SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL of ATWATER MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

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What is Soroptimism?

In order to explain what it Is, you need to know what is Does first.

Soroptimist is an international organization for business and professional women who provide volunteer service to their communities. Soroptimist's mission is to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

And that was it...that word, "decision."

Loosely translated from Latin, Soroptimist is a coined term meaning "best for women." The first Soroptimist club was formed in 1921 by a group of 80 women in Oakland, California.

Soroptimist was formed because in 1921 women who were interested in volunteer service were not permitted to join male service organizations. Since that time, the organization has worked to help women improve their standing in the world. Despite tremendous strides, women still do not enjoy equal economic or social status with their male counterparts. As an organization of and for women, Soroptimist feels uniquely qualified to tackle the challenges facing today's women and girls.

Soroptimist International of the Americas has about 45,000 members that are located in 19 countries and territories: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, United States and Venezuela.

Soroptimist International has about 95,000 members whom reside in about 120 countries and territories throughout the world.

How Are We making a Difference?

Soroptimist International has consultative status with the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which oversees U.N. activities and policies promoting human rights. Representatives from Soroptimist International can request agenda items, submit written statements for circulation to all members of the council, make oral statements at meetings, and contribute to other U.N. gatherings and seminars. Soroptimist representatives are volunteers and work in one of the four U.N. centers in New York City, Paris, Vienna or Geneva. It is in this forum that Soroptimist representatives can advocate for the Soroptimist mission of improving the lives of women and girls.

Soroptimist offers several programs that will make a difference to women and girls

• Major programs include Soroptimist Club Grants for Women and Girls, which are cash grants for innovative club projects.
• Soroptimist Workplace Campaign to End Domestic Violence, an awareness campaign that targets domestic violence as a workplace concern.
• Violet Richardson Award, which recognizes girls’ volunteer efforts.
• Making a Difference for Women Award, a recognition program for women who help other women and girls.
• Venture Clubs, a volunteer organization for young working women.
• Soroptimist Disaster Relief Fund for Women and Girls, which provides funds for programs that assist women and girls after a man-made or natural disaster.
• Women’s Opportunity Award, which provides funds to head of household women returning to school to advance themselves and their careers.

In addition, Soroptimist clubs participate in projects sponsored by the parent organization, Soroptimist International. The current project, Project Independence: Women Survivors of War, partners Soroptimist International with Women for Women International. The project assists women in war-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Bosnia and Rwanda, and provides tools, education, and resources to move the women from crisis and poverty into a civil society that promotes and protects peace, stability and self-sufficiency.

In addition to participating in programs offered by the organization, local clubs work on community-based projects that benefit women and girls.

This is what Soroptimist does, So what is Soroptimism really?

It is to us that live and breathe it – It is

• Community Service
• Camaraderie
• Working for a Cause
• Supporting other women and uplifting them
• Recognizing Women’s achievements
• Being aware of local and global issues
• Taking action in the community
• Advancing the Status of Women
• Giving Back
• Lifelong friendships the world over
• Mentoring other women and girls
• Sharing and caring
• Making an Impact in someone’s life
• Making a Difference!

If you or someone you know would like to make a difference, you can make Soroptimist your charity of choice and know that your money goes to help women and girls in your community, in the Nation and throughout the world. Join us today by clicking HERE and sending us an email letting us know! We will be in contact shortly!