About Us
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL
Soroptimist International is a worldwide organisation for women in management and the professions with 92,000 members in over 3,000 clubs in 125 countries. It is a global voice for women working through Awareness, Advocacy and Action.
“Soroptimist” is derived from two Latin words, “soror” meaning sister and “optima” meaning best It stands for “women at their best helping others to be their best”.
Objectives
To strive for:
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The advancement of the status of women |
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High ethical standards |
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Human rights for all |
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Equality, development and peace, through International Goodwill, Understanding and Friendship |
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Sl service projects are carried out in the areas of Human Rights and the Status of Women, through Education, Economic and Social Development, Environment, Health and International Goodwill and Understanding
History
The first Soroptimist Club was founded in Oakland California in 1921. Soon after, other clubs were chartered in North America. Europe’s first club, the Greater London Club, was founded in 1923. By 1928, club numbers had grown so much there became a need to create coordinating bodies. Thus the two Federations of America and Europe were formed, linked together by the formation of the Soroptimist International Association. A third Federation, Great Britain and Ireland, was formed in 1934. The fourth Federation, South West Pacific, was formed in 1978 with clubs in three counties. The current formal structure for Soroptimist International was established in 1952.
Structure
One of the main functions of the International President is to act as the point of contact with, for example, other International non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and United Nationals Agencies such as UNESCO and UNICEF. S.I. has representation to the United Nations, its Agencies and specialized S.I. work. The International President coordinates such activities. The International President position is a two-year term. Each biennium in sequence, Federations nominate their President-Elect nominee to the S.I. Board for acceptance. Secretarial duties are managed by a salaried “Executive Officer” at our International Headquarters in Cambridge, United Kingdom. An International Convention is held every four years and the International Board meets annually.
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