South Lancashire Region was proud to welcome Ann Garvie, President of Soroptimist International, as guest speaker at the new members and awards lunch.
In a wide-ranging speech, our newly-installed international president welcomed all club members who have recently joined. She reminded everyone that – as an organisation – we are committed to changing the lives of women and girls. Internationally we have all signed up to the core principle of ‘educate to lead’. So we all need to look hard at what, in our clubs, we are actually trying to do. Are we attempting too many things? Is our core message too diluted? Are we making an impact locally? Local, targeted action can filter right through to the ability of Soroptimist International to influence globally, primarily through the United Nations’ agencies.
President Ann also spoke of the need to re-examine the structure and function of Soroptimist International itself. What is fit for purpose and what must be modernised? Plus, as we all attest to high ethical standards, the Board itself must be accountable to each and every Soroptimist.
Frank and outspoken, President Ann showed that her term of office as our prime ambassador for Soroptimism will be full of challenge and incident. Watch this space …
… and in the meantime, President Ann was delighted to present this year’s regional awards. The Programme Action trophy went to SI Manchester for their ‘Freedom to Choose’ project – a conference for Year 9 students on the issues surrounding forced marriage.
SI Crosby picked up two awards – the regional president’s annual challenge (for their ‘grab bags’ project, in partnership with Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid) and the rosebowl for the top bowling team.
Rosemary Moore, of SI Southport, won the Tricia Fahey Cup for the best individual non-league bowler on finals day.
Margaret Davies, Regional Membership Officer, organised the lunch. “For our new members it was a very special occasion” she said. “International President Ann certainly gave us all much to think about, to discuss in our clubs – and to act on.”