Report from the International Convention in Montreal

Convention logo

Fourteen members from London Anglia Region attended the 19th Soroptimist International Convention held in Montreal from the 10th to 14th of July. Clubs represented were Cambridge, Colchester, Ipswich, King’s Lynn, Norwich and Southend. The photo shows only ten of us as unfortunately SI Southend members missed the photocall, but I assure you they were there!

Group photo

The theme of the Convention was ‘Women: Leaders in Civil Society’ and included prominent Canadian women keynote speakers addressing such issues as ‘women as catalysts of change in human rights’, ‘women as role models in arts, entertainment and media’, ‘women as role models in commerce and entrepreneurship’, ‘women as leaders in health & sciences and sports’, ‘women as stewards of the environment’ and ‘women as catalysts of change in Government’. They were all very thought provoking as you can imagine.

In addition, there were reports from the International President and Immediate Past International President, from the four Federations covering highlights from the last four years, Project Sierra final report, launch of the Long Term Theme ‘Education and Leadership for Women and Girls’ (replacing the International Quadrennial Project).

The Programme Focus for 2011 to 2015 was introduced with our goals being:

  • Goal 1 – Soroptimist International will improve the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.
  • Goal 2 – Soroptimist International will be a global voice for increasing access to education and leadership for women and girls.

We were kept even busier with the variety of workshops on offer (ranging from ‘women in the aftermath of disaster’ to ‘Soroptimist strategies to stop trafficking’ to ‘the joy of living dance workshop’ (which yours truly assisted with!!)

The gala banquet with the change of insignia to the International President for 2011 to 2013, Alice Wells, was a truly colourful event with breathtaking entertainment from Cirque Eloize.

The next Convention will be in Istanbul, Turkey from 9th to 12th July 2015.

Joyce Boorman LAR’s Federation Councillor