Past Events

Soroptimist International (SI)

A global voice for women ...   The first question we are often asked about Soroptimist is: "but what does it mean?" The name Soroptimist was coined from the Latin soror meaning sister, and optima meaning best. Soroptimist is therefore interpreted as 'the best for women'. From the founding of the first Soroptimist club in Oakland, California, in 1921 (the year after women in the United States gained the right to vote), through to the present day where over 3000 clubs are flourishing throughout the world, Soroptimists have continued to strive to achieve 'the best for women' in every sphere of their lives.

Structure Soroptimist International, headquartered in Cambridge, UK, is the umbrella organization for Soroptimists worldwide.  www.soroptimistinternational.org Soroptimist International has four Federations: SI of the Americas (SIA) www.sorptimist.org SI of Europe (SIE) SI of Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI) SI ofSouth West Pacific (SISWP) The four Federations operate under the SI Constitution, although each Federation has its own internal structure, policies and procedures. An individual Soroptimist is a member of her club, district, region/union (depending on her federation structure), her Federation and Soroptimist International. SI is governed by a Board comprising three representatives from each of its four federations and four International Officers: President Immediate Past President President-Elect Treasurer The focus of SI's programme of work, including a major international project, is set for a quadrennial period. The current quadrennium runs from 2003–2007. An international convention takes place at the start of each quadrennium. SI Board Meetings are held annually, usually in August. Individual members are able to apply to their federation to attend certain Board Meetings as silent observers; the number of places available is governed by space at the venue. Federations also send programme voting delegates to the final Board Meeting of each quadrennium, where they will have the opportunity to discuss and vote on the programme focus for SI's work in the next quadrennium.