Soroptimist International of Europe

Dear Soroptimist,

Thank you for being interested in the Exchange Programme of Soroptimist International of Europe Open Heart – Open Door. February 2010: the number of participants is 407 - 44 countries in four Federations are represented.

The logo, symbolizing Open Heart - Open Door

Friendship and especially friendship without borders is one of the pillars of Soroptimism. It keeps SI alive and attractive.

Friendship and International Goodwill and Understanding are important tools to fulfill our objectives, the other pillar of Soroptimism.

In 1995, Heidrun Konrad established the idea of Open Heart - Open Door. Thanks to the efforts of Heidrun and Lisbeth Hass, this exchange programme has proven to be successful. Today Soroptimists from all over the world are involved in this programme.

Liaison Officer

Let me introduce myself: I have been a Soroptimist since 1978. I was President of the Union The Netherlands, Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles, from 2000-2002.

After my presidency, I represented The Netherlands Union as a Governor for 3 years. In my club, SI Club Hilversum, I was active on the board and for years now I have been the Friendship link coordinator for five clubs. I

took over the responsibility of the Open Heart-Open Door Programme in October 2007. It is a challenge for me to continue Open Heart - Open Door and to extend the number of participants involved. I look forward to welcoming many new participants in the future, to this programme.

Participating in Open Heart – Open Door

In case you yourself want to join, the registration form can be obtained by email hkhknapgo@chello.nl The form is also available on the website of European Federation: www.soroptimisteurope.org Your data and relative options will be added to the directory and you will receive the directory from me as soon as possible.

Please note: Participants have to contact partners themselves.

If you are acquainted with Soroptimists in your club, Union or in other countries, who could be interested in joining Open Heart - Open Door, please inform them about this programme. I hope that you will join this Community of Friendship, International Goodwill and Understanding. In this way you will make a valuable contribution to the objectives of Soroptimism.

Best Regards in Soroptimist Friendship,

HENNY