WHAT IS SOROPTIMIST
Soroptimist
International was founded in Oakland, California, in 1921 by a group of 80
business and professional women with a desire to provide volunteer service to
their community, but frustrated because they were barred from joining male
service organizations. They chose
the name Soroptimist from two Latin words meaning best for women.
From these humble
beginnings, Soroptimist International has grown to over 100,000 members in 120
countries around the world. As a
recognized authority on matters that women value most, Soroptimist
International has official status in the United Nations as a non-governmental
organization (NGO).
There are four
federations in Soroptimist International – SI of the Americas, SI of Europe, SI
of the Southwest Pacific, and SI of Great Britain and Ireland. Our club, Soroptimist International of
Citrus Heights, is one of six clubs in District IV of the Sierra Nevada Region
of SI of the Americas.
The heart of
Soroptimist’s mission is to provide volunteer service to the community. Soroptimist clubs have identified individual
needs of their communities and undertaken local projects tailored to meet those
needs. Club projects vary in
nature. Some benefit the
environment, some help people with disabilities, others aid the elderly, still
others address the needs of women and girls in third-world countries. Most Soroptimist projects provide
direct assistance to women and girls.
Soroptimist membership provides an enriching environment for women to
develop friendships and to support each other, while experiencing the
satisfaction of their collective efforts to improve communities.
For
more information, check out the
following websites:
Soroptimist International of the Americas (Federation)
Soroptimist International
www.soroptimistinternational.org
Sierra Nevada Region
The Soroptimist pledge speaks to the reasons we are Soroptimists
I pledge allegiance to Soroptimism and to the
ideals for which it stands
The Sincerity of Friendship
The Joy of Achievement
The Dignity of Service
The Integrity of Profession
The Love of Country
I will put forth my greatest effort to promote, uphold, and
defend these ideals
for a larger fellowship in home, in society,
in business, for Country, and for God
