What is "Soroptimist?"
The word “Soroptimist”
is a combination of the Latin words
'soror' meaning 'sister', and 'optima' meaning 'best',
which loosely translates to “best for women”.
A Soroptimist is a member of an international organization of clubs for professional and business women. The first Soroptimist club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. Today, there are over 3,000 Soroptimist clubs worldwide.
About Us
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.
SOROPTIMIST MISSION
Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
SOROPTIMIST VISION
Women and girls have the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential and live their dreams.
WHY WOMEN?
Throughout history women and girls face additional obstacles and discrimination solely because of their gender. As an organization of business and professional women we feel uniquely qualified to help women and girls live their families is the key to gender equality, which has yet to be achieved anywhere in the world.
When Women Learn, families live healthier lives. When Girls Go to School, they are more likely to get paying jobs and their financial contributions to their families and their nations increase. When Girls Have Educated Moms, they are more likely to be enrolled in school and to reach higher levels of education. When Women are Educated, their countries are more likely to have greater economic growth.
Our Story
Soroptimist was started in 1921, at a time when women finally were permitted to vote nationally, but couldn't join established fraternal clubs, so they started a new service organization for women. This changed in the 1980's and all non-profit service organizations are now co-educational. Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg (SIFB) was chartered on 6-28-1975. SIFB chartered other clubs, including SI Noyo Sunrise (SINS), also located in Fort Bragg, on 11-3-1991. Each club has their own meeting times, fundraisers, scholarships, and donations. The Whale Run and Walk was orginally SIFB's event, but in the last 2 years they have partnered with SINS to help host the event.
Meet The Team
Both clubs together for lunch
Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg Members
Soroptimist International of Noyo Sunrise Members