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Dame Vera Baird’s Warning

Dame Vera Baird’s Warning

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Dame Vera Baird’s (who is a Soroptimist ) has issued her first annual report since taking up the post of Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales.   It makes for sobering reading, with extensive coverage in several national newspapers. The report highlights the ‘catastrophic decline’ in prosecutions for rape.  There has been a  rise in domestic violence during the lockdown.  Lack of funding and delays in court cases have exacerbated the problem. Dame Vera has called for an increase in funding.  This would ensure victims’ wellbeing is put first and would deal with the backlog of cases. Specialist Domestic Violence Courts Project

SIGBI Day of Action 18th July 2020

SIGBI Day of Action 18th July 2020

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SIGBI Day of Action 2020 The SIGBI Day of Action is on Saturday 18th July 2020.  The theme for this day was originally Climate Change, but with the situation that we have been in since the beginning of the year, the theme is now #SoroptimistsConnect.   The global pandemic has shown us how important it is to keep our worldwide friendships and connections alive. Please enjoy our video by clicking on this link:  https://youtu.be/-wlTU4HlrJM

Update on the National Arboretum Sculpture Appeal

Update on the National Arboretum Sculpture Appeal

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National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) – Sculpture Appeal In her 5th June bulletin, President Isobel launched a passionate appeal to raise funds to pay for a sculpture for the Soroptimist plot at the NMA, to celebrate 100 Years of Soroptimism. She also included a link to a Virgin Just Giving page which is now also available on the SIGBI website. Individual members or clubs can make donations either by bank transfer or by sending cheques to SIGBI HQ.                                                                                                                There has been a strong link between the NMA and our three regions

Life during lockdown – how Midland Arden is using new technologies to adapt

Life during lockdown – how Midland Arden is using new technologies to adapt

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Three Regions Meeting 20th June 2020 On 20th June, Presidents and Officers from Midland Arden, Midland East and Midland Chase ‘met’ (on Zoom naturally)!  It’s a great opportunity to exchange news, share best practices in Programme Action, and to explore ways of collaborating on future projects. Obviously, this year’s meeting was unique in that we are all now in the midst of a global pandemic.   Members throughout our regions have been profoundly affected by the lockdown.  Some have been furloughed, many are socially isolating or shielding.  During this unprecedented time, we have had to quickly adapt to a remote way of reaching out to our members through the use of technology. President-Elect Elaine Clarke explained to the meeting how we at Midland Arden are meeting the challenges of this ‘new normal’ by taking advantage of new technologies. We are using them to communicate both amongst

Lockdown Quiz!

Lockdown Quiz!

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Lockdown Quiz! How well do you know our organisation?   Test your knowledge with a fun lockdown quiz kindly compiled by one of our Region’s members.  Why not hold a ‘virtual’ quiz evening with your Club with a prize for the winner or as a fundraising activity?   No peeking at the answers first! SI Quiz May 2020 SI Quiz May 2020 with answers

Celebrating Trees on World Environment Day

Celebrating Trees on World Environment Day

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“Plant Trees for a Brilliant Future” Clubs may not be able to take action right now, but how about starting to plan how your Club is going to celebrate  UN World Environment Day? Many  Clubs across our Federation have already begun to plant trees and revive neglected patches of land.  Their work has had a positive impact on nature, the environment  and their local communities.  It will leave a lasting legacy.  Learn about their stories of ‘Planting Trees for a Brilliant Future” by reading this article

Save the Date! – 26th September 2020

Save the Date! – 26th September 2020

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The AGM Regional Meeting on 26th September will be a historic occasion as it will be held on Zoom for the first time! President Rose and the Organising Committee have taken this decision for several reasons.: Planning can now go ahead without having to worry about last-minute cancellation of the venue. There is a high probability that large group meetings will still not be allowed to take place, and many understandably would not wish to attend even if they were. It will hopefully allow greater access to those who are not normally able to travel to regional meetings.  We are hoping for record attendance! We will keep you updated with our plans as they progress, we currently hope to hold the AGM itself followed by some short presentations and a virtual raffle so please keep the morning free.

Our First ‘Virtual’ Meeting

Our First ‘Virtual’ Meeting

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  We had our first Zoom committee meeting on 29th May - a bit of a milestone in the Region's history.   The verdict was that it was a great success! President Rose would be the first to admit that she is not at all 'tech-savvy', so she was delighted that everything went smoothly.  The most important outcome was that everyone found it easy to participate in sharing views and ideas for the future. Lockdown has forced us all to adopt new technologies.   We are beginning to learn new skills and discovering it is not so scary after all! Of course, virtual meetings can never replace social gatherings.  However, there are definitely benefits in terms of cost and convenience to conducting some  business meetings 'remotely' If you would like to hold a virtual meeting but feel you need some guidance here are some handy tips to
The Big Story! – Empowering Girls in Nepal

The Big Story! – Empowering Girls in Nepal

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We Want to Hear Your Story! Sharpen your pencils all you budding authors,  because the new deadline for submitting your story is now July 31st.  Donating and submitting your story has also been made easier. Don’t forget to put “Soroptimist “ with your name to make sure your hard-earned sponsorship money goes to Empowering Girls in Nepal. Several Club Members have written and submitted their stories already.  It is not too late to have a go if you haven’t already.    https://www.thebigstory.org.uk/ There is also an  Easy Steps Flow Chart  for you to follow to help you through the process, including helping you to Sponsor a Story and Writer after it has been submitted. Read the latest update from Liz Every

Court Observations – Domestic Abuse

Court Observations – Domestic Abuse

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Dame Vera Baird QC    – Victims Commissioner for England and Wales At our March meeting, Dame Vera gave feedback on our recent work on DA court observations.  Our reports have now all been submitted, and the debrief by Police is due on 22nd June 2020. Soroptimists completed 200 questionnaires, representing 225 manhours worked.   Our region mustered 40 volunteers and carried out 70 observations.  Other regions are now becoming involved in the project. Dame Vera then told us about developments in the Northumbria region.  As Victims Commissioner, her aim is to put the victim centre stage in what is an adversarial criminal justice system.  At present, the focus is on prosecuting or defending the defendant. Victims of violent crime are often deeply traumatised by their role as a witness, but neglected once the trial is over.   Dame Vera sees her role as empowering victims to get