{"id":5114,"date":"2025-03-27T12:28:46","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T11:28:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/widnes\/?page_id=5114"},"modified":"2026-03-22T20:26:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T19:26:10","slug":"frequently-asked-questions-soroptimists-widnes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/widnes\/frequently-asked-questions-soroptimists-widnes\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions: Soroptimists Widnes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Who are Soroptimists Widnes?<\/b><\/p>\n

Soroptimists Widnes is a local group of Soroptimist International, a global organisation dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through advocacy, community service, and empowerment. We are a diverse and welcoming group of women who come together to make a real difference in Widnes and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What do Soroptimists Widnes do?<\/b><\/p>\n

We are active in local and international projects that promote education, economic empowerment, and gender equality. Our members volunteer, raise funds, and support initiatives that improve the lives of women and girls. We also meet regularly for networking, social events, and personal development opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Where do Soroptimists Widnes meet?<\/b><\/p>\n

We hold monthly meetings in Widnes on the last Monday of the month at 6.30pm, taking place at <\/span>The Kingsway Function Rooms (WIidnes Masonic Hall), Kingsway, Widnes WA8 7QH<\/span>. We meet to discuss our projects, plan events, and socialise. We also organise informal coffee mornings and community events to welcome new members and supporters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why should I join Soroptimists Widnes?<\/b><\/p>\n

Joining Soroptimists Widnes gives you the opportunity to:<\/span><\/p>\n

– Meet like-minded women who care about making a difference: that means having fun while doing good!<\/span><\/p>\n

– Take part in impactful projects in Widnes that improve the lives of women and girls locally and globally<\/span><\/p>\n

– <\/span>The opportunity to meet Soroptimists in other countries when travelling abroad<\/span>
\n<\/span>– The opportunity to attend our annual Conference, Regional Conferences and Club Meetings<\/span><\/p>\n

– Be part of an internationally recognised organisation with a seat at the UN.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How much does it cost to join?<\/b><\/p>\n

The annual membership fee is \u00a380. While this may be higher than some other groups, it supports our work at multiple levels:<\/span><\/p>\n

-: SIGBI fees to be a part of the international network: \u00a347.65;\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– SI dues \u00a35.63;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– Diamond education grant \u00a30.50*;<\/span><\/p>\n

– Emergency relief fund \u00a30.50*;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– Benevolent fund \u00a32.00*;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– Public liability insurance \u00a30.83\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– Region \u00a34.50.<\/span><\/p>\n

Total \u00a361.61 leaving \u00a318.39<\/span><\/p>\n

for running costs for the club<\/span><\/p>\n

Associate Membership is open to women who believe in what we do, want to be involved, but can\u2019t commit to Club Membership. You will learn about our organisation and get involved in our project work to improve the lives of women and girls through our magazine, website, social media and email updates. This is an online membership although Members can attend our annual conference and may be invited to attend local Club and regional events.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How does Soroptimists Widnes compare to other local groups?<\/b><\/p>\n

We recognise that there are many fantastic women\u2019s groups in Widnes, Soroptimists Widnes stands out because:<\/span><\/p>\n

– We connect you with like-minded women who come together to make a difference in Widnes: having fun and making new friendships in the process\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We are part of a global movement advocating for women\u2019s rights worldwide.<\/span><\/p>\n

– We offer opportunities for travel and networking beyond the local level.<\/span><\/p>\n

How can I join?<\/b><\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy! <\/span>Contact us today<\/span><\/a> to learn more and attend a meeting. We\u2019d love to welcome you and show you what being a Soroptimist is all about!<\/span><\/p>\n

*<\/span>Benevolent Fund<\/b> is a charity set up to help women who have been a Soroptimist for 3 years or more who experiences financial difficulties. Assistance is given in the form of grants, either as a one-off payment for a specific need, or as a regular quarterly grant to supplement the beneficiary\u2019s income. The fund does not make loans.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Diamond Education Grant<\/b> was set up as a charity by SIGBI in 1972. It contributes to the public benefit through its activity of making grants to women who are in need of financial assistance for educational purposes. The grants enable the women to enter or return to employment, or move to a growing industry, by acquiring new skills. The educational grants contribute to raising the standard of education among women, who may not otherwise be able to improve their circumstances, those of their family, or the community in which they live.<\/span><\/p>\n

The benefits of educating women and girls, in time, have become recognised as the most effective way of raising nations out of poverty, and reducing international conflicts. Remember the often quoted, African proverb? \u2018If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a family (nation)\u2019. The United Nations Girls\u2019 Education Initiative states that, \u2018When girls get the education they need, there is a ripple effect that benefits everyone.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

The Diamond Education Board allocate grants to women who reside in the countries of the Federation. During the year to 31 March 2024, we made grants totalling \u00a338,642 to 37 women. The average grant for the year was \u00a31,044. We aimed to find the right women; those that faced the greatest barriers or to whom the grant would have the biggest impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

Awards are made to help towards the cost of course fees or books\/equipment, not for living expenses. The grants that have been awarded include courses as diverse as helicopter engineering, teacher training, play therapy, midwifery, a conversion course for an overseas qualified pharmacist and a diploma in sign language interpreting<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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