About Soroptimist International of Davis

About Soroptimist International of Davis

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.

Violet Richardson, President of the first Soroptimist chapter

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.

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live

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education + training awards for women®
application portal is now open!

Are you or do you know:

  • a woman with primary financial responsibility for yourself and your dependents…
  • who is attending an undergraduate degree program or a vocational skills training program…
  • and who has financial need?

Apply for the Live Your Dream Awards! This program provides cash grants to women who are working to better their lives through additional schooling and skills training.

Click Apply Now → Start My Application. Fill in the form, then choose “95616” for your ZIP Code and “Davis, CA” as your club!

The deadline to apply is November 15, 2023!