Welcome

Soroptimist International of Saratoga County


    

Contact us at: soroptimistsaratoga@gmail.com PO Box 1074, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

 

SOROPTIMIST MEANS "BEST FOR WOMEN"

We are a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training needed to achieve economic empowerment. Beginning in January 2021, Soroptimist International of Saratoga County  (SISC) is undertaking a ten-month community awareness campaign in celebration of the national club’s 100-year anniversary. In May, SISC presents “Every Woman Counts: Diversity and Gender Equality in Action,” showcasing our efforts to empower women and girls in all their diversity. See below for previous themes and our series of "100 Seconds With..." interviews with exceptional women from out community.

 

Celebrating 100 Years of Success:
Soroptimists at Their Best – Right Here in Saratoga!

Soroptimist International of Saratoga County  (SISC) is excited to kick off a ten-month community awareness campaign in celebration of the national club’s 100-year anniversary. Each month has a theme with a focus on a facet of the Soroptimist experience, highlighting what the organization strives to be – women at our best – helping other women to be their best. Here are our themes, and each month we will add a 100 second interview about what we do:
Our ten-month awareness campaign is designed to showcase all the work we do on behalf of the women and girls right here in Saratoga – and how you, our supportive community, can share in our success. For more information, click here.

 

SISC AT WORK DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

“Women at their best, working to help other women to be their best” is a goal of Soroptimists international, and echoed by the members of Soroptimist International of Saratoga County. The Coronavius pandemic affects every aspect of our lives, and Soroptimists are no exception. The organization and its members are committed to seek alternative approaches to meeting its goals, especially at a time when where face-to face meetings and events are uniquely curtailed by the virus. Members are given every opportunity to creatively pursue the agenda of making lives better for women and girls, especially since the personal hardships and economic impact of the virus affect women at risk more than ever. All activities are conducted with the health and safety of members as a primary focus, with CDC, state, and other guidelines followed as directed. As we keep each other safe, and as we pursue our goals in the most imaginative ways possible, we look forward to a challenging, yet exciting, year ahead. Together, we can. Click below for Coronavirus updates.

SOROPTIMIST CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

 

 

Soroptimist International is a global women’s organization whose members volunteer to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Founded in 1921, there are approximately 80,000 Soroptimists in 130 countries and territories supporting community–based and global projects benefiting women and girls. For more information about Soroptimist International and programs that improve the lives of women and girls, visit Soroptimist.org.

 

Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC) is a club within District I of the North Atlantic Region of Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc., one of four federations with representation at the United Nations. SISC was founded in 1979 and currently has 79 members. Each year SISC raises funds for a number of awards and grants that benefit women and girls both locally in Saratoga County and surrounding areas, as well as globally through international initiatives. Award categories include: Live Your Dream Award, Violet Richardson Award, Local Organizational Grants, International Initiatives, and Dream It, Be It. Our signature service project is Project Hope and Power, a collaborative project with Wellspring (formerly Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County), designed to help women who are victims and survivors of domestic violence develop the skills needed to begin working toward financial independence. The activities of SISC are described in more detail in the other sections of this website.

Click here for a video presentation about SISC by our 2017-18 president, Marie Hoffman.

 
Soroptimist Vision: Women and girls have the resources and opportunities
to reach their full potential and live their dreams.
 
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Soroptimist Mission: Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls
with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
 
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Core Values:
Gender Equality – Women and girls live free from discrimination.
Empowerment – Women and girls are
free to act in their own best interest.
Education – Women and girls deserve to lead full and
productive lives through access to education.
Diversity & Fellowship – Women from varied backgrounds and
perspectives work together to improve the lives of women and girls.
 
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Soroptimist -- Investing in Dreams
 
 

 

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Latest News

Ten Ways to say "Soroptimist"

Jan 12, 2021
We know "Soroptimist" is a bit of a mouthful. We think there are easily 100 ways to say "Soroptimist." Here are 10 ways. Do any especially resonate with you?
1. Community-minded; 2. Friendship; 3. Integrity;
4. Harmony; 5. Responsive; 6. Supportive;
7. Involved; 8. Knowledgeable; 9. Cohesive; 10 . Unique 
Check back next month for more ways to say "Soroptimist."

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Jan 12, 2021
January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Soroptimists recognize that trafficking in persons is a heinous violation of fundamental human rights and must be strongly combatted. Our work to educate and empower women and girls to overcome the conditions of poverty helps to reduce the risk of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. We also realize there is much more to do. Click here to learn more.

