Back in 1921, Soroptimist International was first established in Oakland, California!  91 years on here we are today, with Soroptimist groups all over the world working together to transform the lives of women and girls.

One of the most important things about Soroptimist
International are the friendship links that we have with one another. Club
members of SI establish ‘friendship links’ with other Clubs in different
countries and different Federations. Like a buddy up scheme, it allows members
from different clubs to help each other out, give advice and generally support
one another in a whole host of ways. Friendship grants are also used which
allow members to visit each other in different countries to meet each other in
person, meet with a new culture and to witness the work being carried out  There is one current grant available which can be
found on our events page.

Friendship links are helpful in a number of ways, they can offer up inspiring ideas to another to take back to their club and a way of working perhaps unique to their own. They can strengthen the ties between various Clubs and Federations and allow the friendships to develop. They are great for networking and opening up opportunities for further work and friendship.

 

Often in times of tragedy such as the recent floods in Pakistan, Friendship Links are there to offer help, financial aid and support where possible.

Recently, SI Durham, who have friendship links with SI Bangalore, had a visit from a member there who thanked them for their contribution towards building a new toilet block for her village. SI Greenock & District arranged with SI Calcutta Downtown that they would help to set up a bakery there and teach the girls how to develop a business selling baked goods. SIGBI was able to fund the bakery equipment and it is now up and running.

The Tonder club in Denmark recently had a visit from a friendship link from Khabaraosvk, Russia who visited in what was a trip of goodwill and understanding. She was shown the way of life in Denmark visiting various sites and witnessing their work.

SIE also held a friendship evening between the women from the Addis club of Parden Hanna in Ethiopia and the Karkus WIZO club of Israel. The evening consisted of cultural food preparation, Ethiopian ceramics and hair braiding. A great cultural insight for both clubs.

 

 

For newly chartered clubs, friendship links with an experienced club can offer ongoing support and guidance. For countries poor in resources these connections can be very important in assisting their communities in various projects. Equally if any country experiences a disaster of some kind, the friendship links are on hand and can be vital in providing help and support.

Members maintain communication by letter, email, and, when possible, by visits. It is this sharing of experiences, details of Club projects, fund raising events, and other members’  ways of life that enables us all to feel part of a worldwide organisation. Soroptimist International is based on friendship; there are friendships that have been formed over many years and new friendships constantly developing. The warmth and support offered by members of Soroptimist International towards each other is heart-warming and inspiring. Being a Soroptimist, no matter where you are, you know you can call on another Soroptimists to offer advice, friendship and support.

Please click here for President Alice Wells’ message on International Club Friendship Day 2012!