Wednesday, March 10, 2010
History
The first question we are often asked about Soroptimist is:
"but
what does it mean?"
The name Soroptimist was coined from the Latin soror meaning sister, and optima
meaning best. Soroptimist is perhaps best interpreted as 'the best for women'. From
the founding of the first Soroptimist club in Oakland, California, in 1921, through
to the present day where over 3000 clubs are flourishing throughout the world, Soroptimists
have continued to strive to achieve 'the best for women' in every sphere of their
lives.
- 1921 First Soroptimist club founded in Oakland, California.
The Founder President was Violet Richardson-Ward.
- 1924 Chartering of first Soroptimist club in London. The
Founder President was Viscountess Falmouth. Suzanne Nöel founded SI Paris, the first
Soroptimist club in Europe. She later became the first President of the European
Federation.
- 1928 Foundation of American and European Federations.
Soroptimist International Association created to provide link between the Federations.
- 1934 Europe and Great Britain & Ireland form separate
Federations.
- 1937 First Soroptimist club in Sydney, Australia.
- 1948 Soroptimist International Association awarded Consultative
status with UNESCO.
- 1950 SI awarded category C Consultative status with ECOSOC.
(Economic & Social Council, United Nations.)
- 1952 Foundation of International governing body of Soroptimist
International.
- 1978 Inauguration of SI South West Pacific Federation.
The Founder President was Mary Whitehead.
- 1984 SI granted Category 1 Consultative status (now General
Consultative Status) with ECOSOC.