This week’s SoroptiVoice blog comes from Julie Mairs of SI Los Angeles (SIA). This year, her club celebrates 90 years! As the third Soroptimist club ever, chartered in 1922, they certainly have a lot to celebrate! I am sure you will all join with SIHQ in sending the club many congratulations.
SI Los Angeles was the third Soroptimist club in the world when chartered on July 19, 1922 at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. Today, as one of the over 3,000 clubs in 124 countries and territories around the world, we share the Soroptimist mission to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.
For ninety years, SILA members, collaborators, and contributors have supported service projects that advance the status and protect the human rights of women and girls in the Los Angeles area and around the world. Our members have included the first Superintendent of the Los Angeles School District, Susan Dorsey, the first female manager of the Los Angeles City Department of Personnel, Muriel Morse, and a presiding justice of the California Court of Appeals, Mildred L. Lillie for whom the Los Angeles County Law Library building is named.
Over the last 30 years we have been able, with careful financial management and the generosity of our members and the community, to support these life-affirming service projects with over $1,000,000 worth of in-kind resources, donations, awards and fellowships. Projects include:
– Residential programs for female scholars, homeless women, and life saving shelter services for over 250 women and their children annually who are victims of violence in the home;
– SILA Policy Summits (2008 and 2009) on the topic “Ending Violence Against Women” in Los Angeles, designed in collaboration with service providers, women’s service organizations, and elected officials;
– Anti-human trafficking education for service groups and the general public in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties;
– Recognition of teenage girls with the Violet Richardson award for a commitment to voluntary civic action or advocacy, the Women’s Opportunity Award for a woman returning to education and gainful employment, the Making a Difference for Women Ruby Award to honor a female community leader;
– Since 1949, we have given the SILA Fellowship to a young woman completing graduate work in Los Angeles.
On March 31, 2012, we celebrate our 90th anniversary year at the Los Angeles Athletic Club – tomorrow! On that day we will honor Congresswoman Karen Bass as our 2012 Woman of Distinction with the Ruby Award.
For 90 years, SILA have provided the kind of leadership and support that helps women improve their preparation for life and work and their standing locally and in the world. Along with the many Soroptimist clubs around the world, we have offered status improving opportunities through needed and exemplary projects for women and girls. It is an honor to belong to this club and to be a Soroptimist!
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