ZONTA International and Zonta Club of Cebu 2 closely abide by the theme “Empowering Women through Service and Advocacy,” and this message targets all Zontians globally and locally.
With this as guide, the members of Zonta Cebu 2 embarked on a most-timely webinar called ”Road to Self-Empowerment” via Zoom, with speaker, New York-based career coach Karen Espiritu, who opened with a thought-provoking statement. ”We ourselves have to be empowered first, because we cannot give what we don’t have.”
Opening her discussion by introducing the fixed mindset and the growth mindset, she differentiated both with the addition of a single word, “yet.”
The former stops directly at “I can’t do it,” but the growth mindset adds, “I can’t do it, yet.” Positive self-talk follows as the context changes.
As women, there is a distinct obligation that needs to be fulfilled. In your desire to be of help, you continuously say “yes.” By this, you are now respecting others, but not yourself, Espiritu stated. Espiritu continued on saying that empowerment is part of establishing boundaries and learning how to say no. Having the ability to say no, will help to create a space of self-commitments. Where does empowerment come in when you don’t even have the ability to say no?
Pivotal to leading an inspired life, here are three R’s to consider: Responsibility. Living and existing are two different things. However, the majority are coping with the latter. Responsibility comes with ownership and accountability. It is a must to be surrounded by positive people to be sure we are absorbing the proper discipline, habits and inputs.
Respect. Respect encourages two things: Attitude and language. With a positive attitude, we can take charge of correct decisions and even destiny. Women find value in achievement but not forgetting what matters most in life
Resources. Time is a resource that everyone in this world has an equal amount of. One has to have time and space to develop their competencies. You cannot fill people from an empty cup but from a fresh perspective. Practicing self-care is vital to women, that is, knowing when and how to take breaks. Having to save space to breathe, comes from saying no. Although it may induce guilt, make “me-time” a regular part of your day! For good health too!
Espiritu concluded her talk with “mentoring someone is empowering. Mentoring doesn’t have to be a big, formal event, but sharing one’s knowledge of basic things, can actually make a difference!”
The well-attended event had members of Zonta Cebu 2, special guests, and the Golden Z Club (junior Zontians) of USPF. This corner gives much appreciation to both Merry Melle Aguilar and Nicole Ashlyn Torrepalma, media communication students of St. Theresa’s College, for their inputs and support in this write-up.
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Zonta Cebu 2, under the capable leadership of its late president Elena Chiongbian-Young (Biennium 2020-2022), decided that in spite of the controlled movement and social distancing due to Covid-19, the club must deliver its prepared donations to Gasa sa Gugma. Club members have appreciated how Gasa sa Gugma has been kept well-sanitized by the compassionate nuns of the Community of the Sisters of Charity of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Project leader Zontian Evelyn Ramas found a way to deliver much-needed disinfectants, detergents, diapers etc. to Gasa. Zontian Jenny Go sent her personal donation of two new wheelchairs that will definitely help disabled residents of the facility.
This quarterly activity has been ongoing for the past 12 years under the able leadership and direction of Zontians Mariter Klepp and Ramas. Small groups of Zontians make quarterly visits to Gasa to provide haircut services and snacks to the elderly residents. However, this time, the elderly had to miss their haircuts, because like everyone else, the barbers had to stay home.
We truly salute these club members for a job well done!
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Important reminder: The Rotary Club of Mandaue is celebrating its 50 years of service with a free webinar on “Faith, Hope and Healing” July 23, via Zoom at 1 to 4 p.m. Zoom ID: 853 0899 9706. Password: 823088.