August 18, 2011
Contact: Jessica Puterbaugh, Communications Director
215-893-9000 x129

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—Soroptimist, an international volunteer organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls, received the “Power of A” Silver Award—ASAE’s second highest level of recognition—for its Soroptimist STOP Trafficking program, which raises awareness about the sex trafficking of women and girls. ASAE is a membership organization of more than 22,000 association executives and industry partners representing more than 11,000 organizations.

Soroptimist launched the STOP Trafficking program in 2008 to bring attention to the gruesome and complex crime of sex trafficking. As part of the project, Soroptimist club members hold awareness events and place information cards in highly visible locations, such as police stations, women’s centers, hospitals, and legal aid societies. The program has evolved to include a multi-dimensional approach to end sex trafficking that includes raising awareness, assisting victims, preventing slavery, and advocating for better laws and enforcement.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, and are thrilled to have our STOP Trafficking program recognized as an initiative working to make the world a better place,” said Soroptimist President Sharon Fisher. “As you read this, there are women and girls in our very own backyards being held against their will.  They are modern day slaves, exploited as laborers and commercial sex workers. They are wives, mothers, sisters and daughters, and they need our help.”

At a global level, Soroptimist's Women's Opportunity Awards offers about 1,000 women a pathway to a better life. Each year,  $1.5 million in cash grants is awarded for education and skills training.  Locally, Soroptimist clubs provide direct support to trafficking victims by creating awareness, financing community shelters and working with local law enforcement.
In 2007, the Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Awards program received ASAE’s Summit Award, the highest-ranking honor.

This year, ASAE gave “Power of A” Silver Awards to only 16 associations that exemplify how the association industry and its professionals strengthen America and the world. The awards recognize and celebrate the contributions associations make to society by enriching lives, creating a competitive workforce, preparing society for the future, driving innovation and making a better world.

For more information about the Soroptimist STOP Trafficking program or to get involved, visit http://www.Soroptimist.org/stoptrafficking.html. To learn more about sex trafficking, read Soroptimist’s whitepapers at http://www.Soroptimist.org/whitepapers.html.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa., Soroptimist is a cause-related philanthropic federation of clubs improving the lives of women and girls through social and economic empowerment. With 37,000 members in 19 countries and territories, its major program, the Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Awards, provides cash grants for women seeking to improve their lives with the help of additional education and training. The organization also sponsors the Live Your Dream Campaign in recognition of the power of women and their dreams. Visit the Campaign’s online home at LiveYourDreamCampaign.org. See Soroptimist.org for more information.