Soroptimist International Convention in Dublin
Here is the September update on our activities, which featured lively meeting this month. Two members reported back on their experience of attending the Soroptimist International Convention in Dublin. They attended as part of a 50 strong party from the Yorkshire Region who travelled to Dublin together. The party added exploration of the city to the Convention meetings. There was praise for the Dublin Convention Centre’s exceptional organisation and efficiency. The Centre staff succeeded in providing tea, coffee, and a hot lunch to 1600 SI members without queues.
There were several impressive speakers at the Convention. The keynote speech was given by the former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson. She is currently chair of The Elders group at the United Nations, of which she is a founder member. The main themes of the convention were Gender Equality and The Environmental Crisis. There was discussion on the experience of social and political pushback in many parts of Europe against previous gains in gender equality. It was also pointed out that women and children are often disproportionately impacted by the effect of climate change in vulnerable parts of the world. They are likely to be suffering high levels and poverty and deprivation already in many such communities.
The report from Convention sparked considerable discussion in the club. This highlighted the important of organisations such as Soroptimist International continuing their work.
Yorkshire Region
Members are proud that one of our number, Judith Clark, will be joint President of the SI Yorkshire Region in 2024-5, having been appointed joint President-Elect from November. Judith has been a stalwart Soroptimist for many years. She has served on the Regional Council as Secretary for some years, as well as undertaking several officer posts in Richmond and Dales, including President. The Richmond & Dales club has been nominated to take its turn in providing a presentation about our programme action at the incoming President’s lunch and Council meeting in November. Our President Babs has agreed to do this talk for us.
Income and Spending
The club received over £90 this month from EasyFundraising donations, which will go into our current charity fund. President Babs thanked those who participate in this scheme, and encouraged others to join in. Repayments from LendwithCare have also enabled the club to make a further loan to a group of ladies in Malawi.
Plans for Upcoming Events
Members agreed plans at the October meeting for awareness raising during the UN 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, which has the slogan “Orange The World“. This event runs this year from 25th November to 10th December. We aim to “Orange” Richmond for the period, by encouraging local businesses to put “orange” displays in their windows, and/or light up premises orange. A team is taking this plan forward, and developing publicity materials to support the campaign. Our fundraising Coffee Morning at the Town Hall on 25th November will be an “Orange Cafe”. Two further Orange Cafe sessions will be held – one on 1st December at The Ralf Fitzrandal pub in the evening, and the other at Morro Lounge on 10th November from 10:30 am.
We will also be holding our fundraising “Bingo Night” at the Richmond Rugby Club on 27th October. Entry is £13:00 which includes a “pie & pea” supper and the first game.
Sharing Our Skills
Member Chris Bowran has led the Sharing our Skills project since it began 12 years ago. She invited other members to join here in discussions with Richmond School on selecting a new group of students to shadow our meetings in early 2024. This project introduces young students to volunteering and gives them insight and experience in how organisations work. It also and raises their awareness of the issues facing women and children around the world.
We also hope to have two representatives of Spouse Force sharing a similar experience by being at our October and November meetings. Spouse Force was set up by a Catterick Garrison resident who is keen to bring together army spouses to encourage them in local volunteering and community work. Army spouses often experience loneliness and isolation due to the frequent moves from location to location which is characteristic of army life. It is hoped that Spouse Force can bring them together, and also help them develop self-confidence and useful skills for employment. We hope that Spouse Force and SI Richmond and Dales can develop another ongoing relationship which is as fruitful as the student SOS project has been.