Membership

Image from: https://www.walkmyworld.com/posts/new-zealand-in-winter

From where I am writing to you, the days are now shorter and nights longer, winter is here. The sudden drop in temperature, with snow, wind and lots of rain tells us so!

In 2025 Australia National Volunteer week was celebrated from 19^th – 25th May. In New Zealand National Volunteer month was recognised with “The Big Shout Out” campaign, celebrating volunteerism from 15^th to 22^nd June. 

I understand National Volunteer Week in Asia is not a globally recognized event like the ones in Australasia.  However many organisations and countries in Asia host their own volunteer weeks or events to celebrate and recognize the contributions of volunteers.

How did your club celebrate volunteer week?

How did you recognise your wonderful volunteers during volunteer week?

To capture the joy of friendship and fun we would love to share some photos of your 2025 volunteer week activities.

Please send through to me at membership.kristeen@siseap.org

If you are like me, you probably volunteer in a number of organisations each week, so during this time you may be going from one party to the next!

Being a club member of Soroptimist International is a treasured volunteer role, one we all can enjoy and learn from. Since being established in 1921, that feeling hasn’t changed. But the way we execute those activities and projects we have had to adapt swiftly to meet the global, societal and technology changes and challenges we now face daily.

A healthy club is one that is growing and changing. Research shows that clubs with diverse perspectives and backgrounds strengthens and energies innovation. A club that involves all members and takes time to listen shows respect. A club that gives members a voice and recognises skills will help strengthen a club and in return members show continued commitment. If a club does not ‘check in’ regularly or is not always open to new ideas, frustration and apathy among members may set in.

Most importantly remember we are all volunteers. Due to personal or family circumstances some may not have as much time or money to give (as others) but what is free is our continued expression of Soroptimist fellowship, respect and support for each other, guided by our mission to help empower and women and girls in our communities.

Yours in the spirit of Soroptimism,

Kristeen Johnston QSM

Friendship Links

The past few months have been quieter in terms of friendship links formed, but I have been delighted to be copied into correspondence between clubs that have formed friendship links and are now looking to extend their relationship through visits, the sharing of ideas and possibly working collaboratively on a project.  Keep up the good work and I look forward to hearing more from you.

I have also been pleased to receive requests from clubs via the form on the SISEAP website for changes to be made to the Friendship Links Database.  I have actioned those received to date and do ask that clubs contact me if you wish me to follow up whether clubs, with whom you have a friendship link, are still operational. Unfortunately, clubs world-wide are facing problems of reduced membership and failing support.

On the flip-side, my husband and I have personally recently enjoyed the benefits of our world-wide network, having hosted the daughter of a Soroptomist from Gottingen, Germany.  It was wonderful to share a few days with her in our home and to learn so much about her, her family and life in what is principally a university town.

Do remember to make your requests for Friendship Links, or for an update of any information on the Friendship Links Database, via the form under Friendship Links in the Members area of the SISEAP website.

In friendship,

Eileen Middleton

SISEAP Friendship Link Coordinator 2024-2026

Membership Annual Reports for 2024

Membership Convenor Kristeen Johnstone is pleased to present the Membership Committee annual reports for 2024.

Demonstrating SISEAP members' dedication, these reports showcase SISEAP members' continued efforts in Educating, Empowering, and Enabling women and girls."

Read the Reports here    pdf SISEAP Membership reports 2025(936 KB)

To be a Soroptimist is to be part of something greater than yourself—a movement that champions the empowerment, education and advancement of women and girls across the globe. It is a commitment to service, a dedication to advocacy and a pledge to support those in need with compassion and action. But beyond the projects, the fundraising and the meetings, what does it truly mean to embody the spirit of Soroptimism?

A Heart for Service
A true Soroptimist serves selflessly. Whether it’s providing scholarships for young women, supporting victims of domestic violence, or advocating for human rights, a Soroptimist is driven by a genuine desire to make a difference.

