| Happy New Year!
As we look forward to 2019 - It is important to reflect back on our accomplishments. From the SIA 2016-2017 Annual Report:
"Our organization exists to economically empower women to rise above their difficult circumstances and achieve their life goals. What we do is powerful and transformative. We know that access to education is the most effective anti-poverty intervention. And because we measure the outcomes of our Live Your Dream Awards and Dream It, Be It programs—we also know they achieve their stated goals of economically empowering women and girls who face obstacles such as poverty,violence and teen pregnancy. The transformation doesn’t end there. Our programs ignite a ripple effect that spreads to the families of the women and girls we help,their communities, their countries and our world. We are proud our work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “We will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals if there is no accelerated action to empower women economically.” We agree, of course. Our award-winning Live Your Dream Awards and Dream It, Be It programs absolutely support five of the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals for women’s equality. We live in a rapidly changing world. Entrenched social inequalities that keep women and girls down require a new way of thinking and doing. Throughout our history, Soroptimist has demonstrated a willingness to chart new territory. To take risks. To try new things to adapt our collective mindset to a changing world. We are eternally grateful for the strong partnerships throughout SIA. To the women and girls we serve, who inspire us every single day. To our clubs and members for the tireless work they do in their communities."
From the women and girls we serve:
“Education is so important for mothers because they have a major influence on their children’s education.This award will help me continue my education and graduate, so that I can provide a good example for my children and give back to my community.”—Sara, 2017 Live Your Dream Awards Recipient
“I believe that with [my faith]—combined with hard work, patience, self-confidence, determination, and people who trust me—my dream to get a college education and become a teacher is within arm’s reach.”—Rochelle,2017 Live Your Dream Awards Recipient
“It was so great to hear about other women’s successful career stories. It was also great to build ourselves up and become visionaries of our future ... I’m grateful for women like yourselves, creating better opportunities for the young women of my generation ... truly.”—Dream It, Be It Participant
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