July is a month of major gatherings for two of the four
Soroptimist International Federations; Soroptimists from  the SI of the
Americas Federation are arriving in Vancouver, Canada, this week for their
Biennial Convention, while SI of Europe held their Governors’ meeting from
10-12 July.

The Power of Girls – SI
of the Americas Convention

 

The power of girls will be the key theme at the SIA
Convention in Vancouver from 23-26 July. The Federation will be launching a
major new program to help girls take control of their lives and live their
dreams. The international program will help to equip girls with the resources
they need to pursue their career goals by providing them with information,
guidance and financial support.

Participants will be able to watch the groundbreaking “Girl
Rising” film, which shares the stories of 9 remarkable girls from around the
world, along with a presentation by Kayce F. Jennings, Senior Producer of the
film.

“In addition to
participating in a wonderful program with exceptional speakers and informative
workshops, how fun will it be to hang out with your girlfriends in a beautiful
setting, while re-affirming our mission to help women and girls around the
world”, says Federation President Cheri Fleming in her video message about
the event.

For updates throughout the event, visit the Convention blog: http://siavancouver2014.wordpress.com/

SI Europe Governors’
Meeting

Image: SI Europe Governor’s Meeting (Credit: SIE)

175 Soroptimists came together in Copenhagen for the SI
Governors’ meeting from 10-12 July, where increasing membership, raising the
profile of SI and sharing best practice were all on the agenda.

Governors from across the Federation, representing countries
from Europe, the Middle East and Africa, gathered to discuss major issues,
share experience and take key decisions. They were joined by representatives of
Single Clubs (those based in countries with fewer than 7 clubs, which therefore
do not have a national Union or Governors), delegates of other Soroptimist
federations and Soroptimist International President Ann Garvie and
President-Elect Yvonne Simpson.

SI of Europe’s Best Practice awards were announced at the event,
with 11 outstanding projects to improve the lives of women and girls 
recognised.

The overall Project of the Year award was presented to the
SI Union of Italy for the building of child-friendly protected court rooms for
minors.  Over the last two years, Soropti
mists across the Italian Union, in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Justice,
have undertaken a project truly unparalleled in scale to protect children who
have been victims or witnesses of crimes. They have funded
the building of 56 special court rooms in which children can give testimony in
a protected environment adapted to their age.

Visit the Best Practice
Awards section of the SIE website for more information on all of the
projects recognised.

Read more about the Governors’ Meeting in Federation President Ulla
Madsen’s message from the meeting or International
President Ann’s report.