SI has consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council at the United Nations and
is a recognized authority on matters that women value most.
Soroptimists have a long and strong history.
Soroptimist International started in Oakland, CA, in 1921. The Constitution of that first club stated that the purpose of Soroptimist was “to foster the spirit of service….” That spirit of service drives every club, district, region, and federation to this day.
SI-MSC was chartered April 29, 1979, sponsored by the Fort Bragg club. Several of those early members still work creatively and effectively with the club.
Over the years, we helped many local programs to improve the lives of women and girls. Among others, these include the Garcia fire and rescue squad, Shamli Hospice, domestic violence prevention projects and agencies, and the Action Network.
We also worked toward several civic projects, like the Point Arena Lighthouse restoration and the Museum there. We sent hundreds of kids on field trips around the country to learn and grow and we gave dozens of awards.
SI-MSC works with other service organizations, like The Lions’ Club and Rotary International, to meet community needs. Notable among these activities is Project Santa which reaches deep into the area to ensure memorable Christmases for families and individuals who are struggling.
Part of a bigger whole….
- SI-MSC is a club within District III.
- District III is part of Founder Region.
- Founder Region is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, and
- SIA is a part of Soroptimist International!
District III
SI-MSC’s District III has a total of 13 clubs, in the Sonoma-Lake County area and is led by Director Colleen, of Santa Rosa.
Founder Region
Founder Region is the area where Soroptimist was started, so its history is long and important. Founder Region also has a unique program called the Founder Region Fellowship. This offers grants to women in their last year of doctoral studies at a school within the Founder Region.
Founder Region includes Districts in the…
- north-western California from Oakland to the Oregon border
- State of Hawai’i
- US Territories of Guam and The Marianas
SIA has headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. SIA is one of the federations under the umbrella of Soroptimist International (SI). SIA includes over 30,000 members.
SIA Vision: Women and girls have the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential and live their dreams.
SIA Mission: Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
SIA’s 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.
Since its beginnings in 1921, SI has become the world’s largest volunteer service organization for women in business, management and the professions. Its international headquarters are in Cambridge, England.