It is with great excitement and pride that I begin my term as Governor for Eastern Canada Region 2006 – 2008. My theme for the next biennium will be “Build and Extend Soroptimist Today or “BEST”. I hope to see us build our clubs, not only in numbers but also in strength. Yes, we need new members but we must be aware of our existing membership and keep them passionate about improving the lives of women and girls, in their local communities and throughout the world. It is the responsibility of the your Eastern Canada Region to keep the clubs informed of new and exciting programs offered through our Soroptimist International of the Americas Federation.

I would like to see us build our “Public Awareness”. We belong to a world wide organization that has been around for 85 years and yet we are the “best” kept secret. Talk to your friends, family and colleagues – be proud to wear the Soroptimist Pin. In our busy, fast and constantly changing world, our volunteer support must remain strong. It only takes the voice of one woman speaking about the help and confidence that she received from winning the Women’s Opportunity Award and you realize the greatness of the Soroptimist organization.

The Renaissance Campaign ( Program – Fundraising – Membership –Public Awareness), along with Soroptimist International of the Americas head office supplying us with instant information via the internet, is making it easier for clubs.

In closing, I would like to say that the Eastern Canada Region Board is here for you. If we are not performing to your satisfaction, please email me your suggestions margaret.macrae@sympatico.ca. We want only the “Best” for all our members.

Yours in Soroptimist Service,
Margaret MacRae
Governor, Eastern Canada Region

---

SOROPTIMIST MISSION:

“ TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD”

For the better part of a century, Soroptimists members have provided volunteer services to their communities throughout the world. Soroptimists are business and professional women of all ages, cultures and ethnic groups. They are working women, single women. Small business owners and corporate executives. Lawyers, teachers and physicians. The common thread that connects all Soroptimists is their desire to make a difference for women.

Soroptimist membership connects women-to each other, to their local communities and to the world community. Together, Soroptimists focus on issues such as domestic violence, poverty, lack of adequate child care, sexual harassment, inequities in the workplace, and other challenges unique to today’s women.

Soroptimists connect in a spirit of friendship to bring fresh and innovative approaches to addressing some of society’s greatest challenges. Locally, projects target the needs of the community, and most provide direct assistance to women and girls. Examples of Soroptimist club projects include: providing job training for women in transition, sponsoring enrichment programs for at-risk girls, and refurbishing domestic violence shelters.

The gift of Soroptimist membership provides a variety of benefits, including:

• Fulfillment…working on projects that improve the lives of others leads to personal satisfaction and recognition from the community.
• Friendship…Cultivating relationships with other women who have similar interests and values is a central aspect of Soroptimist membership. Friendships with women all over the world.
• Diversity...meeting and learning about women from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and participating in projects that address the needs of women throughout the globe, contributes to world peace and understanding.
• Leadership development…developing skills at the club level results in enhanced professional capabilities as well as leadership opportunities at all levels of the organization.
• Mentoring…reaching out to women at the beginning of their professional lives provides an avenue for Soroptimist members to serve as mentors

If you are a woman who wishes to provide volunteer service in atmosphere of support, friendship and fun, then joining Soroptimist may be right for YOU!

Top

ECR Board | Links | Clubs | Events | Awards | Membership | Program | Newsletter | Governor's Message