Soroptimist International History
Soroptimist International, a worldwide organization for women in business, management and the professions, is a global voice for women through Awareness, Advocacy and Action.
The first Soroptimist Club, Alameda County, met and was chartered in Oakland, California in 1921. The Constitution of that first club stated the purpose of Soroptimist was "to foster the spirit of service". That purpose and "spirit of service" drives every Soroptimist club, district, region, and federation to this day.
The name Soroptimist was coined from the Latin soror meaning sister, and optima meaning best. Soroptimist is perhaps best interpreted as "the best for women". The Founder President was Violet Richardson-Ward. The Founder Region, so named because the first club was chartered here, encompasses ten north coast counties in California, the state of Hawai'i, and the U.S. territories of Guam and the Marianas.
The Soroptimist Pin: The woman in the Soroptimist emblem represents the spirit of womanhood. The leaves and acorns of the oak signify the strength and growth of our organization, and its future progress and achievements. The leaves of the laurel symbolize friendship and success. The gold California pin that accentuates Calistoga's Soroptimist pin is unique; it was designed specifically for our club.
Since its beginning, Soroptimist International (SI) -- the world's largest classified volunteer service organization for women in business, management, and the professions -- has grown to an international organization, with headquarters in the United Kingdom, and thousands of service clubs around the world. Soroptimists are found in 124 countries, with over 3,000 clubs and approximately 92,000 members.
SOROPTIMIST PLEDGE
I pledge allegiance to Soroptimism and to the ideals
for which it stands:
The Sincerity of Friendship
The Joy of Achievement
The Dignity of Service
The Integrity of Profession
The Love of Country
I will put forth my greatest effort to promote,
uphold and defend these ideals, for a larger fellowship
in home, in society, in business, for country and for God.