Become a member
Become a member

About our club

For nearly 100 years, SI Croydon and District has brought women together through friendship, service and a shared commitment to making a difference. Today, we continue that tradition by supporting our communities, empowering women and girls, and creating opportunities for meaningful action.

Rooted in Croydon, connected to the world

Soroptimist International Croydon and District is a club of women from different backgrounds, professions and generations who share a commitment to improving the lives of women and girls.

Our history is closely connected with the borough of Croydon. Over the years, our members have supported local charities, championed education, promoted equality, cared for the environment and developed lasting relationships with organisations and individuals across the community.

As part of Soroptimist International, we also belong to a worldwide network of women working to educate, empower and enable women and girls.

Our club’s story is one of friendship, service, collaboration and a belief that we can achieve more when we work together.

 

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Looking beyond Croydon

Although our roots are firmly planted in the borough, our outlook has always been international.

One example is our award-winning project in Beterverwagting, Guyana. Following a visit by our then Club President in 2007, we helped establish a breakfast club for schoolchildren, working alongside the Association of Guyanese Nurses and Allied Professionals in the UK.

The initiative developed to include support for a school library, access to computers and gardening activities. The project received the regional Daphne Whitmore Prize in recognition of its contribution to international goodwill and understanding.

In 2023, club members had the privilege of supporting the launch of Soroptimist International TAWI E-Club in Kenya, working in partnership with fellow Soroptimists to bring together young women across Kenya through a virtual club.

We have also supported Fairtrade initiatives over many years, recognising the importance of fair wages, decent working conditions and greater opportunities for women involved in global supply chains.

These activities demonstrate that although we work locally, we recognise our responsibilities as members of a global community.

 

Become a member

Being a Soroptimist is about friendship, shared purpose and making a difference. Whether you want to support your local community, champion opportunities for women and girls, or connect with like-minded women, SI Croydon and District offers a welcoming place to do just that. We would love you to join us and become part of our continuing story.

Find out about membership

Club information

We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 7.30pm.

If you are interested in joining us, please get in touch to find out more about our meetings and activities. Visitors and prospective members are always welcome.

Our history matters, but so does what we do next.
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Our roots in the Croydon community

Our longstanding connection with Croydon High School spans generations and includes two former headteachers who were Soroptimists. Among them was Dr Margaret F. Adams OBE, the first President of Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland, who later served as President of our club. Her successor, Elsa Cameron, remained a dedicated Soroptimist throughout her life. With other members also being former pupils, this remarkable relationship reflects a shared legacy of women’s leadership, education and empowerment.

A special relationship with the borough

Our links with Croydon’s civic life extend well beyond individual events. Over the years, we have enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the Civic Mayor’s Office and have been privileged to display the borough’s crest as part of our club identity.

Caring for our environment and preserving our heritage

Our collaboration with the Friends of Park Hill Park is a particularly special part of our history. Within the park’s walled garden, we have our own section, which includes a Soroptimist bench and Peace Pole. It is a place that reflects our commitment to friendship, peace and the environment.

Bringing people together

Strong relationships have always been central to our club’s activities. Over the years, we have supported and worked alongside organisations including Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid, Off The Record, which supports young carers, Croydon Vision, local Rotary clubs and Croydon Voluntary Action.

Standing up for women and girls

Working to end violence against women and girls is a cause that remains central to our work. Each year, we participate in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which takes place from 25 November to 10 December.

Current projects

Loud and Proud Public Speaking Competition. The competition gives Year 6 girls an opportunity to develop their public speaking skills, express their opinions and experience the confidence that comes from speaking before an audience