A Voice for the Voiceless
Soroptimists stand up for those who cannot always stand up for themselves, advocating for the education of girls, gender equality and the eradication of violence against women. A true Soroptimist uses her voice to challenge injustice, inspire change and ensure their concerns are heard in communities, governments, and globally.

A Bond of Friendship
One of the most beautiful aspects of being a Soroptimist is the camaraderie shared among members, friendships formed within our clubs are built on mutual respect, encouragement and a shared mission. We are a sisterhood bound by purpose and that unity strengthens us all by celebrating our achievements and supporting each other through all challenges.

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
A Soroptimist is always learning how she can grow and evolve to be a more effective leader, mentor, and advocate. Develop our skills, broadening our perspectives, and being informed by educating ourselves, making us more powerful agents of change.

A Legacy of Empowerment
A true Soroptimist understands that her work is not just about today but about shaping a better future for generations to come, knowing that when we educate, enable and empower, we create lasting transformation. Every has the potential to sustain an unstoppable chain of progress.

The Soroptimist Spirit
To be a true Soroptimist is to embody hope, resilience and action. It is to show up, speak out and stand strong for the principles we believe in. To serve with passion and purpose, knowing that even the smallest effort can spark change in the world.

Each of us, is unique and contributes to our clubs. Whether through leadership, volunteering, advocacy, or simply offering a listening ear. Together, we make a difference—locally and globally.
When women help women, amazing things happen.

Warm regards,
Cath Dodd

Member of SI Gold Coast

Today’s world is one of rapid change, with huge challenges but also great opportunities. Various media present us with a constant flow of information, little of which is good news, so much more of troubles, disasters and need.

In this troubling environment we may question what does it mean to be a Soroptimist?

In this modern age while the ongoing trend is for service clubs like ours to lose relevancy, the feeling most Soroptimist members have, is that in 2025 we should be even more relevant to all women and girls.

We should remind ourselves that being a Soroptimist, through club membership and
fellowship, we can form and maintain important relationships and have a positive impact
on our communities.

Soroptimists of all ages and diverse countries are proud to be part of an international organisation that endeavours to improve the lives of women and girls. Our membership offers opportunities to live a life through advocacy, meaningful projects and action, at alocal, national or even an international level.

Recently the national association of SI Aotearoa New Zealand held an empowering annual Conference of Clubs - Women Shaping the Future in Invercargill. Reading through the Presidents annual reports, club grassroots activities large and small were most impressive with their action and outcomes. Meeting a need and influencing change. This confirms that the Soroptimists do make a
difference.

On a daily basis our amazing Soroptimist members through strong connections and friendships continue to fill gaps in meeting essential social needs, supporting sustainable living, environmental activities, closing inequities and keeping women and girls safe, all with awareness, advocacy and action.

We wear our Soroptimist membership with pride.

Membership Month

April is here, and that means it’s Membership Month! We want to remind you to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen our community and engage with fellow members.

Join us for our upcoming webinar, "Together We Thrive: Real Stories of Membership Success," scheduled for Sunday, 13th April 2025, at 3:30 PM AEST. The session will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and will feature inspiring stories showcasing the power of membership and collaboration.

This is a great chance to learn, share experiences, and discover how we can succeed together. Don’t miss out!

Additionally, we encourage you to explore our Membership Toolkit, now available on the SISEAP Trello board. It is a valuable resource designed to help you maximize your membership experience.

Make sure to register for the webinar and utilize the toolkit to enhance your engagement.

Share Your Soroptimist Story
In the Spirit of Membership Month, we want to hear your Soroptimist Story. Simply fill out the Form and send it to hq2@siseap.org and membership.kristeen@siseap.org and we will feature your Soroptimist Story on the SISEAP website.

Together, let’s thrive!

Kristeen Johnston
2024-2026 Membership Convenor 
membership.kristeen@siseap.org

What’s Your Elevator Pitch?

Have you heard of an “elevator pitch”?

It’s a simple, short way to explain something important—like what it means to be a Soroptimist. Imagine you had just 30 seconds to tell someone why you are part of this organization. What would you say?

