About Us

Mission Statement
To improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities
and throughout the world.

Vision
Be the voluntary service organization chosen by all business and professional women committed to improving the lives of women and girls. We will share our time, talents and financial resources to enrich our communities.

History
The first Soroptimist club was formed in 1921 by a group of 80 women in Oakland, Alameda County, California. SI Bend was chartered in August of 1943. We are the oldest continuing organization focused on women and girls in the Bend community.

SI and the United Nations
Soroptimist International has consultative status with the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which oversees UN activities and policies promoting human rights. Representatives from Soroptimist International can request agenda items, submit written statements for circulation to all members of the council, make oral statement at meetings and contribute to other UN gatherings and seminars. It is in this forum that Soroptimist representatives can advocate for the Soroptimist mission of advancing the status and human rights of women and girls. Soroptimist representatives are volunteers and work in one of the four UN centers in New York City, Paris, Vienna or Geneva.

Legislative Efforts
SIA continues to advocate for ratification and monitoring of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), as it has since 1980, when the convention first opened for signature. CEDAW is the most comprehensive international agreement which seeks the advancement of women throughout the world. The United States is the only SIA country that has not ratified the Convention.

SIA advocates for equal pay for equal work. Women across the world are consistently paid less for the same work done by men. Clubs are encouraged to advocate for equal pay in their communities and countries.

SI Bend
Soroptimist International Bend is a club within Northwestern Region. We welcome all inquiries about membership. See Join Us for more information.

2007-2008 Officers

President - Cheryl Davidson
Vice President - Sue Conrad
Treasurer - Tricia deWitt
Recording Secretary – Anne Barlow
Correspondence Secretary – Jan Swander
Delegate – Pauline Teron

Directors
Pat Bells
Kemi Broadley

Committees

Membership

Scholarships and Awards

Community Service

Community Connect

Human Rights/Status of Women

Ways and Means (New Projects)

Budget and Finance

Public Relations

Inspiration and Attendance

Social and Installation

Newsletter

By-Laws and Procedures

Website

Soroptimist International of Bend, Oregon
PO Box 1843, Bend OR 97709