Programme Action: We call our voluntary work “Programme Action”. Programme Action is the reason for being a Soroptimist. It reflects the Vision and the Mission of Soroptimist International. Soroptimists undertake project work at Club, Region, Federation and International level.
Every Soroptimist member belongs to a Club, through which they can take part in organised Programme Activities, including practical help for local causes, lobbying governments for change and increase their awareness of International issues.
SIGBI Programme Director’s Blog March 2019
President Sue’s theme of ‘Think on it’ assumes greater relevance and her ask for all clubs to hold at least one event which promotes wellbeing[1] is particularly relevant. This applies to club member’s wellbeing as well as those we seek to help.
Assistant Programme Director for Violence and Conflict Resolution, Nisha Ghosh, has written an article[2] of experiences in India and the work of SI Bangalore. She also references the work of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime[3] where there is much information on this and other areas of concern, such as the drugs trade and trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. All these issues are of concern to us and other people with whom we work – e.g. the 6’O’ group[4] in the UK with organisations with international arms and those who have co-signed SI’s submission to CSW63[5]. Can we develop partnership working (SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development) to improve understanding of these issues and develop appropriate and targeted responses?
WHO published its Mental Health Atlas in June 2018 and, sadly, the UK is not included, but others in our federation are[6]. Would these profiles be a helpful place to start in your country? This would also help to implement SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing – Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages).
