Improving lives of women & girls,

in local communities and throughout the world.

For information about Soroptimist membership, please call Mary at (928) 526-0074 or Mary Jo at (928)556-0102 or apply online at www.soroptimist.org.

Soroptimist International was founded in 1921 in Oakland, California. Eighty women in professions that included medicine, laboratory technology, education and printing formed the first Soroptimist club to foster the ideal of service. Since 1921, membership has grown to nearly 100,000 women in about 120 countries and territories.

Soroptimists are business and professional women of all ages, cultures and ethnic groups. They are working moms and single women; small business owners and corporate executives; attorneys, teachers and physicians. The common thread that connects all Soroptimists is their desire to make a difference for women.

Soroptimist International is divided into four “federations”: Soroptimist International of the Americas, Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, Soroptimist International of Europe and Soroptimist International of South West Pacific. Soroptimist International of the Americas is the largest of the four, representing almost 45,000 members in about 20 countries and territories.

Benefits of Membership
If you are a special woman who wishes to provide volunteer service in an atmosphere of support, friendship and fun, then joining Soroptimist may be right for you. Soroptimist membership provides a variety of benefits, including:

• Fulfillment – Working on projects that improve the lives of others leads to personal satisfaction and recognition from the community.
• Friendship – Cultivating relationships with other women who have similar interests and values is a central aspect of Soroptimist membership.
• Diversity – Meeting and learning about women from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and participating in projects that address the needs of women throughout the globe, contributes to world peace and understanding.
• Networking – Associating with other women representing a variety of professions facilitates valuable business contacts.
• Leadership – Developing skills at the club level results in enhanced professional capabilities as well as leadership opportunities at all levels of the organization.
• Mentoring – Reaching out to women at the beginning of their professional lives provides an avenue for Soroptimist members to serve as mentors.
• Convenience – Belonging to an association with organized programs and professionally developed resources frees members from administrative constraints, while enabling them to concentrate on providing volunteer service
• Services – Joining Soroptimist provides access to additional benefits, such as: several insurance options (United States only); low–interest credit card (United States only); and a subscription to Soroptimist International of the Americas' award–winning magazine.

The above information is courtesy of www.soroptimist.org

Fundraising is an important aspect of SIAP Membership
Our major fundraising project is the Harvest Home Tour held in November. Each year, several beautifully decorated estate homes serve as the backdrop for a wonderful day filled with good friends, good food, raffle drawings and prizes. This fundraiser generates approximately $30,000. A good portion of the money stays in Flagstaff. The other portion supports national Soroptimist causes such as W.O.A.. and the Violet Richardson Award.

Our Contributions to the Flagstaff Community
SIAP selects and honors a Student of the Month from each of the local high schools with a luncheon and a check to encourage a positive attitude in the lives of teenagers. Saturday of Service is a day when ALL Soroptimist Clubs do community service for a worldwide impact.