{"id":5731,"date":"2021-10-14T17:05:17","date_gmt":"2021-10-14T16:05:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/bristol\/?p=5731"},"modified":"2021-10-14T17:18:34","modified_gmt":"2021-10-14T16:18:34","slug":"soroptimist-international-celebrates-100-years-in-2021-a-virtual-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/bristol\/2021\/10\/14\/soroptimist-international-celebrates-100-years-in-2021-a-virtual-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"Soroptimist International Celebrates 100 Years in 2021: A Virtual Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Leading up to the Soroptimist International 100 Celebrations, we were invited to take part in a \u201cCandle Ceremony\u201d submitting a picture and four wishes (pictured left).\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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We joined many other clubs worldwide “lighting up the world in the name of a brilliant future”.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Soroptimist International Celebrates 100 Years: A Virtual Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n

2nd<\/sup> October (5-8pm BST):\u00a0 <\/strong>An introduction was followed by an illustrated history of Soroptimism. We were pleased that the parallel existence of Venture Clubs was mentioned as SI Bristol was the first Venture Club established in 1920 later to become a Soroptimist Club<\/p>\n

Each of the five Federations described their achievements since the last Conference and their current projects.\u00a0 Their impact on women and children globally, even during the coronavirus pandemic was impressive.\u00a0 It was both eye-opening and eye-watering to hear the associated stories.<\/p>\n

The United Nations Representatives were introduced and the vital role the play was summarised.<\/p>\n

Peppered between these reports and keynote talks, were many short congratulatory video clips from individual members from around the world, each raising a glass, cup or lighting a candle \u2013 in keeping with their Club\u2019s tradition.<\/p>\n

Throughout the three hours there was a constant stream of chats from Soroptimists across the world \u2013 giving input and support.<\/p>\n

3rd<\/sup> October (5-8pm BST):\u00a0 <\/strong>There were many talks and congratulatory messages. Many projects were presented, including Limbs for Life (with Red Cross), Women\u2019s Voice, Join Together, Women for Water, See Solar\/Cook Solar, Restoring Dignity, Go with the Flow, Days for Girls, Educate to Lead and Road to Equality. Also, there was a thank you from Japan from help received from Soroptimists.\u00a0 Local members were \u2018on the ground\u2019 while Agencies were still assessing the needs.<\/p>\n

Representatives from the UN told of their goals.\u00a0 There was an address from SI President Elect Maureen McGuire, a preview regarding Dublin Conference in 2023 and closing remarks from SI President Sharon Fisher.<\/p>\n

Two sayings that resonated:<\/p>\n