Who we are
Soroptimist International is an international organisation for professional and business women, who use the special expertise and management skills developed in their working life to improve lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Or put another way, Soroptimist's are professional and business women with a social conscience. Currently there are over 90,000 members of Soroptimist International in more than 3,000 clubs in over 126 countries world wide.
The word ‘Soroptimist’ is derived from the Latin ‘soror’ which means ‘sister’ and ‘optima’ meaning ‘best’ which is interpreted as ‘the best of women’.
Soroptimist International is affiliated to the United Nations. We have representatives at United Nations Meetings and Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council, and the Industrial Development Organisation, as well as Official Relations with several other United Nations Agencies.
About Soroptimist International Douglas
The Douglas Club was founded in 1952 and became one of the Clubs which make up the Federation of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland. At present the club has 50 members drawn from a good mix of society. For example, members come from legal and financial sectors, nursing, education, agricultural, leisure, retail and support services sectors.
All clubs are autonomous and decide for themselves the sort of local projects they will undertake and also support Federation or International Federation’s projects.
Our aims and objectives
Soroptimist International aims to be a global voice for women, working to advance human rights and the status of women by service to local, national and international communities. Areas given special attention cover Health, Education, the Environment, Social and Economic Development, Human Rights and the Status of Women and International goodwill and understanding.
The work we do
Supporting Manx Projects: We support numerous local charities and individuals in their efforts. For details of the current year’s projects, please look under our Projects tab above.
Supporting International Projects:
Quadrennial Project: This is the major International Project which lasts for four years and is supported by all clubs worldwide. Further details can be found under our Projects tab.
Project Five-O: This is a Project run jointly by five major women’s organisations of which Soroptimist International is one. The Douglas Club, with the backing of the Overseas Aid Committee, has been an active supporter since the scheme was established 25 years ago. Further details can be found under the Project tab.
International President’s Appeal: This is another project which involved clubs worldwide. It takes place on 10 December each year and is the chosen appeal of the International President aimed at women in extreme poverty.
How to become involved
Membership offers the opportunity to work with like-minded women throughout the world for human rights for all, equality, development and peace. Any Soroptimist can attend meetings of any Club anywhere in the world and can also participate in meetings and conferences worldwide.
Membership of Soroptimist International offers the chance to help improve the life of women and girls both locally and internationally. Friends are made all over the world. We exchange views over the Chat Line (only open to Soroptimists). Worldwide doors are opened to us through the Open Heart Open Door Scheme. Clubs are linked to clubs in other countries and are regularly in contact. Exchange visits take place. It is not all work - there is also a lot of fun.
Membership of a Soroptimist Club is by invitation, with members being representative of a wide range of occupations in business and the professions.
Soroptimist International, Douglas meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 20:00hrs at the Hilton Hotel, Douglas, Isle of Man.
Soroptimist International Douglas
Address
25 Alberta Drive
Onchan
Isle of Man
IM3 1LT
Photos
Select a photo to view a larger version.
Contact Details
Hilary Shimmin
Telephone: 01624 673791
[email protected]
www.soroptimistinternational.org
Other Contacts
