The ‘Connecting Soroptimist International to the Digital World’ workshop at the SI Convention in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia provided a forum for participants from all four Federations to share views on this modern means of communication. Many agreed that there is a need for better opportunities to connect, share knowledge, cooperate and act as one global voice. It was also suggested to use this tool to launch campaigns and to have templates for Instagram, Twitter etc.
The vision of Soroptimist International is to act as a global voice for women. Around the world our members advocate women´s issues and implement projects. By joining forces our voice becomes stronger, and it is motivating to know that we work together for the same causes. In various ways we learn about Soroptimist activities in other countries, which is an inspiration and source of information for the work we do in our local communities and indeed for the advocacy efforts of Soroptimists at global, regional and national levels. Our organisation also allows us to make and maintain friendships with members from other countries.
The digital world offers many opportunities for our organisation to become a stronger voice for women. It is a means to share interests, knowledge and expertise within the organisation more effectively. We can improve cooperation and inspire members. With individual members able to connect directly, a digital platform could help retain members and make Soroptimist more attractive for the younger generation.
From the perspective of strengthening global advocacy, digital platforms can help SI representatives to the United Nations be more effective, by receiving input and expertise on particular topics from Soroptimists worldwide and informing members on output from discussions and resolutions in the UN. Members can then bring these matters to the attention of the authorities and others in their own national or local communities. A digital platform would accommodate such an interactive information loop and help create groups for projects. Communication will be more effective, thus furthering our Soroptimist work.
The subjects of visibility, branding and extension were also raised at the workshop. It is important to showcase women´s issues and Soroptimist action to the outside world to promote our global impact and attract new members. For the time being, the idea is to have an internal platform open to individual Soroptimists only. However, we should all use social media much more to inform others about the work and the activities of Soroptimists.
Soroptimist International has already begun to review the different platforms, taking into account the needs of our organisation and our members. You are welcome to give feedback through your Federation. If you have expertise in the field of technology and social media and want to contribute to an IT network for our organisation, please contact Lotta van Uchelen at lotta@vanuchelen.nl (Facebook) or lottacvuf (LinkedIn).
Kirsti Guttormsen
Soroptimist International Board Director
(appointed by Soroptimist International Europe)