Soroptimists is an organization that helps women of all ages, ethnicities, races, and status gain their deserved education and training. Soroptimists help in many ways throughout the year, but they know that education and training are the most powerful agents of change, in making lives better. This worldwide organization is women at their best, help women everywhere be their best. If you were to t
alk to any of the members, you would hear a familiar tale of how club members were not always at their best. They too had a helping hand, sometimes many, at various stages of their life. It is because of their past that these female members are so committed to the missions set forth by the International Committee and the local goals each club chooses. There are many choices in volunteer organizations today, and Soroptimists may not be a name you have heard before. In 1921, a group of women created an organization in Oakland, California. Calling themselves "Soroptimists", their purpose was to work toward strengthening their community. At the time, women weren’t permitted to join the all-male community groups. Since then, the organization has grown to about 1,300 clubs in 21 countries and territories throughout the world. Soroptimist of Salt Lake formed in 1931. "Why join this club" is a fair question, and their favorite way to answer is to have you join their next meeting and feel, see, hear, and experience what the club is to so many. For those who love to read and love research, more details are provided below. Philanthropy is noble in benefitting those less fortunate, but it is nice to understand exactly what you will help the club achieve, and what you achieve as a member. Locally Soroptimist of Salt Lake has four signature (significant) programs that take collaboration, donations, and time to achieve.
⭐Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Award for Women. provide cash grants for women who are pursuing a degree or enrolled in a technical training program. The women, who provide the primary financial support for their families, may use the funds in any way that helps them achieve their educational goals—whether it’s to pay for tuition or rent or childcare. Each year approximately 1,800 women receive almost $3 million in cash grants. Since 1972, the program has helped more than 33,000 women and their families gain financial independence.
⭐Soroptimist's Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls. prepares girls for future career success by providing them with guidance, training and resources. More than 73,000 girls have gone through the program since it launched in 2015.
⭐LiveYourDream.org: Soroptimists support and update this online community that offers actionable volunteer opportunities in support of women and girls.
⭐Breakfast with Santa: Assistance to over 300 single mothers and their children, providing needed clothing, toys for under the tree, pictures with Santa, and a warm breakfast to enjoy as a family. Although these endeavors take time, there is enough time for members to do a variety of fun, diverse projects giving members many opportunities to commit to goals that they are passionate about. The more members involved, the more positive changes they are able to achieve. Currently SI Salt Lake has approximately 45 volunteer members from along the Wasatch Front. Why help just women? A lot has changed for women and girls in 100 years. But the road to equality continues to be difficult. Women and girls face tremendous challenges, solely because of their gender. And they suffer disproportionately from poverty, racism, s*xual assault, domestic violence, and s*x trafficking.
