Digest:  A judge may be a member of a local chapter of Zonta International, an organization involved in the improvement of the legal, political, economic, educational and professional status of women.
 

Rules:  22 NYCRR 100.4(C)(3);
             Opinions 90-129 (Vol. VI), 88-145 (Vol. III),
             88-66 (Vol. II), 88-42 (Vol. II).
 
 

Opinion:

            A full-time judge inquires whether it is permissible to be a member of a local "Zonta Club". This organization, a chapter of "Zonta International", has several objectives, including the improvement of the legal, political, economic, educational and professional status of women.

            Section 100.4 (C)(3) of the Rules Governing Judicial Conduct states that "a judge may be a member ... of an educational, religious, charitable, cultural, fraternal or civic organization not conducted for profit, subject to [defined] limitations ..."(22 NYCRR 100.4(C)(3)). The definition of the Zonta Club's functions, as set forth in the by-laws furnished by the inquiring judge, indicates that it is an organization of an educational, charitable, cultural and civic nature, and therefore the foregoing rule permits the judge's membership. The inquiring judge acknowledges the obligation to refrain from any fund-raising activity (see, Opinions 90-129 (Vol. VI), 88-145 (Vol. III), 88-66 (Vol. II), 88-42 (Vol. II)).