What's in a name?
SOROPTIMIST is a name coined from two Latin words, "soror" meaning Sister and "optima" meaning" Best, giving Soroptimist the meaning – Best for Women.

Soroptimist International is a worldwide organization of classified service clubs for women, founded in 1921. Soroptimist clubs are part of communities in many countries throughout the world and have more clubs and more members than any other similar organization. There are now almost 9500 members in nearly 120 countries and territories.

Soroptimists are professional and executive business women of all ages, cultures, and ethnic groups. Members represent a wide array of professions, including doctors, attorneys, teachers, chief executive officers of companies, business owners and government officials.

The heart of Soroptimist's mission is to "make a difference for women" through volunteer service to the community. Projects are carefully chosen to address challenges unique to today's women. The organization, a recognized authority on matters that women value most, uses its international voice and official status with the United Nations to advocate on behalf of women's issues.

Soroptimist membership provides an enriching environment for women to develop friendships and to support each other, while experiencing the satisfaction of their collective efforts to improve communities. These women also serve as role models for younger women at the beginning of their careers.

Our local club is called SI Sequim – Soroptimist International of Sequim! We are part of the Northwestern Region of Soroptimist International of America

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How we got started - 57 years of service
Soroptimist International of Sequim, SI Sequim, was formally chartered, along with the Port Townsend Soroptimist Club, at a banquet in the Olympic Cafe in Sequim on May 2, 1947. Precedent was broken as it was the first time in the history of Soroptimist Clubs that two charters were granted in a joint ceremony, and Sequim, with 31 members, was believed the largest charter membership in a town of its population.

The key address, given by Lois Bell Sandall, the then immediate past President of the American Federation of Soroptimist Clubs, sums up the true meaning of what it is to be a Soroptimist member: "Soroptimists give service, not charity. Charity is giving to others out of our bounty; service requires active participation in the many responsibilities of the community, nation and world."

The general service program includes participation in efforts to achieve world peace by promoting tolerance and understanding among all peoples.

For over a half a century Soroptimist International of Sequim - SI Sequim - has broadened our perspectives as we work together in fellowship striving to improve conditions for all. Truly we are Making A Difference.

We set our goals based on the needs of our community. Members make a difference through participation on Committees.

SI Sequim has bi-weekly Regular Meetings and monthly Board Meetings.

The colors of Soroptimist, Blue & Gold, symbolize the aims and objectives of the Living Spirit of Soroptimist.

Blue signifies loyalty – to our country; to our community; to the highest ethical standards of business and profession; to Soroptimist goals – and each other.

Gold signifies true worth; character; efficiency; the dignified success that affords Soroptimist members an opportunity to serve society.

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Where in the World is SI/Sequim?

The Northwestern Region, Soroptimist International of Americas

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