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
What projects do Soroptimist participate in?
SI of the Twin Cities provides funds, promotes awareness and performs hands on service projects that "improve and empower the lives of women and girls", with a specific focus on helping women and girls access education that leads to economic empowerment and achieve their dreams!
For the 2023-2024 club year, initiatives have included:
- Live Your Dream Awards: financial grants to help with costs of higher education made to 7 women, who are head-of-household and have overcome significant obstacles (this is a signature program of Soroptimist International of the Americas)
- Sarah's...an Oasis for Women: Provided free Chromebooks to 3 qualifying residents in job training and college programs to help them access on-line classes and complete coursework
- Sarah’s…an Oasis for Women: an annual dinner, Welcome Bags with products for incoming residents, birthday cards with gift card for each resident
- Holiday Gifting: collection of requested items for the B. Robert Lewis House for battered women
During the course of a given year, additional service opportunities are identified and added to the schedule.
How do I become a Soroptimist?
Contact our current Membership Chair by emailing her at sitwincities@soroptimist.net. 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).
If special circumstances are involved and a member does not anticipate attending more than one or two meetings per club year, a lower fee for the "local cost of membership" can be arranged if needed.
$140 annual federation and regional dues payable annually in June.
(all fees and dues are subject to change)
Special Student and Embarking Professional Plans Available, please inquire.
Dues are used primarily to cover club, region and federation expenses.
Fundraising proceeds are used for:
- Live Your Dream Awards: financial grants to help with the costs of higher education for women in our community, who are head-of-household and have overcome significant obstacles.
- Dream It Be It Program: costs associated with delivering this career exploration and mentoring program to high school girls in our community
- Big Goal Projects: our current program is to provide free Chromebooks to women residing at a local organization who need a laptop to access online classes and to complete coursework
- Provide donations to local women’s groups, organizations supporting women and girls, domestic violence and human trafficking endeavors and other
- Donate funds to national and international Soroptimist initiatives that promote access to education for women and girls, promote leadership and empowerment, and assist victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, etc.
How is fundraising accomplished?
Fundraising is accomplished by the organization through various methods including selling products through Equal Exchange, our on-line Basket Silent Auction, biennial garage sales, 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. Most meetings are both in-person and virtual via Zoom.
For the 2023-2024, meetings have generally been at the Augsburg Park Library in Richfield, MN. However, occasionally meetings may be rescheduled or moved to a different site. Refer to the Event Calendar to confirm meeting dates and locations.
Monthly Program meetings are free unless a meal is included (members will be notified in advance of the cost). Members can pay the $10/monthly "local cost of membership" fee via the RSVP system whether or not they are attending the program meeting.
For additional information, see the link to our parent organization,
Soroptomist International of the Americas
http://www.soroptimist.org