Soroptimist International

of

Central and South West London

Who We Are

1. Soroptimist - it means the best of sisters.

2. It is an organisation of women representing the businesses and professions. We are part of Soroptimist International, founded in 1924, which has members all over the world.

3. Its members? We are women who are managers or professionals. Locally, our members are from various branches of business, such as retailing, accountancy and publishing, and from service industries including health, education and social services. Each member represents one aspect of a particular business or profession.

4. Soroptimist International of Central and South West London meet together regularly and we:
Run a Housing Scheme for elderly women
Raise money for local, national & international charities
Discuss and debate a wide variety of topics of national and international importance, Take up matters at a local level, e.g. lobby MPs on issues of importance to women
Have fun

5. Soroptimists around the world are particularly concerned with:
health - e.g. prevention of illness, safe motherhood
education - e.g. literacy
the environment - e.g. bio-diversity and sustainable development
economic and social development - e.g. women as entrepreneurs
human rights and the status of women - e.g. changing negative attitudes
international goodwill and understanding - e.g. fostering knowledge of different cultures and lifestyles

6. Locally, Soroptimist International of Central and South West London has speakers at our non-business meetings. Similar events are arranged at a regional and national level. We also undertake research on certain topics,  lobby MPs and others and contribute our ideas to the national organisation for onward transmission to the international organisation and eventually the United Nations.

7. Soroptimist International is a non-governmental organisation with category one status with UNESCO. Through our international network of professional women, we are a good source of information about what is happening at local and national levels and provide a method of effecting change universally through local action.

8. We have an annually elected executive, which meets several times a year.

9. Soroptimists are sociable women who enjoy a whole range of activities.  We have fund-raising suppers and events. We are always pleased to welcome Soroptimists from home and abroad.

10. Each Soroptimist club links in friendship with clubs in other countries. We have friendship links with SI Breda, SI Victoria Island, Nigeria, SI Amsterdam - Zuid, SI Deniliquin, Australia. We exchange letters and Christmas cards, attend each others' events and give and take hospitality through individual members.

11. Soroptimist International now has over 95,000 members in 100 countries.

12. We all follow the same principles, though we reflect the diversity of the communities from which we come.

13. The objects of Soroptimism are:
To maintain high ethical standards in business, the professions and other aspects of life

To strive for human rights for all people and, in particular, to advance the status of women
To develop a spirit of friendship and unity among Soroptimists of all countries
To quicken the spirit of service and human understanding
To contribute to international understanding and universal friendship

14. Our club meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month except  during August. We meet from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Soroptimist Residential Club: 63, Bayswater Road London W4 3PH. Tel: 020 7723 8575, Fax: 020 7723 1061

15. We would be happy to see you as a visitor at any of our meetings. Please ring first to make sure that we are meeting on that evening.

16. We very much welcome new members. New members must be working and still have three years to go before retirement. Membership is by invitation.

17. The membership fee is £100 a year.

18. Being a Soroptimist connects you to other professional women in the Greater London area, across the United Kingdom and around the world, enabling you to network with women from a wide range of businesses and professions. In addition you will:
get your voice heard on matters of local, national and international importance
become involved in service activities
have opportunities to learn new skills
widen your circle of friends

19. You can find out more by coming to a meeting, phoning our Secretary or e-mailing her: Pam Rhodes

You may also contact our Federation headquarters at:

127 Wellington Road South, Stockport SK1 3TS, Tel: 0161 480 7686

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