Our Values
OUR VISION
Women and girls have the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential and live their dreams.
OUR MISSION
Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
CORE VALUES
- Gender Equality: Women and girls live free from discrimination.
- Empowerment: Women and girls are free to act in their own best interest.
- Education: Women and girls deserve to lead full and productive lives through access to education.
- Diversity & Fellowship: Women from varied backgrounds and perspectives work together to improve the lives of women and girls.
Our Herstory
We’re pretty cool.
Soroptimist International was founded in Oakland, Calif. in 1921 by a group of 80 women who were denied access to a male service club. The founding members coined the organization’s name from two Latin words, meaning “best for women.”
The heart of Soroptimist’s mission is to make a difference for women and children through volunteer service to the community. Projects are carefully chosen to address challenges unique to women and children today, from providing women with routine medical care and funding domestic violence shelters, to sponsoring career development programs for girls and tutoring women in literacy and basic job skills.
Soroptimist clubs receive assistance in their volunteer efforts by fundraising and by participating locally in programs developed and sponsored by the organization. One of Soroptimist’s major service projects, the Live Your Dream Awards program, provides cash grants for head-of-household women seeking to improve their economic situation through additional education and training.
A recognized authority on matters that women value most, Soroptimist uses its international voice and Category One Consultative NGO Status with the United Nations to advocate on behalf of women’s issues.
Soroptimist membership provides an enriching environment for women to develop friendships and to support each other, while experiencing the satisfaction of their collective efforts to improve their communities. These women, who represent leaders across all professional disciplines, further serve as role models for younger club members at the beginning of their careers.
Soroptimist International
Soroptimist International Inc., headquartered in Great Britain, oversees five federations that in turn support regions and districts comprised of local clubs. There are over 72,000 club members in over 121 countries! SI Davis, chartered in 1954, is one of two Davis Clubs. Soroptimist International of Greater Davis formed in 1985.