I spoke with Hanaa Wong Abdullah, the SISEAP Communication Convenor, about her elevator pitch. Her advice?

“Create one that’s true to you. It should feel natural and reflect your own voice—that way, it’s authentic and impactful.”

Why does this matter?

Because when someone asks, “What’s a Soroptimist?” or “Why do you volunteer?” it’s your chance to inspire them.

Whether they’re a potential member, donor, or supporter, your pitch can show them what Soroptimists do and why it matters.

How to Create Your Elevator Pitch:

Here’s a simple 6-step guide to help you craft your own:

1. Know What You Want to Share: Think about what’s most important. For example: • “SISEAP unites women across 13 countries to lead change in their communities.”

2. Think About Who You’re Speaking To: Tailor your message for the person in front of you. • Potential Members: Highlight the benefits of joining. • Donors or Supporters: Focus on the impact Soroptimists create.

3. Explain the Problem Soroptimists Address: Be clear about what we’re working to change. Example: “Women in many places face barriers to leadership and equality. Soroptimists work to break those barriers.”

4. Share How Soroptimists Make a Difference: Talk about the solutions we provide. Example: “We focus on education, advocacy, and building strong networks to empower women.”

5. Highlight Real Results: Share a success story or impactful numbers. Example: “Last year, Soroptimist members launched over 50 projects, transforming thousands of lives across our region.”

6. Invite Action: End with what you want the listener to do. Example: “If you care about empowering women, we’d love for you to join us or support our work!”

Example Elevator Pitch:
“SISEAP brings together women from 13 countries to lead social and economic change. We tackle barriers to leadership and equality through education, advocacy, and collaboration. With over 50 successful projects last year, we’re making real change happen. If you believe in empowering women, join us or support our mission!”

Feel free to make your pitch your own. Practice it until it feels natural—it’s your personal way to share the
incredible work of Soroptimists.

Contributed by:
Kristeen Johnston – Membership Convenor
Hanaa Wong Abdullah – Communication Convenor

Membership Best Practice Awards 2025

Clubs are invited to celebrate their membership initiatives and successes.

GREAT NEWS!

Along with the Best Practice Award certificate, clubs have an exciting opportunity to win prizes! This is for the Recruitment Award only.

1. The highest number of new members recruited for a club from 1st January 2024 - 31st December 2024. 1st prize AU$100, 2nd prize AU$75.

2. The highest % growth in membership for a club from 1st January 2024 - 31st December 2024. 1st prize A$100, 2nd prize A$75

Nominations will be sought in the 1 February and 1 March Bulletin, with a close-off date of 25 March 2025. The Awards will be presented at the Federation meeting on 18th May 2025.

SISEAP Recruitment and Retention Membership Award 2025

Noting number of new members and membership % increase from1st January 2024 - 31st December 2024, plus the provision of a 2024 Recruitment and Retention Plan, and a photo or photos

SISEAP Friendship Links Award 2025

noting activities undertaken with a Friendship Link Club in the past two years (social, training, programme, and/or other).

SISEAP Diversity of Membership Award 2025 

What is your understanding of the importance of diversity in a Soroptimist club, and how has your club taken steps to enhance inclusivity and diverse representation?Share examples of how your club has worked to create an inclusive environment within your Soroptimist club, ensuring diverse voices are heard and respected. Diversity can include a range of cultures, ages, skills, socio-economic backgrounds, geographical locations, abilities and disabilities, and membership categories, all showing the club's inclusive nature. Supply a photo/s showing the diversity of your club, if possible.

SISEAP Membership Innovation Award 2025

An open award that showcases a club’s creativity and/or originality, a positive impact, potential for sustainability or adaptability, and instances of collaboration or partnerships, with a membership outcome for training or recruitment or retention.

Kristeen Johnston

SISEAP Membership Convenor 2024-2026

membership.kristeen@siseap.org

Highly Recommend Soroptimists to attend the Thriving Futures workshop course!

That was the clear message from eleven Soroptimists from eight clubs across Aotearoa New Zealand after they attended the 15^th – 17^th June course recently held in Wellington.

