Mary Ann Searle
President
Welcome new member!
Soroptimist was formed in 1921 in Oakland, California, by a man, at a time when women were not permitted to join service organizations. Our name, loosely translated from the Latin, means best for women. Today, Soroptimist has over 65,000 members in 120 countries across North America, Latin America and the Pacific Rim.
Soroptimist’s vision is to help 500,000 women and girls around the world achieve an education in the next 10 years. We believe education is important because educated women and girls are less vulnerable to sex trafficking, domestic violence, and poverty. We also believe that educated women and girls are more likely to get good jobs, be self-sufficient, access health care, be good community leaders, and raise children who value education.
Soroptimist of Stuart was chartered in 1954, so we will celebrate our 70th anniversary this year! Our local chapter’s mission states that we focus on A commitment to enhance the lives of others by promoting friendships, providing community service, and applying our skills, talents and resources toward the betterment of women and their families.
We carry out our Soroptimist of Stuart mission through the following initiatives:
· Awards/Scholarships – Provide financial support to several young women and non-traditional age women to pursue their dreams of achieving a college education and preparing for meaningful careers.
· Dream it Be it Program– Host this program to teach at risk, middle/high school girls how to plan for their futures (e.g. importance of education, career opportunities, setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles to success, moving on after setbacks).
· Member Meetings – Coordinate monthly member meetings to develop their leadership skills, learn about service opportunities in the community, participate in club activities, and enjoy fun and fellowship together.
· International Projects – Partner with World Vision to support three girls in Peru, Mauritania and Uganda by providing a safe home and educational opportunities. Partner with Heiffer International to support women who want to start a small farming business.
· Women in Need Committee – Receive funding requests for specific, difficult to fund situations for women in our community (e.g. household items for a family who lost their home due to fire, legal services for an immigrant in a domestic violence situation, uniform for a woman to get a new job).
We look forward to you “finding your place” within our club and working toward making a difference in our community and abroad to support women and girls! Welcome aboard!
Dr. Mary Ann Searle
President
Soroptimist of Stuart
