Soroptimist International is a worldwide volunteer service organization for business and professional women, working to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.

Soroptimist International strives to be a global voice for women through awareness, advocacy and action with almost 95,000 members in nearly 120 countries. The organization, which was founded in 1921 in Oakland, California, is committed to serving local, national and international communities, and participating actively in decision-making at all levels of society.

The word Soroptimist is coined from the Latin words soror and optima, and loosely translated as "best for women."

VISION

Be the voluntary service organization chosen by all business and professional women committed to improving the lives of women and girls.

We will share our time, talents and financial resources to enrich our communities. Together, we will:

• improve the lives of women and girls
• help women achieve economic and political equality
• serve as a global voice for women
• provide outstanding leadership development opportunities for women
• enhance world peace and understanding

MISSION AND CORE PURPOSE

To improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

CORE VALUES

Soroptimist International of the Americas is committed to:

• international goodwill and understanding
• volunteer action
• leadership development
• fellowship and diversity

STRATEGIC OUTCOMES

1. Membership Soroptimist will be a thriving, dynamic, progressive and relevant organization with members committed to the mission of improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.

2. Program Soroptimist's programs and efforts to raise awareness of women's issues will enable women and girls to lead better lives.

3. Fundraising Sufficient funds will exist for Soroptimist to accomplish its programmatic goals.

4. Public Awareness The world will know about Soroptimist and its efforts to improve the lives of women and girls.

Welcome to the Desert Coast Region of Soroptimist! Desert Coast Region Soroptimist clubs are located in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, and Imperial Counties in California and in Yuma, Arizona, and our members actively participate in Soroptimist International, a worldwide organization of business and professional women whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls.

Soroptimist helps women and girls by giving them the resources to create positive change for themselves, their families, their communities and the world, and we have long been a leader among civic organizations in our awareness, advocacy and action toward the advancement of full equity for all the women of the world. In more than 120 countries throughout the world, some 100,000 Soroptimist members help women and girls live their dreams each and every day. Self-sufficiency...Empowerment...Transformation...Dreams. These are words that reflect the Soroptimist mission and goal-to be women at OUR best helping other women be THEIR best.

I invite you to explore our website and the links to our programs. If you want to learn more, please contact us. If you like what you hear, visit a club near you to find out what Soroptimists in your community are doing. Become one of us. Join us in striving together to improve the lives of women and girls.

Soroptimist means, "The Best for Women" - that's who we are and what we aim to be. Please come along with us on our journey!



Susan "Sam" Buchenau
Governor 2008-2010
Desert Coast Region
Soroptimist International of the Americas