A new body is to coordinate programme activity across the four Soroptimist International Federations to help plan SI’s worldwide approach
to improving the lives of women and girls. 
It will take account of our increased recognition of ECOSOC status and
the decentralisation of the United Nations to more regional centres.

The group, with a working
title of Programme Strategy Planning Team, will manage a “bottom up” style of
input from Federations and also examine more efficient methods of data
collection currently compiled through 
Programme Report Forms from clubs.

The decision was taken at the annual meeting of the Soroptimist International Board, which took place in Kent, UK last weekend. Chairing the meeting, International President
Ann Garvie paid tribute to  “the
dedicated and excellent work of our volunteer UN representatives”.

Following another key decision, a major overhaul of SI’s
finances is to be undertaken, with the first results ready by Christmas. The scope includes SI
membership subscriptions,  investments,
travel, meetings and headquarters running costs.  “The plan is to maximise income and reduce
governance costs,” explained President Ann.

 

Image: (left, l-r) SI South West Pacific Secretary Sue Latta; SISWP President Carolyn Hudson, SISWP President Elect Theresa Lyford; SISWP Programme Director Di Lockwood; SI Europe President Elect Maria Elisabetta de Franciscis; SI President Elect Yvonne Simpson. (Right, l-r)S I Americas President-Elect 2014-15 Sam Buchenau; SIA President Cheri Fleming; SIA President-Elect 2013-14 Poco Davies; SI President Ann Garvie; SIA Past-President Raquel Arreola Ruiz.

The Board, who are the
Presidents, Presidents Elect and Immediate Past Presidents of each of the four
Federations, voted against reducing the size of the board but publish an increase in the
travel budget for the President 2015 – 17.

Recognition of the scope of
the audit committee beyond finance resulted in the formation of a governance
committee.  This will continually examine
the quality and good practice of the organisation.

And finally – the last act
putting in place SI’s process as an Incorporated body was the transfer of
assets.   International President Ann signed the document followed by the
four Federation Presidents,  Cheryl
Fleming (SIA), Margaret Oldroyd (SIGBI), Ulla Madsen (SIE), and Carolyn Hudson (SISWP).

Soroptimist International club members can read more about the outcomes of the  Board
meeting in a letter from President Ann Garvie, available via your Federation or
the club members area. 

 

Image: Presidents sign the asset transfer, the last stage of making SI an incorporated body. Left to right: Federation Presidents Carolyn Hudson (SISWP), Ulla Madsen (SIE), Margaret Oldroyd (SIGBI), Cheri Fleming (SIA) and International President Ann Garvie.

Soroptimist International’s
20^th Convention in Istanbul, "Soroptimistanbul" is on track for next July. It takes place from 9-12
July.   Read more on the Convention website.