Who We Are
Soroptimist is an international service organization of women who volunteer in their communities. Soroptimists in more than 120 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community-based and international projects that benefit women and girls. The name Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women to be their best.
What Do We Do?
The Soroptimist mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. In order to accomplish this goal, the organization administers several internation programs. Soroptimist members belong to local clubs, which determine the focus of volunteer work to their communities and their participation in region, federation and international programs and projects
Why We Focus on Women and Girls
It's true that both men and women live in poverty, face discrimination and must overcome obstacles. But through history - in every country in the world-women and girls face additional obstacles and discrimination solely because of their gender. Consider the following:
- One in three women have been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in their lifetime
- According to a recent report, of the 600,000-800,000 people trafficked across international borders annually, 80% are female
- Women work two-thirds of the world's working hours, but earn only 10% of the world's income, and own less than 1% of the world's property
- Two-thirds of the 800 million illiterate adults are women
- Of the more than 110 million children not in school, approximately 60% are girls
Our Relationship with the United Nations
Soroptimist International (SI) is active at al the major UN centers around the world. SI holds General Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) official relations with several agencies and technical bodies, and a network of permanent SI representatives at all of the major UN centers. SI works to ensure that the voices of women and girls around the world are included in international decision making and policy setting. Our experience with "on the ground" projects al over the world drives our advocacy and loggying efforts within the international community. Our representatives also serve as a link to this international community and inform our members of emerging issues, trends, and best practices.
Soroptimist Saguaro Foothills
Soroptimist Saguaro Foothills is part of a global volunteer service organization called Soroptimist International. We work to improve the lives of women and girls in our local communities and throughout the world. There are over 95,000 Soroptimists in almost 120 countries and territories who contribute their time and financial support to community-based and international projects.
Soroptimist International (SI) is made up of four federations, one of which is Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA). SIA is composed of 29 regions, including the Golden West Region of which we are a part.
Our name, Soroptimist, is a coined Latin word meaning "best for women", and that is what our organization strives to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women to be their best. We believe in dreams and the collective power of working together to achieve them.
To learn more about Soroptimist, please visit these websites:
Goals
The heart of the Soroptimist mission is "improving the lives of women and girls through social and economic empowerment". Soroptimist International of Saguaro Foothills focuses its efforts on projects to assist women and children in the local Carefree, Cave Creek, North Scottsdale, North East Valley and globally through programs administered by Soroptimist International of the Americas.
Service Projects and Awards
Holiday Gift Giving (Project): We adopt 3-6 families which we deliver Christmas presents.
Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls (Award): The goal of the program is to empower middle and high school girls (in the local district) to pursue their career goals and reach their full potential through education and access to role models.
Live Your Dream Award: Education and Training Awards for Women (Award): Assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.
Ruby Award (Woman of the Year Award): This award is given to an extraordinary woman who works to improve conditions for women and girls either through her personal, volunteer or professional avenues. This is a woman who has made efforts to improve the lives of women and/or girls, has had a significant impact on the lives of other females, and who has inspired and encouraged other women.
Young Woman's Service Award (Award): This award is given to a young woman between the age of 14 - 18 who volunteers in her community or school. A cash award is given to the young woman as well as the nonprofit to which she volunteers her time with.
Becoming a Member
Soroptimist membership celebrates the unique power of women. It's a gift that women give to themselves: the chance to help others in an atmosphere of support, friendship, and fun. We look forward to helping you explore the gift of membership as you participate in club projects and activities that advance our mission.
Interested in becoming a Soroptimist? Click here Contact Us