Cannock Soroptimists Jackie Prince and Trish Mellor attended the International AGM recently – from the comfort of their own homes! This was all thanks to Zoom.
Under ‘normal’ conditions, it’s unlikely that a member of the Cannock Club would have attended the SI AGM, but, because of the restrictions caused by Covid-19, they were able to join 219 Soroptimists from all parts of the world at an AGM chaired by their International President Sharon Fisher, from Vancouver, Canada.
Using the ‘chat’ facility on zoom they were able to give and receive messages to everyone there as well as say ‘hello’ to individuals they knew of, had met or knew well but don’t often get the chance to see.
The screen share facility was used to great effect, allowing everyone to watch some superb presentations about the work of Soroptimists in the 5 Federations around the world, work that enables, educates and empowers women and girls.
There were presentations updating everyone on the “Women, Water, Leadership” project which has run for two years in Kenya, Bulgaria, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Our UN representatives spoke of our place within the UN where Soroptimists are well known for the work they do in 3,000 local communities around the world.
There was a presentation on the new project concerning gender equality – The Road to Equality; on the work being undertaken to combat FGM [Female Genital Mutilation]; and information from all 5 Federations on their plans for 2021 – the centenary of Soroptimist International.
This was a meeting that, despite all participants being in their 219 homes, was full of energy and enthusiasm. Everyone left with more ideas of work they can be involved in to help other women who are not always in a position to help themselves.
Photos attached: SI Impact at the UN