Who we are, in Davis, since 1954.
A volunteer organization improving the lives of women and girls in our community — part of a global network nearly 65,000 members strong.
Soroptimist International
We're one local club in a global network — just under 65,000 Soroptimist members across 118 countries, all doing some version of the same work.
SI Davis was chartered in 1954. We're one of two clubs in town; Soroptimist International of Greater Davis formed in 1985.
Our vision, mission, and values
Three things that shape everything we do — click any one to read more.
A scholarship, not a slogan
Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. In Davis, that's a DJUSD senior's tuition or a $5,000 Live Your Dream Award, funded and awarded by members you can meet at our next lunch meeting.
What's missing usually isn't ambition
Women and girls have the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential and live their dreams. Most of the women we fund already knew what they wanted to do — they were short on tuition, a mentor, or someone who believed the plan was realistic.
Four words we actually check ourselves against
Our Herstory
Soroptimist International was founded in Oakland, California in 1921 by a group of 80 women who were denied access to a male service club. The founding members coined the organization's name from two Latin words meaning "best for women."
The heart of Soroptimist's mission is to make a difference for women and children through volunteer service to the community. Projects are carefully chosen to address challenges unique to women and children today — from providing routine medical care and funding domestic violence shelters, to sponsoring career development programs for girls and tutoring women in literacy and basic job skills.
Soroptimist clubs fund their volunteer efforts by fundraising and by participating in programs developed and sponsored by the organization. One of Soroptimist's major service projects, the Live Your Dream Awards program, provides cash grants for head-of-household women seeking to improve their economic situation through additional education and training.
Soroptimist holds Category One Consultative NGO Status with the United Nations, and uses that standing to advocate on women's issues internationally. Closer to home, a club is a room full of women from every professional discipline — which is how newer members end up with mentors they didn't go looking for.
Violet Richardson WardFounder, Soroptimist International, 1921