Why should I become a Soroptomist?
- to meet and know other professional and concerned women
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to be of service to the women and communities in the Twin Cities area and throughout the world
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to participate in a local service organization and raise support for our programs of service
- To enhance personal and professional development- including eligibility for one of 3 $100 grants to pursue professional or leadership opportunities (described in the Awards Overview page)
What projects do Soroptimist participate in?
SI of the Twin Cities donates funds, promotes awareness and performs hands on service projects that "improve and empower the lives of women and girls".
For the 2013-14 season, some of these iniatives are:
- Sarah’s…an Oasis for Women; provide Dinners, annual Welcome Basket needs for incoming residents, birthday cards and gifts
- The Jeremiah Program; provide Dinners and Adopt-a-Family Holiday Gifting
- Human Trafficking Projects
- Emergency Food Shelf Network-warehouse food packing
- Habitat for Humanity/Women Build Projects
During the course of a given year, additional service opportunities are identified and added to the schedule. In addition, funding is provided to various human trafficking and domestic violence organizations including:
- Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center
- Civil Society
- Breaking Free
- B. Robert Lewis House for battered women
How do I become a Soroptimist?
Contact our current Membership Chair by emailing her at info@soroptimistinternationaltwincities.org. We would be delighted to invite you to join us at our next regular club meeting or event.
Are there costs involved in being a Soroptomist?
$10 monthly dues (Sept-June) plus price of the meal (if one is ordered).
If special circumstances are involved and a member does not anticipate attending more than one or two meetings per "season", a lower fee for the "local cost of membership" can be arranged if needed.
$94 annual federation and regional dues payable annually in June.
(all fees and dues are subject to change)
Special Student and Embarking Professional Plans Available
For full time college students and those within 1 year of graduation, the following schedule applies:
* $25 upon joining or in June (when annual federation and regional dues are paid) and
* $10 per month Sept-June.
- Scholarships for Women's Opportunity, Ruby and Resilience Awards
- Provide donations to local women’s groups, high school girls, organizations supporting women and girls, domestic violence and human trafficking endeavors
- Organize efforts to promote awareness and education around issues such as human trafficking, domestic violence, gender biases, empowerment etc. including an annual benefit breakfast and film screenings, panel discussions with leading members of the community, mentoring opportunities, etc.
- Donate funds to national and international Soroptimist initiatives that promote leadership, education, empowerment, assist victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, etc through efforts such as "Educate to Lead"," Birthing in the Pacific" , etc.
How is fundraising accomplished?
Fundraising is accomplished through the organization by various methods including selling products through Equal Exchange , raffle events such as "Dining Around Town", Community events, monthly dues and volunteer donations.
Monthly Program Meetings are usually held on the third Tuesday of each month, September through June, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Rasmussen College campus in Bloomington, MN. However, occasionally meetings may be rescheduled or moved to a different site. Refer to the Event Calendar to confirm meeting dates and locations. Meeting Programs are free unless a meal is purchased. Most meals are approximately $12/person. Members can pay the $10/monthly "local cost of membership" fee via the RSVP system whether or not they are attending the program meeting.