Take 140 Soroptimists, a packed programme, plus the opportunity for lively conversation – and what to you have? The 76th Joint Regional Conference, 2013.
[new_royalslider id=”2″]Soroptimists from all over the North West gathered at the Preston Marriott Hotel for the event, which was organised jointly by South Lancashire Region and N.W.England & Isle of Man Region. The conference theme was ‘Opening Minds: to Educate, Empower and Enable’.
Federation President Pat Black opened the day by asking delegates to turn the Soroptimist vision into action by setting realistic goals linked to those ‘3 Es’ – and to achieve those goals through time-honoured Awareness, Advocacy and Action. President Pat reminded delegates of her year-long challenge – each Soroptimist to educate herself, plus provide an opportunity for another women or girl to be educated.
Challenge in a different form came from the next presentation, on the subject of female genital mutilation (FGM). Alison Byrne, a midwife at the African Well Women’s Service, Birmingham, works with victims of FGM. In graphic detail she described the four types, gave some indication of the cultural backgrounds to the practice and signposted delegates to further information. Jean Anderson, a volunteer midwife with ‘Beyond FGM’ in Kenya, spoke of her positive experiences teaching birth attendants who, in turn, return home to teach others. Her description of a joyful alternative ‘rite of passage’ for girls was highly emotional.
Delegates’ minds were opened in an entirely different way by Heather Roberts who asked ‘Why join Soroptimists?’. Her public relations approach offered delegates an uncomfortable perspective of the organisation from the ‘outside’. There was criticism – but also many suggestions as to how clubs can consider making their publicity, programme and meetings more attractive to women, particularly those in the ‘middle’ years.
Chris Dunn (Childline Schools Service – NSPCC) gave a lively presentation on his work which encourages children to ‘speak out’ about abuse. Childline’s aim is to hold interactive, age-appropriate sessions with 9-11 year-olds in all primary schools every two years. With the help of his green speech-bubble ‘Buddy’ and a ‘worry sack’, he demonstrated the effectiveness of the work.
Lynne Asbridge and Hazel Stewart from Lancashire Constabulary led delegates through the sometimes murky world of child internet safety. Some preconceptions were overturned; and Lynne raised awareness of the fast-paced communications world of young ‘digital natives’.
The final speaker was Stuart Ingleson, recently retired from a career in education. Despite a light-hearted approach, Stuart peppered his presentation with observations on the nature of teaching and learning, and – with a nod to Monty Python’s graphics – on everyone’s lifelong opportunities to have their mind ‘opened’.
Liz McConnell, President of South Lancashire Region said, “After many months of planning by the JRC Committee it was great to see the day run so smoothly. We had a full programme, but our Chair (Judith Grocott, SI Garstang) kept everything on schedule. Plus, delegates were not backward in coming forward when it came to question-time – and that always adds an ‘edge’ to the day.
“For me – and, no doubt, for my ‘opposite number’, Susan Parke-Hatton (President, N.W.England & Isle of Man Region) – organising this conference was an educational experience in itself. I know we have both met Federation President Pat’s challenge head on!”