One of the most rewarding aspects of running my own business is that I now have the opportunity to join volunteer organizations that interest me due to my flexible hours. Last year I joined Soroptimist International.
Soroptimist International is a worldwide organization for professional and business women who perform service projects to advance human rights and the status of women and girls. Founded in 1921, there are currently approximately 95,000 members in over 120 countries/territories. The word “soroptimist” was derived from the Latin word soro meaning “sister” and optima meaning “best”. Over the years it has been interpreted to mean “Best for Women”: women at their best, working to help women become their best.
Since my husband is a high school teacher and I am passionate about turning dreams into reality (hence the start of Theresa Rose Designs!), when the chance came up to chair the Dream It, Be It committee, I jumped at the chance to support this worthwhile program.
Dream It, Be It is a new program that provides career support for girls to help them grow up to be strong, successful, happy adults. Dream It, Be It targets girls in secondary school who face obstacles to their future success. It provides girls with access to professional role models, career education and the resources to live their dreams. Soroptimist clubs work in partnership with girls in small groups or a conference setting to provide them with the information and resources they want and need to be successful. The topics covered include career opportunities, setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles to success and how to move forward after setbacks or failures.
On March 25th, our group, along with 3 other San Diego Soroptimist chapters (San Diego, Coronado and Lemon Grove), are hosting If She Can Dream It, She Can Be It One-Day Workshop.
The goal of this workshop is to have Mentors and Mentees, Group Leaders, Teachers, Mothers and Daughters come together to participate in an EXCITING and FUN-FILLED day of career focused activities and professional speakers. Designed specifically for girls in secondary school (14-18), however girls of all ages are welcome.
To further support the girls, I created the Dream It bracelet to give to each of the girls that attend.
From time to time, I create a special piece of jewelry and donate a large portion of the proceedings to worthwhile charities. In the past, I’ve donated to Alzheimer’s Organization and Passion For Paws.
I’m now adding this bracelet to my shop with $10 from each bracelet sale to go to the Soroptimist organization.
All proceeds will support Soroptimist North San Diego as we start teaching this course to our local high schools. We’re already signed up to bring this program to Rancho Bernardo High School and have more schools interested for next year.
Joining Soroptimists North San Diego was one of the best decisions I made last year. This is a group of amazing professional women that are working hard to bring awareness, advocacy and action to our community and make a difference in the lives of women and girls.
Our members work together, through fun and friendship, to:
- Improve the lives of women and girls
- Help women achieve economic and political equality
- Serve as a global voice for women
- Provide outstanding leadership development opportunities for women
If you are interested in learning more about Soroptimist North San Diego:
http://www.soroptimistrb.org/