Soroptimists some very experienced, some relatively new, came from a mixture of clubs across our National Region. However, we all had the same goal, to learn from Anthea Penny the Facilitator and each other, on how we can re-energise our Soroptimist clubs to retain and build our membership.  We scored the program very highly, the overall evaluation results were 94.8%.

With very clear goals Anthea took us through the course content.

Pre Workshop Webinar

Attend a pre two-day workshop Webinar that discusses the programme contents and introduces members to recruitment planning cycle and the pre analysis required.

Content of the Two day workshop

• Understand the case for change regarding our declining membership and the need for action.
• Using a strategic model, share and discuss the analysis of our clubs / regions, Strengths, Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats SWOT., together with the dynamics of Soroptimist Clubs and Renewal Processes
• Explore the key elements of a high-functioning club and strategies that encourage office holding and recruitment and develop tactics for recruitment.
• Prepare a plan for recruitment and retention for individual participant’s clubs containing Goals, SMART objectives, criteria for evaluation and a timeline.
• Develop your narrative for change and call to action for your club and practice the narrative and Elevator Pitch

Post Two-day workshop

Coaching in groups is available port workshop and the final presentation of each participant’s club is presented online in four months’ time

What worked well for participants?

“Having specific items to work on and the flow of the programme. The opportunity to meet an amazing group of interesting, very motivated, positive women and hear the many different ways clubs work and the personalities encountered. The skills I have gained and the courage to go back, analyse them and use them”.

“Meeting and making new connections with others in SIANZ who have a likeminded view of Soroptimism and want to make a change in how we look at what we are doing to support strong and not-so-strong clubs”.

“I loved the friendship and laughter; the feeling of safety in saying what I felt and the feeling of support. I am an idea’s person and I felt the environment we were in allowed many thoughts to come forth. I LOVE THAT!”

If you are interested in the Thriving Futures Program which now contains a 2 day face-to-face workshop, please contact me at swpmembership2020@siswp.org or Anthea Penny at  swppresidentelect2020@siswp.org

Kristeen Johnston
2024-2026 Membership Convenor
swpmembership2020@siswp.org

This is the 2023 Membership Best Practice Award winners.

Recruitment: Increased numbers of members

Winner
Club: SI Fiji

Congratulations to SI Fiji on a successful 2022 extension programme, with two new Clubs Chartered.  Well done for the highest overall Region membership increase of 167% since 2011.

Retention & Diversity of membership: through utilising the different categories.

Winner
Club:  SI Moreton North Inc

Congratulations to SI Moreton North for diversity and inclusivity of membership, utilising the SISEAP categories to increase membership, welcoming members from other countries and including a wide range of ages.  Recruitment and retention methods that ensure members join and stay.

Some 30 students registered to participate in 6 heats across 6 campuses from April through to May. Culminating in 6 articulate and confident women making the ‘floor theirs’ in the Grand Final of the SIWA The Floor is Yours public speaking competition for women enrolled in a tertiary institution. The 70 people who attended the grand final were informed, challenged and entertained by each of the speakers who spoke on topics around leadership, equity, equality or more specifically gender equality.

This was the 5th year of the competition that is a collaborative project by 5 clubs and supported by the Region of WA. This year representatives from the 5 clubs formed a committee that met regularly online to plan, support each other and implement the project.

This year was also a turning point in the competition as the name of the competition was changed to The Floor is Yours; the scope of the competition was broadened to include all tertiary enrolled women, not just University students; and a dedicated Instagram account was opened - siwa_thefloorisyours. Please follow us.

There is one last component of this competition to be completed, the Leadership and Networking Seminar. All students registered for the competition, this year and last year, along with supporters from the various tertiary institutions are invited to attend the seminar. A number of experienced and successful women are invited to join with Soroptimists to provide networking and leadership skills to the students. It is also an opportunity for all the students to meet each other and begin to build their own networks.

Elizabeth Butson AM

SEAP Membership Australia 2022-2024