At the first World Conference of Soroptimist clubs held in Washington, DC in 1927, a decision was made to adopt the Soroptimist emblem for the members.
Mrs Anita Houts Thompson, a founder member, whose Soroptimist classification was “designing and engraving”, submitted an emblem design, in competition with others, which was adopted as the official Soroptimist emblem.
A letter written to Helena Gamble by Anita Thompson, reads in part:
“Jennie Todd, then our Alameda County president, appointed a committee of three to design something reflecting our aims and ideals. As my classification was that of designing and engraving, the other committee members left the matter to me.
Needless to say that in the work of love, I put forth my best efforts to produce a worthy design. After much thought, and with the assistance of an artist to make concrete my ideas, the design was ready for submission. It met with unanimous approval of our local club and was sent to Washington D.C., to take its place with other competitive designs. There again, it met with unanimous approval and was adopted officially.
The design, represents womanhood with her arms uplifted in a gesture of freedom and acceptance of the responsibilities of the best and highest good. The leaves and the acorns represent the strength of our organization and the leaves of the laurel typify victory and achievement.”