SI Convention in Dublin- Every four years Soroptimist International hosts a convention and in 2023 it is taking place in Dublin from July 27th to 29th. The theme is “Challenge for the Future” and speakers from across the globe will be brought together to share thoughts, achievements, and ideas. For the first time, posters from clubs around the world are being showcased and SI Bournemouth has had one accepted showing our journey in respect of reducing, reusing and recycling single use plastic. Several of our club members are attending the convention.
Our 85th anniversary celebration– Soroptimism started in Bournemouth in 1938 so we will be celebrating our 85th anniversary in September. The plan is to have a nice meal with friends, family and guests, think about the journey the club has made over since its creation, share photos and memorabilia from the past and celebrate in style!
Visit to the National Arboretum in Shropshire- On October 29th a minibus of 18 will wend its way from Bournemouth to Shropshire so we can visit the National Arboretum to enjoy the autumn colours and to see the Soroptimist Statue, unveiled in 2021. Some members of SI Poole will be joining us to share in the event.
SIGBI Conference in London- The annual SIGBI conference is in London in 2023 on November 3rd and 4th at Friends House, Euston Road. Once again SI Bournemouth will be well represented and the participants will make sure to feed back to club members who are unable to attend.
‘Oranging’ BCP– We are working with the Community Safety Team to mark the UN’s 16 days of activism against gender based violence from November 25th to December 10th 2023. This will be a trial year to learn what is most effective in terms of raising awareness but so far- we are lighting up buildings in orange, hosting art exhibitions with Arts University students creative outputs, coordinating a programme of online training, holding public engagement events, asking libraries to create displays and splashing orange balloons, bunting and anything else we can think of! Watch this space.