Soroptimist International
FORT BRAGG » Soroptimist International advocates for human rights and gender equality through education and empowerment. The Soroptimist International of Noyo Sunrise and the Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg are just two of the many Soroptimist Clubs in California working in conjunction with clubs around the world to improve the lives of women and girls and their communities. Fundraising for scholarships and community needs keeps both clubs busy as they find creative and safe ways to fundraise during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg is holding a raffle as a fundraiser and tickets are available at Harvest Market in the Boatyard Shopping Center. The prizes include a one-night stay and dinner at the Little River Inn, onenight stay at the North Cliff Motel /Bottle of wine , two $50.00 gift certificates for Silvers at the Wharf Restaurant, and several other prizes including gourmet food baskets. The raffle will end on November 13 and prizes will be drawn on November 14.
Soroptimist International of Noyo Sunrise launched, as a fundraiser, a face mask contest open to entries from Mendocino County residents. The deadline is November 15. Masks must be original, not store-bought. This contest is meant to inspire fun and creativity and functional protection while we all mask up to protect each other. For contest rules, prizes and entry forms see their website at www.SINoyoSunrise.org or email SoroptimistMaskContest@ mcn.org.
Each local club accommodates different schedules. With the COVID-19 Pandemic still ongoing, the clubs meet via ZOOM. The early morning Noyo Sunrise Club meets the first and third Tuesday of the month from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. For more info, visit sinoyosunrise.org.
The Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg, also known as the “Noon Club” meets the first, second and third Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. Their web page is at soroptimistfortbraggca.org.
Applications are still being accepted for the
“Live Your Dream” award. This program encourages women to return to school to obtain further education so that they can become economically independent for themselves and their families. Often award recipients have had to overcome challenges such as domestic violence, substance abuse and poverty. The deadline is November 15 and both clubs are offering a monetary award.
If you are attending an undergraduate degree program or a vocational skills training program, have financial need and are a woman with primary financial responsibility for yourself and your dependents apply for the Live Your Dream award by going to bit.ly/LYDA-apply.
Soroptimist International consists of five federations: Soroptimist International Africa, Soroptimist International of the Americas, Soroptimist International of Europe, Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland, and Soroptimist International of the Southwest Pacific. A global volunteer movement, we work together to transform the lives of women and girls.
Each of the local clubs choose a particular emphasis, but all community requests for help are considered, including helping other clubs and service organizations with their events as needed.
According to Soroptimist International President 2020-2021 Sharon Fisher, “We know that education is key to removing barriers for women and girls, and yet often access to education can be negatively affected by gender-based violence, harmful traditional practices, conflict, disaster, and climate issues. Violence not only has negative consequences for women and girls, but also for their families, the community, and the country at large.”
One in 3 women throughout the world (approximately 35 percent) will experience physical and/or sexual violence by their partner during their lifetime. Power imbalance in a family or intimate setting is one of the biggest causative factors of domestic violence across the world today, and the Soroptimists have realized that empowering women — economically, culturally, societally and otherwise — is crucial in tilting the scales in favor of women.
Soroptimist International incorporates a mix of projects, alongside information, and education, to build awareness and engage Soroptimists and their friends through discussions and webinars. Fisher launched the SI Road to Equality project that strategically focuses on taking action and advocating on topics affecting women and girls, including child marriage, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, the rights of older women, migration and human trafficking.
In our December column we will feature some of the work that Soroptimist International supports and organizes internationally.