Our Story
WHAT IS SOROPTIMIST?
Soroptimist is a global women’s organization whose members work to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Soroptimist programs focus on providing women and girls with access to education, which is one of the most effective ways to end social problems disproportionately affecting women and girls.
WHAT DOES THE WORD "SOROPTIMIST" MEAN?
Loosely translated from Latin, Soroptimist is a coined term meaning "best for women."
HOW CAN WOMEN JOIN SOROPTIMIST?
Women who are interested in joining the Soroptimist club of Federal Way should meet us during one of our regular gatherings. Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Village Inn, 31711 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003. You may also email us in advance at [email protected] with your inquiry. We will provide you with an application to complete and return to us.
WHY DOES SOROPTIMIST FOCUS ON WOMEN AND GIRLS?
Soroptimist was formed because in 1921 women who were interested in volunteering in their communities were not permitted to join male service organizations. Since that time, the organization has worked to help women improve their standing in the world. Despite tremendous strides, women still do not enjoy equal economic or social status with their male counterparts. As an organization of and for women, Soroptimist feels uniquely qualified to tackle the challenges facing today's women and girls.
WHAT PROGRAMS DOES SOROPTIMIST OFFER?
Soroptimist offers several programs that improve the lives of women and girls. Major programs include the Women's Opportunity Awards, the Soroptimist Workplace Campaign to End Domestic Violence, the Violet Richardson Award, the Soroptimist Club Grants for Women and Girls, and Soroptimists STOP Trafficking. In addition to participating in programs offered by the organization, clubs work on local projects that benefit women and girls, based on the needs of their communities.
Soroptimist also sponsors Live Your Dream.org, an online community empowering offline volunteer action. The self-motivated network is made up of people who wish to support women and girls in their quest to lead better lives, while gaining inspiration in their own lives. Members of the free online community work on topics such as women’s economic empowerment, ending violence against women, human trafficking, and more. They also have access to inspirational articles, tips, and blogs that can help them live their own personal dreams.
HOW ARE SOROPTIMIST PROGRAMS FUNDED?
Soroptimist programs are funded by investment income, member dues, and contributions from clubs and members. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Soroptimist also depends on outside contributions from people who support the Soroptimist mission.
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO SOROPTIMIST?
To contribute to programs that significantly help women and girls to improve their lives, send your charitable gift to: Soroptimist International of Federal Way, PO Box 4353, Federal Way, WA 98063. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by United States law.
HOW CAN WOMEN APPLY FOR THE WOMEN'S OPPORTUNITY AWARD?
Women's Opportunity Awards applications are available with our club. Contact Soroptimist International of Federal Way by email at [email protected] or by snail mail at Soroptimist International of Federal Way, PO Box 4353, Federal Way, WA 98063.
HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN SOROPTIMIST?
Soroptimist International has about 80,000 members. Soroptimist International of the Americas has about 35,000 members.
HOW MANY COUNTRIES MAKE UP SOROPTIMIST?
Soroptimist International members reside in about 120 countries and territories throughout the world. Soroptimist International of the Americas' clubs are located in 19 countries and territories: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, United States and Venezuela.
WHAT IS SOROPTIMIST'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNITED NATIONS?
Soroptimist International has consultative status with the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which oversees U.N. activities and policies promoting human rights. Representatives from Soroptimist International can request agenda items, submit written statements for circulation to all members of the council, make oral statements at meetings, and contribute to other U.N. gatherings and seminars. Soroptimist representatives are volunteers and work in one of the four U.N. centers in New York City, Paris, Vienna or Geneva. It is in this forum that Soroptimist representatives can advocate for the Soroptimist mission of improving the lives of women and girls.
