Diamonds are a girls best friend - or so they say.  Well, I happen to think they are right!  SIA recently launched the "The Diamond Campaign" that was introduced at the Fall Meetings.  This is a multi-year campaign to strengthen our organization’s membership base as we approach Soroptimist’s 100th anniversary. The first year of the campaign will run from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019. Through the Diamond Campaign we will ensure the future of Soroptimist, and our legacy will shine on as we carry our mission forward. By growing our membership, it becomes possible for us to deliver our brand-unifying Dream Programs. That brings us closer to our Big Goal to reach even more women and girls who face obstacles.  In this campaign, every club and region will work toward a unified membership goal. By doing this, we will be focused, dedicated, and stronger than ever!  So, give the gift of membership and create your new best friends!  Our region Membership Chair will be reaching out to each club to discuss the goals set for each club and to provide the support needed to reach those goals.  To paraphrase Rihanna - "Shine bright like a diamond.... We're like diamonds in the sky" - We got this!

 

I also want to remind you what we collectively agreed to accomplish this year as a region:

• Program – Continue with our 100% participation in LYDA
• Program – increase our DIBI participation to 50% by 2019, and 100% by 2020
• Membership – Charter 4 new clubs by 2020
• Membership – slow our membership loss to 1% or less
• Fund Raising – develop relationships with corporate sponsors
• Public Awareness – Increase our social media presence for all club

Soroptimists are invited to support Women, Water & Leadership, once again joining with the SI membership around the world for a common goal. Clubs or members can make a donation through our own SIA Federation and you might hold a fundraiser and use social media and websites to create awareness. Include photos and use the hashtag #WWLSoroptimist on your social media posts. At least five projects will be supported on five continents that educate, empower and enable women and girls to lead in water, embracing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the targets set out in SDG 6: Water and sanitation, SDG 4: Education, and SDG 5: Gender Equality. The President’s Appeal is committed to promoting the inclusion of women in water resource governance as experts and leaders during all phases of the projects. Women will be equally involved in decision-making throughout the entire project cycle – from education and capacity building, through to design, implementation and monitoring. The President’s Appeal seeks to reach the goal of raising £350,000 over two years, and to have improved, sustainable, accessible and affordable water products and services on five continents. Learn more about the SI President’s Appeal at the link: