The founder President of the first Soroptimist Club, Violet Richardson Ward, (Oaklands, California, 1921) considered the involvement in public affairs to be great service. The first project was saving the great redwood trees from being unmercifully lumbered. In England, the Bristol Venture Club, formed in 1921 appointed a service committee to befriend motherless girls. When the two organisations merged in 1930, Soroptimist International adopted constitutional objects which were to form the framework for service. The peak of achievement was the granting of Category 1 status with ECOSOC during the 1983-87 Quadrennium. Emphasis was placed on reporting the work of every member throughout the world and in 1987, the ‘Programme Focus’ was introduced.
Programme implements the objects of Soroptimist International and it is through Programme that Soroptimists provide service to others in a variety of ways through Awareness, Advocacy, and Action. It is through Programme Action that Soroptimist International provides service to others and encourages its members to be an active influence for positive change in society at local, national and international levels. Programme areas cover:
- Economic and Social Development
- Education
- Environment
- Health
- Human rights/Status of Women
- International Goodwill and Understanding
Every year the Clubs fund-raise for their project.
Every two years a National Project is chosen and run by the National Association for 2 years.
Every four years an International Project is chosen at the International Conference.
Choosing A Project
- Interest – local idea, current/prospective members ideas
- Utilises club expertise, involvement
- Based on sound evidence of need – by those seeking help.
- Contributes to current Programme Focus
- Idea from SI Database of projects from PFRF, Information from Federation Advisers, or PA Officers
- Idea from Link club – joint project
- Makes effective use of partner opportunities
- Involves different action – lobbying, fundraising, service
History of PA
- 1921 California: Birth of SI
- Local service in communities
- United Nations – SI accredited in 1952 to UNESC as an NGO
- Consultative status with UN
Economic and Social Council in 1983-87 quadrennium - 1987 Programme Focus and The Form introduced
- “Where we stand” statements continue to be produced
- Focus reviewed every quadrennium at SI
The National Project ‘Fundraising for the Special Olympics 2003’ was awarded the International Good Practice Award 2003 at the Federation Conference, Belfast, Oct. 2003 for Exceptional Service as a Global Voice for Women in the Programme Area of International Goodwill and Understanding.
The National Project 2008-9 is raising funds to buy much needed physiotherapy equipment for the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoire, in particular the Children’s Unit. The Hospital held a Reception for Soroptimists on the 24th Jan 2009 to say thank you. Pictured at the Reception were:- L to R President of Bray Soroptimists Annette Hynes, Soroptimists Ireland President, Kay Brophy, Physiotherapy Manager at the NRH Vivienne Moffitt, National Project Chair Denise Holland, Chief Executive of the NRH Derek Greene and Bray Soroptimist Mary Doyle.
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Soroptimist International North Kildare Projects |
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| Programme Area | Projects |
|---|---|
| Health | Alzheimers Respite National Project Lunch in the K Club, 17 Oct 2004. (National Project) |
| Health & Education Environment | St. Raphael’s Special School, Celbridge, Co. Kildare. Garden (flora and fauna) Centre for the training of the special children in horticulture and small animal care. The first three presidents of the club raised funds for this project. This centre was opened by President McAleese in 1999. |
| Health & Education | Fundraising for the local Riding for the Disabled Group at St. Raphael’s Special School, Celbridge. |
| Health & Education | Saplings School for Special Children, Kill. KARE |
| Health | St. Brigid’s Hospice, the Curragh, Co. Kildare. The Club has raised funds towards this new Hospice with up-todate facilities for patients and their families. |
| Health | Fundraising for the Oncology Unit, National Maternity Hospital, Holles St. Dublin. |
| Health | Caring for the Carers. The Club runs a Caring for the Carers service. National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, National Project. |
| Health | Meals on Wheels. The club runs a Meals on Wheels service. |
| Health | Special Needs. Special Olympics. |
| Health | Teach Tearnann Womens Refuge Project, Merchants Quay Drugs Project. |
| Health | Rose Project – Fights AIDS in Africa in women and children |
| Health | KARE |
| International Goodwill & Understanding | National Project 2002-3 Fundraising for the Special Olympics 2003 |
| International Goodwill & Understanding | Northern Ireland Children’s Enterprise |
| Education | Public Speaking for Girls. The Club runs a Public Speaking Competition for Girls. |
| Youth | Barnardos: Clane Youth Club |
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Annual Special Days |
|
| 21 March | UN International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination |
| 22 March | UN World Water Day |
| April | UN World Health Day |
| 15 May | UN International Day of Families |
| 21 May | UN World Day for Cultural Diversity and Development |
| 22 May | UN International Day for Biological Diversity |
| 5 June | UN World Environment Day |
| 20 June | UN World Refugee Day |
| 23 June | UN Public Service Day |
| 26 June | UN International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking |
| 11 July | UN Population Day |
| 12 August | UN International Youth Day |
| 8 September | UN International Literacy Day |
| 21 September | UN International Day of Peace |
| 1 October | UN International Day for Older Persons |
| 3 October | Soroptimist Club Friendship Day |
| October | UN World Habitat Day (1st Monday) |
| 10 October | UN World Mental Health Day |
| 16 October | World Food Day |
| 17 October | UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty |
| 24 October | United Nations Day |
| 16 November | UN International Day of Tolerance |
| 20 November | UN Universal Children’s Day |
| 25 November | UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women |
| 1 December | World AIDS Day |
| 3 December | UN International Day of Disabled Persons |
| 10 December | Human Rights Day – Soroptimist International Day |