We are Durham Soroptimists
What do we do?
Like all Soroptimist Clubs, we work together to support the Vision, Mission and Programme Goals of Soroptimism International. Our ‘Programme Action’ projects range from advocacy, actions, fundraising and voluntary help to support causes at a local, regional, national and international level.
Soroptimist Vision – Soroptimist International is committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.
Soroptimist Mission – Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls through a global network of members and international partnerships.
Soroptimist Values –
- Human Rights for all
- Global peace and international goodwill
- Advancing women’s potential
- Integrity and democratic decision making
- Volunteering, diversity and friendship
Soroptimist Goals – Soroptimist International will improve the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment or enabling opportunities. Soroptimist International will be a global voice for increasing access to education and leadership for women and girls.
Club Meetings
We meet on the first and third Mondays of the month. The first Monday meeting is a Supper evening where members enjoy a two-course meal, socialise and are often entertained by an after dinner speaker. These meetings start at 7.15 pm, and are held at Ramside Hall Hotel.
Business meetings on the third Monday of the month start at 7p.m. During Covid, these were held on line via Zoom. Meetings are now back face to face but some are still held on zoom. The Business meeting deals with Club business and activity, Regional and Federation business, and Programme Action. The meetings are an opportunity to update one another on progress with Programme Action projects/decide on new initiatives to support where relevant. There may be a short presentation from an outside organisation on issues the Club is concerned about and with.
Our annual events include a Charter dinner/lunch in the Spring and an Interclub dinner in the Autumn, to which other Clubs and external guests are invited.
We are always delighted to welcome visitors and prospective members to any meeting, but especially to the Supper evening.
Social Events
We have:
- met outdoors at local beauty spots for walks. coffee and catch ups.
- Summer Garden Party in a members garden.
- Christmas Party at a members house.
We intend to organise:
- Theatre visits and concerts.
- Outings to places of interest.
- Visits to social events at other Soroptimist clubs.
Friendship Links
SI Durham has friendship links with SI:-
- Richmond and Dales, Yorkshire Region
- Cirencester and District
- Woking and District
We attend each others events where practical, meet up with fellow members at Conference and support their work whenever possible.
Every month our club produces a lively Newsletter in which we share our ideas and activities.
Programme Action Groups and Club Executive
Members join one of the 5P groups to help with planning and contributing to Programme Action.
Planet, Partnership, People, Prosperity, Peace
All members are invited to attend Business Meetings
Members may opt on to the Executive Committee to take on one of the following roles:
President
President Elect
Vice President
Treasurer
Membership
Organisation and Development
Advocacy
Minute Taker
Programme Action projects
See the Programme Action page for the latest news on all our projects.
Supporting the President’s Charities and other committed causes
Throughout each year, members raise funds for the President’s charities and other committed causes.
The Charities for the year 20220-2023 are:
Just For Women – https://justforwomen.org.uk/
and
Team Kenya https://www.teamkenya.org.uk/
We also support Regional projects, National and International projects.
- Providing ‘New Start’ bags for trafficked women supported by Durham Police.
- Providing items for a local women’s refuge.
- Collect used bra’s to support Breast Cancer and small businesses in Africa
We are a thriving Club, but we are always happy to welcome new members.
If you would like more information about our club, and would be interested in coming along to one of our meetings with a view to joining us, you would be most welcome. Please complete the Contact Form or Contact us