| |
A Message from Soroptimist International President Alice Wells
A famous American clergyman,  Charles Swindoll, once said, “I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it; friends make life a lot more fun.” That powerful quote, to me, represents the very best of Soroptimist. That precious gift of membership has changed my life in so many powerful ways and I am honored to be the 2011-2013 Soroptimist International President.
Many of you have heard me say repeatedly that I have learned more about leadership through Soroptimist than any post-graduate class that I have ever taken. Where else can you spread your wings and have the support of your club members who are there to cheer you on when you succeed and support or help you up when you stumble. My club SI/The Kachinas, Phoenix, Arizona, has done that for me. My friends and colleagues at the region, federation, and international levels have also done that for me--and continue to be supportive. For that, I shall always be grateful.
SI’s long-term theme of education and leadership provides countless opportunities for Soroptimists worldwide to share that leadership and engage in projects that will benefit women and girls. Education and leadership for women and girls is the foundation for economic growth and poverty reduction. There is a powerful tool on the SI website called the Global Impact Report. I hope you are using it to see what clubs throughout the world are doing to help women and girls. This wonderful resource also illustrates areas where help is still badly needed. Please share what your club is doing locally and globally. It is vitally important to submit your program focus reports so that we can share with our potential partners all that you do around the world.
Soroptimist is still the best-kept secret in the world. It is through our service that our name will become better known. And it is through this service that we can also recruit new members. When women see what we do—when they see the impact of our projects—they want to know more about us.
So IMAGINE the possibilities. As Soroptimists, we have a vision where we are committed to a world where women and girls are able to achieve their individual and collective potential, realize their dreams, and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide. What you IMAGINE, you can achieve!
|
|
