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Introduction

Soroptimist International (SI) is a Global Voice for Women working through Awareness, Advocacy and Action with over 93,000 members in 122 countries. It is a worldwide organisation, and does not support particular political parties or religious groups.
One of the primary goals of the Soroptimist International is the advancement of the status and equality of opportunity for women.
The motto of the Soroptimist International is : Women in every profession and every woman with a profession.

At the XVI Soroptimist International Convention 4-8 July, 1999, Helsinki, Finland
At the Board Meeting the following one sentence explanation of what is a Soroptimist was agreed:
"We are a worldwide organisation for women in management and professions working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women."

Policy

Soroptimist International is an association of Soroptimist federations of classified service clubs for women. Its purpose is to promote the objects of Soroptimism and to co-operate with inter-governmental and other organisations for the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace.

It is the policy of Soroptimist International to be concerned with international and national issues that relate to its objects and programmes. On matters of political controversy between nations, of party politics and of sectarian religion, SI maintains a position of strict neutrality.

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Structure

The Soroptimist Internationa consists of 4 Federation.
  1. The two Americas.
  2. Great Britain and Ireland.
  3. Europe including Israel.
  4. South West Pacific.

Soroptimist International has N.G.O. (Non Governmental Organizations) status at the United Nations agencies, such as FAO, UNESCO, ESOCOC and UNICEF . the main goal is to participate actively in matters pertaining to women's status.

Soroptimist International of Israel.

The Israeli Federation numbers 19 Clubs and has about 420 members. The union was founded in Haifa, Israel by the late Prof. Rachel Shalon. The Clubs meet at regular intervals, but not less then 10 meetings a year. Once a year we have a general assembly of all the clubs, which, besides being an opportunity to meet, elects the officers of the Union. Additionally we have regional meetings like "Soroptimist Day" on December 10, the international "Human Rights Day". The Union is led by the national Board and the Council. The council is an elected body made up of two representatives from each club. The council elects the Board.

Objectives:

The clubs operate on the local and national levels in the following areas:
  1. Economic and Social development.
  2. Education and Culture.
  3. Environmental quality and quality of life.
  4. Health.
  5. Civil rights and Women's equality.
  6. Goodwill and Understanding amonst Nations.


Special emphasis is laid upon international connection with members of our clubs in all parts of the world.
These connections express themselves by links between clubs, mutual visits and correspondence between clubs and individual menbers. These International Links, are nurtured by mutual visits, International gatherings and various meetings.
At the XVI Soroptimist International Convention 4-8 July, 1999, Helsinki, Finland
The Soroptimist International maintains these contacts In particular by the "Friendship lLink Program" between Clubs in the entire world. Clubs can initiate common projects and programs with "Sister Clubs" and thus deepen the mutual friendship. In this manner, Soroptimists become frequently "goodwill ambassadors" in all corners of the globe.

Since our first club was founded in Oakland, California, 80 years have passed. We "were there" when the Charter of the United Nations came into existence. We have accomplished a lot. All over the world, our members work for improving the quality of life in our local communities, nationally, regionally and internationally, to advance human rights and the status of women and children.

Soroptimist International is diverse, rich in various cultures, customs and languages, thriving and energetic. We represent a huge amount of expertise and enthusiasm, and we are proactive. Working in partnership with governments, businesses, UN agencies, other NGOs and the civil societies, we build a positive future for all.

It is our privilege and our responsibility to bring the Soroptimist Message forward to future generations. Working together with young people, giving them opportunities to influence the word today, and not only tomorrow, we can build the world into a better place to live for all.