Friday, July 03, 2009
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Soroptimist International Edmonton is honored to be one of the first clubs to be chartered in Alberta.

Soroptimist International of Edmonton was chartered in 1936, and since then has contributed to the well being of our community and communities throughout the world.

We have supported the Women's Emergency Accommodation Center, Compassion House, Candora Society, WINGS of Providence, Women Building Futures Society, Alberta Cancer Foundation/The Weekend to End Breast Cancer, and E4C School Lunch Program.

We annually participate in Soroptimist International of the America's three award programs (Women's Opportunity Award, Violet Richardson Award and Making a Difference for Women Award), as well as international projects such as Project Sierra, the Project Five-O and the December 10th President's Appeal.

We have been host to several Soroptimist conferences, to Soroptimist guests from other countries, and have Friendship Links with clubs in England and Japan.


Soroptimist is an international volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

Together we will share our time, talents and financial resources to:
  • Improve the lives of women and girls
  • Help women achieve economic and political equality
  • Serve as a global voice for women
  • Provide outstanding leadership development opportunities for women
  • Enhance world peace and understanding

Soroptimist is coined from the Latin "soror" meaning sister, and "optima" meaning best, and is interpreted as "the best for women". Soroptimists are at their best helping others to be the best. Soroptimist International is a worldwide organization of business and professional women who unite to make a difference for women. Working within their communities and through international projects, Soroptimists enhance the education, health, human rights and status of all women. Soroptimist International incorporates four federations, of which Soroptimist International of the Americas is the largest with almost 50,000 members in 20 countries and territories. The Western Canada Region, which is comprised of 500 members in 18 clubs, covers the geographical area of British Columbia to Manitoba.

A Soroptimist is a leader in her community. She believes that by joining with other women and engaging in awareness, advocacy and action in the service of her community and society, she can make the world a better place for humankind.

Soroptimists make a difference for women through six programs of service:
  • Economic and social development
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Human rights/status of women
  • International goodwill and understanding
Using a three-pronged approach (awareness, advocacy and action), Soroptimists identify the special needs of the community - be it a big, industrial city or a small, rural town. Soroptimists then establish projects that best address these specific needs.

In addition to their commitment to the community, Soroptimists work for change at national and international levels to improve the quality of life for people throughout the world.