Golden Valley is one of the couple schools in the Hart district with a Z club, a branch off the Zonta club. The Zonta club approaches public schools to establish a Z club and help promote their cause to students. New advisor Brianne Prante plans to schedule new events and build up the club as a place that will promote gender equality and advancement of women in society through service projects.

The Zonta Club, created by Marian de Forest in 1919, has many causes that include advocating for gender equality, ending gender based violence, ending child marriage, expanding access to education, and providing resources in response to COVID-19.

The most recent service project by Golden Valleys Z club was the tic-tac drive for Fostering Youth Independence. The tic-tacs are meant to be stocking stuffers sent to the foundation, which is one of the multiple orchestrated by the Zonta club. Other public schools are involved in this service project as well.

The Z club has been a part of Golden Valley for at least three years, however this year the club has a new advisor, Brianne Prante. She plans to include lessons on incorporation of women’s rights.

She encourages students to join, saying, “Everyone is welcome to join, not just women. We’re really just trying to promote gender equality which means we want things to be equal and fair for everyone.”

“You see some antiquated attitudes not only in GV but everywhere. We’re trying to address it in school, but it’s something we’re trying to just help with to better people’s lives, and gender norms can sometimes be a part of that equation,” says Prante. Though gender issues float around anywhere you go, the Z club strives to make school a better place for anyone, no matter who they are or where they come from.

The club is also established in Canyon and West Ranch. Golden Valleys specifically has been one of the first to be established in the Hart District. Prante plans on collaborating with the other schools throughout the year.

The club encourages students to “keep an ear out for projects,” where the events are usually posted on GVTV. Though there are frequent updates on the club and their projects, there are few who attend meetings or have even joined the club in general. “We’re trying to figure out things as we go,” says Prante. She has made efforts to try and get more traction within the club, but the main goal is to give back to the community by spreading kindness and equality to students.

“The mission of Z club is really important and would benefit all schools, and we encourage you to join.” says Prante. The meetings are the first Tuesday of every month in room 814, there are no requirements to join the club. There is a google classroom to join, which the advisor will provide, where people can receive notifications on the club and its activities. Any person who joins and participates in the club may also have the opportunity to earn a cord to wear during graduation. You can follow the Z club on their Instagram @gvzclub to stay updated on future events and meetings.