SISC Community Awareness Campaign

Jan 07, 2021

Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC), a chapter of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), today commences a ten-month community awareness campaign in celebration of the national club’s 100-year anniversary, falling on October 3, 2021. Soroptimist means “best for women”. We are a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training needed to achieve economic empowerment. In Saratoga, SISC has been active since 1979. For more information about who we are and what we do, click here.

Soroptimists Sing "The Orange Song!"

Dec 21, 2020

This year, UN Women and partners around the world marked the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December) under the theme of ‘Orange the World: Raise Money to End Violence against Women and Girls.’ A host of public events galvanized global attention and action to end the pandemic of violence against women. From marches in Uganda, Papua New Guinea, and Uruguay to a public rally on motorbikes in Egypt, people took to the streets to say no to violence, and iconic buildings lit up in orange. Members of a Soroptimist chapter in Austria used their talents to write and perform an original song in support of Orange The World. Click here to read more and to listen to the Orange Song!

Wheels, Women, and Independence!

Dec 19, 2020
Celebrate the Suffrage Centennials at the Saratoga Automobile Museum! Soroptimist of Saratoga County is proud to be a sponsor of an exciting exhibit at the Saratoga Auto Museum. WHEELS: WOMEN & INDEPENDENCE FROM 1900 - 1920. This groundbreaking exhibit showcases the experiences of six pioneer female automobile enthusiasts, with New York State as the starting point for their adventures. At the time, women represented less than 10% of licensed drivers, and “autoing” was definitely not for the faint of heart. Each woman has her own unique story to tell, with a passion for motoring at center. For more information, click here.

Swing Into Spring!

Dec 17, 2020
Soroptimists are leaving the cabin and hitting the golf course! This year, Spring Fever is replacing our traditional Cabin Fever Luncheon. Make plans with friends now to join SISC for 18 holes of golf at our local World-Class Course! This first-time event will take place on Monday, May 24, 2021, at Saratoga National Golf Club.
 
For more information, click here, or contact contact the Spring Fever Committee Chairs: Beth Hladik: drbethcc@gmail.com or Amanda Friedman: a.friedman06@gmail.com.
 
 
 

Local Soroptimist Funding Available!

Nov 18, 2020

Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC) announces the availability of $16,800 in funding for local organizations that support the needs of women and girls in Saratoga County. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training needed to achieve economic empowerment. To qualify, candidate organizations must reside in or serve the needs of citizens of Saratoga County. Grants are typically awarded for specific activities, start-ups, or capital projects. Consideration will be given to the number of people served. Individual endeavors such as pageants and competitions cannot be funded. The application deadline is January 31, 2021. For more information and to download a grant application, click here.  

It's What You Do that Counts! Apply for the 2020-21 Violet Richardson Award

Oct 30, 2020

Are you, or do you know, a young woman between the ages of 14 and 18 who volunteers in Saratoga County? Such a young woman, who believes in the power of volunteer action, may be eligible for the 2020-21 Violet Richardson Award. This award recognizes young women who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts, such as fighting drugs, crime and violence; cleaning up the environment, or working to end discrimination and poverty. Volunteer actions that benefit women and girls are particularly encouraged. in 2020-2021, the award winner will receive a stipend of $500, and $500 will be donated to the non-profit organization affiliated with the award winner. Click here for further details and to apply for the award. Please share this with any young woman who inspires others by her volunteer activities.

Happy Anniversary to Soroptimists!

Oct 21, 2020
Happy 99th Anniversary! Ninety-nine years ago, on October 3, 1921, women leaders led by President Violet Richardson launched the first Soroptimist Club in California, USA. President Violet said that she “never would have considered the Soroptimist movement had she not envisioned it as worldwide and dedicated to all matters of justice and quality of life.” Today, her vision has come to life in 121 countries around the world! 
 
We are now counting down the days to October 3, 2021—the 100thanniversary of the founding of Soroptimist! Our anniversary theme, “Bright Past, Brilliant Future” perfectly encapsulates the respect for and memory of those incredible women who had the foresight and courage to become Soroptimists and pursue the best for women.
 

Apple Picking-An Opportunity for Socially Distanced Socializing!

Oct 14, 2020

EVENT RESCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, AT 2 PM

Saratoga Soroptimists will be apple picking on Wednesday, October 23, at 2:00 p.m. Soroptimist International of Saratoga County, through its Growth and Development Committee, is creating opportunities to maintain membership through socially distanced outdoor events, such as apple picking at the Saratoga Apple Orchard in Schuylerville. Keeping active and in touch with each other brings a spirit of optimism and shared friendship among Soroptimist members, according to the Committee. Members are looking forward to getting together in safe, healthy environments during the coronavirus pandemic. The committee is encouraging all members to join in the fun and friendship. And those cider doughnuts can't be ignored!

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