Why Do We Hold a Governors’ Meeting?
The Governors’ Meeting (GM) serves as our organisation’s Annual General Meeting, a key event mandated by our Constitution and By-Laws. For Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) like ours, these annual gatherings are essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with our mission.
The agenda of the GM centres on providing stakeholders with updates on the organisation’s status. It offers a comprehensive platform to report on activities, finances, and outcomes, as well as to review the progress and impact of our initiatives in line with our strategic plan. SIE sets its Strategic Plan for the biennium, aligning it with the long-term Strategic Plan. The meeting also focuses on governance and decision-making, including the election of a new Board every two years and any necessary amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws.
Who Can Participate and What Are Their Roles?
Subject to venue capacity, any Soroptimist can attend the GM as a Silent Observer. While these observers do not have a voting role, they can listen and learn, and network with Soroptimists from all over the Federation. Silent Observers must register by 15th September, and with nearly 100 already signed up, it’s an opportunity not to be missed!
For the GM, the Board with the support of HQ are responsible for preparing the venue, providing necessary information, and distributing all voting materials to the Governors. If elections are scheduled, candidate information is also shared.
The roles are split between two bodies, legislative and executive. Meaning, in accordance with the Swiss Civil Code, it mandates the division of powers:
- Legislative (law-making power): Represented by the Council of Governors, the Federation’s supreme governing body, which oversees the organization and ensures adherence to its principles.
- Executive (executing and administrative power): Managed by the Board, which handles all matters assigned by law, the Constitution, or the Council of Governors.
So, during the meeting, the SIE President with the support of the SIE Board moderates the proceedings, updating attendees on the executive and administrative aspects of the organisation.
The Governors then exercise their legislative rights by voting on reports and decisions.
Beyond the Business Meeting
The GM isn’t just about business. It’s also an occasion to celebrate success through the Best Practice Awards, which highlight impactful Club/Union projects and success stories. Additionally, the GM offers a chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones, fostering a sense of global community among Soroptimists.
This year, a workshop will be held on Friday afternoon, led by experts from the Icelandic Met Office and the University of Iceland. They will discuss monitoring techniques for natural disasters and climate change’s effects on nature and glaciers. Following the workshop, attendees will visit a geothermal power plant to learn about Iceland’s use of geothermal energy.
Pre- and post-GM guided tours will also be available, providing additional opportunities for networking and strengthening our connections. These activities are as vital as the business meeting itself.
Future Locations
In 2025, the GM will take place in Krakow, Poland, from October 22nd to 23rd, followed by the SIE Congress from October 23rd to 25th.
In summary, the GM is vital for maintaining organisational integrity, ensuring alignment with our mission, and engaging with our broader membership. It helps build trust, secure ongoing support, and chart a clear path forward.
Looking forward to seeing you in Iceland in October!