Let’s turn our attention to our Brilliant Future - the Austrian Juvenilia Clubs. Originally, founded in Switzerland by daughters of Soroptimists, the members are young, having new ideas, and can rely on the know-how and networks from the “mother” organisation – Soroptimist International. “Juvenilias”, as members are called, have access to the Austrian Union annual meeting as silent observers and benefit from an established partnership between the Austrian Juvenilia clubs and an Austrian SI Club.
Let's meet Sophie Schmied from Juvenilia International Club Vienna
The answer as to why I joined an organisation like the Juvenilias and in a further sense the Soroptimist community is not as easily answered as one might think. My first contact with the Soroptimists was through my mother and my grandmother, who was a founding member of the Club in Kitzbühel (Tyrol). Ever since I can remember, they used to go to the monthly meetings, but I became more curious once my mother became president. I recall being very interested in the projects and why the organisation saw the need to help women in our region. Every other year the Soroptimist Club Kitzbühel organizes a flea market, the revenue is donated to a women’s shelter. I remember being quite shocked about how many women needed such support. It being so close to home, specially made an impact on me.
Once I was old enough to study, I moved to Vienna. After a few semesters I heard about the Juvenilia Club from my sister, who was interested in joining. Although she moved and had to discard the idea, it was stuck in my head. I got in touch with one of my mother’s friends, who is also a Soroptimist member, and she introduced me to the then president of the Juvenilia Wien. For half a year I attended their monthly meetings before I was offered a chance to join – which I did without thinking twice.
The thing I enjoy most about being a part of the Juvenilia is the community. I like getting to know women, who I would normally never meet and get to hear their points of view. But certainly, I’m also passionate about our fundraisers and charitable events, through which we are able to support other women and girls, especially those who are in some way disadvantaged.
I hope that in the future I can broaden my network, not only through the Juvenilia members, but also through SI Austria and Europe.