Sister Soroptimists,
I stand here this evening with somewhat mixed feelings.
Trepidation- of not being able to live up to the legacy that has been set before me …. From our founding president…Montano, our founding members-Elsa and DOT … to our IPP… Terry ….
The bar has been set high and it’s an honour and privilege to be counted amongst these stalwarts.
I am also hopeful and excited…as we begin again in the “real” … face to face world …may we recommit to Soroptimism and the ideals for which it stands.
For this term of office, I would like us to focus on 2 areas:
Service …. The dignity of service… may we remember that service is not always glamorous or there may not always be a thank you… but the true reward in Service is often unseen but always felt.
Peace … the theme for our 60th anniversary is on peace.
I am proposing, (and this is in the infancy stage of planning) that we do a Peace Building Project.
As we have seen on TV and on social media, violence is everywhere- in our schools, our work places, our homes.
This PBP will continue the work already been started- as in the Real men series.
But will include partnering with other stake holders, such as the TTPS, mediators, psychologists, school supervisors, counsellors and target – pre -schools, primary schools and areas, such as Marabella and Embacadere.
Our aim will be to address issues, such as, domestic violence, conflict resolution, bullying, parenting.
This project will require proper planning and commitment.
But I believe that collectively we all have the skills and the ability to really make a difference.
Let us also remember that for peace to be a reality in our society… it must begin with each of us … in our homes, our work place, and in our sisterhood.
So then how do we mesh the lessons learnt from our past 60 years, with the reality of the world that we live in and bring it together to build our club?
Well, I believe that ALL of us need to reflect on our pledge – examine ourselves and use this new year to see how we can improve and add value to our club.
Let us continue to challenge ourselves- step out of our comfort zones- volunteer more.
Let us try to understand that the world is constantly changing and evolving and so should we- but that does not mean we should compromise our standards.
Manners, respect, service, kindness, hospitality, integrity, grammar …… never goes out of style.
Let us leave here tonight with a sense of renewed purpose and passion … ready to recommit to SISF … ready and willing to marry the values of the past with the opportunities of the present.
Our first order of business will be a meeting of the new executive next week and BM will be on the 11th. The second Wednesday – for this month only. Also, with so many of us working later hours- BM will start at 5:30.
Ladies – Thank you and I look forward to serving as president of SISF with all of you and continuing the hard work, dedication and successful projects that have been the signature of SISF for the past 60 years.