Membership FAQ

General:

What is the Soroptimist mission?
Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.

How do members/clubs support the Soroptimist mission?
Soroptimist members belong to local clubs, which determine the focus of volunteer work in their communities. Club projects can range from renovating domestic violence shelters and providing mammograms to low-income women, to sponsoring self-esteem workshops for teenage girls. In addition, Soroptimists participate in organization-wide programs offered from the federation (more details below).

Membership:
What benefits do members receive?
In addition to intangible rewards such as friendship and personal fulfillment, members also receive the following benefits:
•    Opportunity to participate in Soroptimist’s life-changing programs
•    Subscription to our award-winning Best for Women magazine
•    Subscription to our email newsletter, the “Soroptimist Summary”
•    Access to numerous documents and tools available on the SIA website
•    Leadership development and networking opportunities at club meetings, region conferences, the biennial convention and other meetings
•    Opportunity to provide feedback, offer suggestions and voice opinions through the Soroptimist
•    Snapshot online surveys and other market research activities
•    Invitations to take advantage of special offers and discounts through our partnering organizations.

How much does membership cost?
Soroptimist members pay dues at three levels—club, region and federation. Club administration, projects and programs are financed through club-level membership dues, which are set by each individual Soroptimist club. Each Soroptimist region also determines its own dues and fees based on region-level activities and projects.

2020–2021 new member dues description

Club level
Q: What other financial obligations do members have?
A: Aside from dues, club members have no other required financial obligations. However, one of the main obligations of Soroptimist clubs is to raise money to support our programs and events. Here are a few examples of optional financial support opportunities to consider:
•    Cost of meals for club meetings. There is currently no set meal fee, however we do meet at a restaurant for our business meetings once per month. Each member is responsible for her own meal, if she wishes to order. Presently, we are meeting virtually, so this doesn’t apply for now.
•    District, Region, and/or Federation events. Throughout the year, members are invited and encouraged to attend conferences, conventions, and other meetings at the District, Region, or Federation level. The club budgets funds to assist members attending these events, however those funds may be limited and members may have to cover all or part of the costs to participate in these events. These meetings, conferences and conventions can range in price from $20 to $400 (not including room and board for destination events). None of these events are mandatory, however they are wonderful opportunities to learn from other clubs and gain valuable skills all clubs need, including leadership.

What are the attendance requirements?
As written in the SIA Bylaws, Section 5.02 Entitlements: (a) All members whose participation meets the requirements set by the club bylaws may hold office, speak, make motions, and vote. Clubs shall not require attendance at meetings as a condition of retaining membership in the club.

Does this club have bylaws? Yes.

Miscellaneous:
Q: What programs are Soroptimist clubs required to participate in?
A: Currently, there are no program requirements at the federation level. Participation in SIA’s signature project, the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award, is strongly urged. This award was established to assist women with primary financial responsibility for their families to obtain the skills training and education necessary to improve their employment status and standard of living for themselves and their family. When clubs participate in SIA programs, they become part of an international effort to improve the lives of women and girls.