Dear Soroptimists

I and the SI Board understand that change can be difficult, and with the launch of SI (Soroptimist International) Limited’s new Emblem, some of you have raised questions about how the SI Board Directors came to the decisions that they made. I hope the following information provides answers to your questions, and that we will be able to move forward together, embracing our new Emblem, and looking to a bold and progressive future.

Structure of Soroptimist International

Soroptimist International being a multi-layered organisation can be very complex to understand. So, to aid understanding, I am including an overview of how we are currently structured and how the SI Board operates.

In 2011, when Soroptimist International was an unincorporated association, the SI Board, at that time, took a decision that devolved the responsibility and accountability for “Programme” and “Membership” to the Federations, leaving “Advocacy” matters in the remit of Soroptimist International. For clarification purposes, a Soroptimist is a member of her Club, her Club is a member of its Federation, and it is the Federation which is a ‘member’ of SI (Soroptimist International) Limited.

In 2013, Soroptimist International became – SI (Soroptimist International) Ltd (SI) Limited,  a Company Limited by Guarantee established under England and Wales – Company Law. In 2020, SI became the Corporate Trustee of the Soroptimist International Foundation established under the Charity Commission – England and Wales. SI operates under and abides by the financial and regulatory regulations pertaining to both Government Institutions.

As a Company Limited by Guarantee, the SI Board comprises 13 Directors (2 from each Federation, plus the SI President, Treasurer and Director of Advocacy) who work in the best interests of the Company. Together they have control of the Company and its property and funds. The Directors abides by not only the Articles of Association, but also company Bylaws, and Governing Documents (i.e., policies, procedures, and manuals).

Each Federation chooses and sends an Authorised Representative to the Annual General Meeting of the Company. The Authorised Representative role is clearly laid out in the Articles but in the main, they receive the Annual Report and Annual Accounts of the Company for the previous financial year; note the appointment and/or election and retirement of elected and appointed Position Holders and of Directors which have taken place since the date of the last AGM and appoint an auditor or independent examiner for the Company. They also discuss and determine any issues of policy or deal with any other business put before them by the Board.

Decision to rebrand

For many years, the Emblem, in its design and use, has been the subject of many discussions. During a meeting last year with the Federation Presidents, the subject of the SI Emblem came to the fore. There was widespread agreement that the Emblem should be recognised as the brand for all Soroptimists who want to claim that they are part of an international organisation and to be recognised throughout the world. This means that the brand needs to be consistent, easily recognisable, and create an impact in today’s world.

For some time, the current Emblem has been inconsistent due to the misuse of it by Clubs, Regions and Unions in many countries. A review of history shows that the previous Emblem, the black and white image of the “Lady” holding up her bare arms has been in use for many years, more recently, the yellow banner was added. Over time, it has been shown in many assorted colour ways and guises, so consistency of image has become a major factor. It was also considered, to be “too busy,” it does not reproduce clearly, and the lady presents as a white woman and does not reflect the equality, diversity, and inclusiveness of SI as a global organisation.

Moving into SI’s second century, the Board believes, is the right time in which to review our image and standing on the world stage. As stated previously, this review of the Emblem has been the subject for discussion of many SI Boards over the years, but during the 2022-2023 biennium, it became one of the objectives under the SI Board’s Strategic Goals – Communications Plan.

The specific objective determines that the aim is to have an Emblem that ensures:
• Consistency and unity – to speak as one voice;
• Recognition and impact for and to the world;
• Staying focused on what we do;
• Maintaining the quality and integrity of image;
• Inclusiveness, equality, and diversity of people across the globe.

The SI Board agreed to review the Emblem at a meeting in 2022 and a design brief was drawn up with input from the Federation Presidents. At all times, SI’s governing policies, procedures, and processes, for financial and regulatory functions were adhered using due diligence.

The Tender Brief

The preamble to the SI (Soroptimist International) Limited’s Articles outlines what should be included in the Emblem. This is not open to a competition of wishful thoughts. The Articles states that the Emblem may be used by Member Federations and the Bylaws provides for Federations and subsequently Clubs to be able to use the words “Soroptimist International of ………………………….” with the understanding that the “Emblem is protected and not open to disfigurement.”

The design brief included what is in the preamble, and asked for a unique Emblem that incorporated the distinctive SI features – a clearly determined and proud female to be represented as inclusive and diverse in appearance, the laurel and oak leaves, the sun rays, the uplifted arms, the words Soroptimist International, and eyes raised in hope for the future. We wanted a timeless look and feel in a sculptured artistic style that is suitable for a new century. Other requests were that it had to have significance – to make our global voice known and heard, to demonstrate and champion the sorority and inclusivity values and at the same time be attractive to the next generations of Soroptimists.

In addition, we asked for a “signature” – that is the typeface to be changed, a primary colour palette using the black, white, yellow and grey colours of the current Emblem and also a secondary colour palette that could be used by Soroptimists on important days and events – such as the United Nation’s Days of Action, or perhaps a major milestone or document.

The Tendering Process

In line with our Finance Manual, four companies were asked to submit responses as to how they would take the design brief forward. Three companies were based in the UK, two that had been used in the past by SI, one that had been used by SIGBI and one company was based in France who had previously given a presentation at an online seminar on branding to the Soroptimist International of Europe Federation. Two of the companies have Soroptimists as part of their management structure. All four companies who were asked to tender include both female and male employees within their management structure and workforce.

Two out of the four companies responded to the Call to Tender.

The Tenders were independently evaluated by each member of the SI Communications Committee who used previously agreed criteria and scoring sheet. The outcome of their evaluation with a recommendation was brought to the SI Board for approval and decision.

The Board agreed to select the company who was considered by the Communications Committee to have to deliver the concept that was closest to that of the brief and the best fit. Value for money was one of the factors taken into consideration, however, to release the costs associated with this procurement would prejudice a commercial interest on the part of the provider of service.

This company was then requested to provide three concepts of the Emblem. A presentation was given by the Company, firstly to the Communication Committee, who reduced the concepts to two. These two concepts were then presented to the Directors, at a SI Board meeting where approval was given to the design of the current Emblem.

In conclusion

I recognise that change is always difficult to initiate and is hard for some to accept, but an organisation that sits on its laurels is one that does not allow itself to move forward and challenge the future.

The Emblem is of a lady who has no colour, no religion, but she remains fully dedicated to her purpose – that of improving the lives of all women and girls throughout the world.

An online webinar will be held at 17:00 BST on 28 September 2023 when Soroptimist International will describe how the concept was evolved and the ways in which it should be used. Details will be shared via our Global Voice newsletter and social media.

I hope to see you there,
Kind regards,

Maureen Maguire
President Soroptimist International 2022-2023

 

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