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As part of SI Centenary celebrations, some Past Presidents of Soroptimist International of Europe look back on the highlights of their biennium. Monique Rivière, SIE President SIE 2005-2007, remembers.

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of our organisation, I participated in the translation of the History of Soroptimist International. I was then struck by its capacity to adapt to the changes in the world. And the result: more than 100,000 members in 109 countries.

 

Yet, at the dawn of the 21st century, we have seen the number of members rapidly decline, except within the European Federation. Indeed, the creation of Clubs in Eastern Europe and Africa masked the loss of members in the old clubs, where often new Soroptimists would resign after two or three years. We had to evolve!

 

In 2009, SIE Board meeting and the Glasgow Convention marked a turning point with a more focused programme, more sustainable and suggesting greater continuity in actions. We were satisfied with this because it was what we had been advocating on behalf of the European Federation and had already started to put into practice.

 

This is how two programmes, initiated at that time, developed and are still relevant today: the defence of environmental heritage and Mentoring. The latter is at the heart of President Anna Wszelaczyńska’s biennium.

 

Today, the health crisis and its economic consequences are presenting Soroptimists with new challenges. I am confident because for the past year our members have been adapting very well to Zoom meetings and videoconferences. On 10 December 2020, together with Soroptimists from all over the world, I attended, by videoconference, the chartering of a new French club, named “Suzanne Noël”. Congratulations to the Immediate Past President of the Union, Dominique Babel, to the godmothers Christine Dagain and Françoise Lathuille, and to the president of the club Stéphanie Dagain!

 

The reflection on the necessary evolution of the Clubs’ recruitment and operating methods has been launched!

 

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By Monique Rivière

SIE President 2005-2007