President’s message

Soroptimist International of South Lancashire Region comprises of a number of clubs within parts of Greater Manchester, Merseyside and just bordering North Cheshire. Becoming President for 2011-2012, coming as I do from the small club of SI Ramsbottom, the most northerly club in the region, it is both a tremendous privilege and a great honour.

South Lancashire Soroptimists achieve much by working together in their clubs on Programme Action (the life blood of our organisation) to assess local, national and international needs. We undertake much fundraising and are committed to help improve the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment or enabling opportunities. This may be achieved for example, by assisting a local school or college with a special project, lobbying nationally against say – domestic violence, or helping, maybe alongside other organisations with inteernational literacy programmes.

UNESCO informs us that over two thirds of illiterate adults in the world are women and more than half of the children not attending school are girls. We therefore must work together to try to re-dress this situation.

In my year of office, I look forward to encouraging all members to continue the superb projects they are currently involved with, and to incorporate our new theme of “Education and Leadership” and so be part of the global voice for increasing access to education and leadership for women and girls whether that be locally, nationally or internationally.

Soroptimist International of which I am so proud to be a member, is an inspirational international voluntary service organisation of like-minded women from a vast range of professions, occupations and backgrounds, who like myself wish to “Inspire Action to Transform Lives” of women and girls worldwide.  If you feel that you would like to join us to put something back into the world and “make a difference” and wish to do it whilst enjoying fun, friendship and a great feeling of satisfaction, please email si.southlancs@btconnect.com and our Communications Officer will respond within a short space of time.

In friendship,

Denise Baldwin