About Soroptimist
Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls. We currently have over 90,000 members in more than 3,000 clubs in 126 countries and territories.
Sierra Nevada Region Soroptimist represent over 2,200 members in 59 clubs located from Sacramento north to Yreka and almost all of the state of Nevada. Contact a local Soroptimist.
Soroptimist International of the Americas is one of four organizations under its parent organization, Soroptimist International, which is headquartered in Cambridge, England.
Soroptimist International has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council at the United Nations and is a recognized authority on matters that women value most. Visit www.soroptimistinternational.org for complete information on current projects.
Mission
Soroptimist International is a global voice for women through Awareness, Advocacy, and Action.
Through International Goodwill and Understanding, and Friendship, Soroptimists strive for:
- advancement of the status of women
- high ethical standards
- human rights for all
- equality, development and peace
The Soroptimist name
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 perhaps best interpreted as ‘the best for women’. From the founding of the first Soroptimist club in Oakland, California, in 1921, 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.
A Bit of Soroptimist History
The first Soroptimist club was formed in 1921 by a group of 80 women in Oakland, Alameda County, California. They chose their name from two Latin words meaning “best for women.” Soroptimists today continue the work begun by their predecessors. The heart of Soroptimist‚s mission is to “make a difference for women” through volunteer service to the community. Projects are carefully chosen to address challenges unique to today‚s women. Sample club projects include providing minority women with routine medical care, funding domestic violence shelters, sponsoring career development programs for teen mothers, and tutoring women in literacy and basic job skills. Soroptimist clubs receive assistance in their volunteer efforts by participating locally in programs developed and sponsored by the organization. Soroptimist’s major service project, the Women‚s Opportunity Awards program, provides cash grants for head-of-household women seeking to improve their economic situation through additional education and training. Soroptimist, a recognized authority on matters that women value most, uses its international voice and official status with the United Nations to advocate on behalf of women‚s issues. 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. These women, who represent leaders across all professional disciplines, also serve as role models for younger women at the beginning of their careers.
“Soroptimist International seeks to recognize the needs of people throughout the world; to initiate awareness, advocacy and action to improve the quality of life; to advance international understanding, goodwill, and peace; and to serve voluntarily using the diverse skills of its members in individual, group and cooperative endeavors.”
Vision
Be the volunter organization chosen by all business and professional women committed to improving the lives of women and girls.
We will share our time, talents and financial resources to enrich our communities. Together, we will:
- improve the lives of women and girls
- help women achieve economic and political equality
- serve as a global voice for women
- provide outstanding leadership development opportunities for women
- enhance world peace and understanding
Core Values
Soroptimist International of the Americas is committed to:
- international goodwill and understanding
- volunteer action
- leadership development
- fellowship and diversity
Strategic Outcomes
- Public Awareness
Soroptimist will be well known for its efforts to improve the lives of women and girls. - Membership
Soroptimist will be a thriving, dynamic, progressive and relevant organization with members committed to the mission of improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. - Program
Soroptimist’s programs and efforts to raise awareness of women’s issues will enable women and girls to lead better lives. - Fundraising
Sufficient funds will exist for Soroptimist to accomplish its programmatic goals.
Why Women and Girls?
Soroptimist means “best for women” and that’s what we strive to be—an organization of women at their best helping other women to be their best. As a volunteer organization of business and professional women we feel uniquely qualified to help women and girls live their dreams.
It’s true that both men and women live in poverty, face discrimination and must overcome obstacles. But throughout history—in every country in the world—women and girls face additional obstacles and discrimination solely because of their gender.
Why do women and girls need our help?
Consider the following:
- One in three women have been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in their lifetime.
- According to a recent report, of the 600,000-800,000 people trafficked across international borders annually, 80 percent are female.
- Women work two-thirds of the world’s working hours but earn only 10 percent of the world’s income, and own less than 1 percent of the world’s property.
- Of a total 550 million working poor, 330 million (60 percent) are women.
- The United Nations estimates that globally women’s unpaid care is worth up to $11 trillion annually.
- Two-thirds of the 880 million illiterate adults are women.
- Of the more than 110 million children not in school, approximately 60 percent are girls.
- By age 18, girls have received an average of 4.4 years less education than boys.
- In some countries in sub-Saharan Africa, adolescent girls have HIV rates up to five times higher than adolescent boys.
- Pregnancies and childbirth-related health problems take the lives of nearly 146,000 teenage girls each year.
- An estimated 450 million adult women in developing countries are stunted, a direct result of malnutrition in early life.
- Two million girls and women are subjected to female genital mutilation every year, and thousands suffer needlessly from obstetric fistula.