Welcome to SI West Birmingham

Our President's Message

WELCOME TO Soroptimist International of Birmingham West

(www.soroptimist-gbi.org/clubs/west_birmingham)
Email: siwestbirmingham@blueyonder.co.uk

2008/09 President’s Address

Theme: Birmingham – a rich tapestry.

We now begin our 56th year as SI Birmingham West. The women who founded our club back in 1952 would probably find many differences in the world of 2008 including Soroptimist International. Would they recognise the organisation? I think they would find major changes in communication and certainly in formality, but I would hope that they would still recognise the emphasis on raising the status of women, human rights and international goodwill and understanding.

Over the years SI has had a significant impact in many areas. On March 26th 2008 during Prime Minister’s Questions, Gordon Brown said (in response to a question about Project Sierra) “I believe the house should congratulate the Soroptimists and all those who work for Human Rights in every part of the world…”. Our organisation may be considered to be the best kept secret, but the work we do at all levels is effective, inspirational and in many cases life changing.

Our theme for the year is ‘Birmingham – a rich tapestry’ which will run alongside our Soroptimist goals. I hope we can find out a little more about our city and its’ people.

Programme Action is about putting our SI objectives into action, and I’m sure our Programme Action team will be leading us through another successful year, as well as ensuring we report on our activities regularly, especially on our vibrant website.

During the year we hope to raise awareness and funds for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Continuing Education in Calcutta, a women’s refuge in Birmingham, the Connie Jones Fund, Project Sierra, SI International President’s December 10th Appeal and Born Free - a partnership project with UNICEF. We have also indicated that we will support the MAR project ‘Fresh Start’ by attending fund raising events.

We have very strong and pro-active Friendship Links with seven of our sister clubs throughout the world and we look forward to a member of SI Lyon visiting in June. This year we are inviting our links to attend our Charter Dinner in November 2008. This is planned to be an informal Friendship visit. It would be lovely if we could have an international gathering; especially as we will be highlighting the International President’s appeal.

At SI Birmingham West our glass is always half full, and I’m sure we can increase that level. We must continue to promote ourselves and grow by encouraging new members if we are to keep the tag ‘Small but beautifully formed’ which we have become known for.

Birmingham has the motto of ‘Forward’; let’s keep that in mind this year as we make friends, have fun and make a difference as we continue to build on those foundations that were laid by the women of Birmingham West in 1952.

Jane Davies
President of S.I. Birmingham West
2008-2009

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A little more about the organisation -

S.I BIRMINGHAM WEST
SI Birmingham West celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2002. The Club has approximately 25 members, from a wide range of professions, backgrounds and age groups.
During the last 56 years, the Club has been successful in many projects, including:
• Provision of a 12-seater minibus to the Birmingham
Settlement
• Donation towards the building of a bungalow for the disabled
• Contribution to YWCA project to build flat lets for older, single women
• Sponsorship fund to enable girls to undertake Voluntary Service Overseas
• HEED Project (Help East European Doctors) enabling Gynaecologists from Easter Europe to undergo further training in their profession at the Birmingham Women’s Hospital. 30 doctors attended over a 10-year period, passing on their new professional knowledge in their own countries
• Guide Dog for the Deaf
• Support for ‘Opportunities for People with Disabilities’
• Donations to Edward's Trust, enabling parents to stay with children receiving treatment at the Children’s Hospital
• 3 year input providing sanitation, health care and education for 50 children in 3 West Bengali villages
• Assisted Heartlands Hospital Trust (East Birmingham) with a Day Surgery Ward
• Donations to Hope and Homes for Children to support their work
• Support for a young woman in Uganda, who has need of additional assistance with reading skills
• On-going project of planting, weeding, mulching & tidying at Selly Oak Millennium Wood
• On-going support of Project Independence (see main web site)
• Supporting and promoting Live Music Now!
• Supporting & promoting National Missing Persons’ Helpline
• Many local charities have been assisted

SI Birmingham West meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, at the Apollo Hotel, Hagley Road, except August and December and also has a varied programme of activities, including speaker meetings, social and fundraising events.

We are non party-political and our members are from diverse backgrounds. We actively welcome members from ALL cultures.

You may contact us using the web form, but if you wish additional information, do not hesitate to e-mail us at siwestbirmingham@blueyonder.co.uk

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SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL
Established in 1921, Soroptimist International (SI) is a worldwide service organisation for women in management and the professions, with over 97,000 members in 119 countries. The word Soroptimist literally means ‘the best of sisters’.

Soroptimist International aims to be a global voice for women through Awareness, Advocacy and Action and is committed to being of service to local, national and international communities.

Soroptimist International has representation at the United Nations. Much of the service work (Programme Action) done at individual SI Club level is used to report back to the UN on a wide range of issues.

Jane Davies

Our Officers

These club pages were last updated on: 19 April 2008
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