapolis Holiday Event. 2006's Event was attended by over 300 people who enjoyed our HUGE Silent Auction, gourmet lunch and entertainment.
  

• Our Club sponsored a single mother and her 5 kids over the holidays and bought gifts for all the kids and the mom, too.
  

• Our volunteer efforts with WAND are numerous and include assisting with basic computer courses, helping jobseekers with resume writing and online applications. Other work readiness tasks may include: helping women prepare to take their GED; collect items suitable for WAND participants to wear to interviews or to their new jobs; help unemployed or underemployed participants find suitable work; and so much more!