Soroptimist International (SI)
International Structure
Soroptimist International (SI), headquartered in Cambridge, UK, is the umbrella organization for Soroptimists worldwide : www.soroptimistinternational.org/
The four federations (SI/E, SIA, SIGBI, SI SWP) operate under the SI Constitution, although each federation has its own constitution and by-laws that include internal structure, policies and procedures.
An individual Soroptimist is a member of her club, region/union (depending on her federation structure), her Federation and Soroptimist International.
SI is governed by an International Board comprising three representatives from each of its four federations and four international officers:
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This formal structure was established in 1952, when the need for co-ordination between the federations and for official contacts with other similar organisations and with the United Nations was apparent. Federations nominate the officers according to an established rotation and election is by the International Board.
At the Board Meeting held before the World Convention once every four years, SI's Programme Focus is decided for the next quadrennial period, as is the SI Quadrennial Project. The new SI President assumes office after this convention.
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SI President's Appeal December 10 2009
History of Soroptimist International (SI)
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The first Soroptimist Club was formed in 1921, in Oakland, California, and was quickly followed by other Clubs in North America. In 1924, the first Clubs in Europe were chartered - in Greater London and Paris. The idea, which germinated almost simultaneously in the Americas, in Great Britain and on the continent of Europe, was the movement for "classified" executive business and professional women to associate together to render service, to women and young girls worldwide. Even as the first Soroptimist Club came into being, the ideals and objectives of such a group were blossoming in many areas around the world. By 1928, there were enough Clubs in these continents to form two federations – American (SI/A) and European (SI/E). A link between them was established by the creation of the "Soroptimist International Association" in 1928. In 1934, a third federation was formed - Great Britain & Ireland (SI/GBI). By 1978, the number of countries with Soroptimist Clubs had grown to 55 and there were Clubs on every continent. They were of very different cultural and economic backgrounds, and in this year a fourth federation was established - South West Pacific (SI/SWP). Since 1928, Clubs throughout the Soroptimist world have joined together for a Convention. The first was held in Washington D.C. and, apart from the war years 1939/45, have been held every four years since then. The most recent World Convention was held in Glasgow in 2007. The next SI/E Convention will take place in July 2013, in Berlin. |
About Soroptimist International
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SI is a worldwide organisation of professional women, building a better world for women and girls through AWARENESS, ADVOCACY and ACTION. Soroptimist International:
Through International Goodwill and Understanding, and Friendship, Soroptimists worldwide stand for the following:
Soroptimist International is concerned with international and national issues that relate to its objectives and programmes. On matters concerning political controversy between nations, and or party politics of sectarian religion, SI maintains a position of strict neutrality. |
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