Brighton Conference October 2011
A number of Bedford members went to the SI Great Britain and Ireland Conference in Brighton.
One of the things we saw at the conference was this excellent new video from SI which epitomised our new major project “Educate to Lead” which focuses on the value of equal and consistent access to education of girls:
Clink on the link above and it should take you to it.
If this does not work type YouTube Educate to Lead into Google and watch this 5 minute Fairy Story. It does start in silence but the music will eventually start. There is no speech.
Report from a first timer to the Brighton Conference.
This was my first attendance to an SI Conference and one which I will always remember. Several members from my own club, Bedford SI, were also in attendance but they were experienced conference goers. From conversations with these members I was able to approach Conference with some idea of what to expect, however I still felt like I was attending grown-up school for the first time, or starting a new job – excited, but a little nervous! Let me say very quickly that I soon relaxed and that the entire experience proved to be positive in every respect.
I enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and socialise with a group of informed, forward-thinking women whose major aim is ‘to educate, inspire, encourage and empower women’ (including young girls); to progress either by building or rebuilding their lives and becoming positive role models. Inspirational speakers articulated this well. The Workshops I attended were excellent.
Presenters at Workshop 3 – ‘Developing Clubs of the Future’ highlighted various recruitment strategies being employed by two very different clubs; one a failing club of 66 years and the other a relatively new one, less than 5 years old. They demonstrated how the work and profile of Soroptomists is being communicated in their local areas for club revival/survival and attracting new members from diverse backgrounds.
I did however get the impression that some SI members are perhaps less forward looking than others; that when it came to strategies for reviving clubs or attracting new members, there were some members who had reservations. There is still a minority who prefer to stick with the mantra ‘we’ve always done it this way’; or ‘Soroptomism must remain an exclusive organisation’, rather than accept the challenge of change.
The world is fast changing and for SI to experience growth in membership and progress as a credible organisation negativity has to be insightfully addressed.
My involvement inWorkshop 5- ‘Promoting the Soroptomist Brand’ gave me great hope and inspiration. I truly believe that we as
Soroptomists must:
- inspire action,
- promote the true meaning of Soroptomists and our work/values,
- transform the views of members as well as touch the lives of other
women,
-become a more inclusive women-centred organisation locally, nationally
and internationally.
Conference 2011 successfully tackled the vital task of promoting the work of Soroptomists and encouraged us to become less resistant to change. In my view Conference 2011 challenged us to move society, starting with ourselves, towards something bigger and better than elitism, or politics.
Joan will definitely continue in this worthwhile organisation and yes – you’ve guessed it – Brighton will not be my last Conference.
Joan McD, 6th November, 2011
The Report of an old hand will appear on the newsletter – to come