WHO WE ARE   Core Values Soroptimist is an international volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. We will share our time, talents and financial resources to enrich our communities.   We are committed to: improving the lives of women and girls international goodwill and understanding volunteer action leadership development fellowship and diversity Together we will: help women achieve economic and political equality serve as a global voice for women provide outstanding leadership development opportunities for women enhance world peace and understanding   MISSION AND CORE PURPOSE To improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

SOROPTIMIST CODE OF ETHICS   My business principles exact: full recognition of the rights of others; acknowledgment of the responsibilities of citizenship and the duty of discharging the obligations entailed: the use of my position at all times to the end that a higher level of human ideals and achievements may be attained.

Frequently Asked Questions   Why does Soroptimist focus on women and girls? Soroptimist was formed because in 1921 women who were interested in volunteer service were not permitted to join male service organizations. Since that time, the organization has worked to help women improve their standing in the world. Despite tremendous strides, women still do not enjoy equal economic or social status with their male counterparts. As an organization of and for women, Soroptimist feels uniquely qualified to tackle the challenges facing today's women and girls. What is the relationship between Soroptimist International of the Americas and Soroptimist International? Soroptimist International, headquartered in Cambridge, England, is the parent organization to which Soroptimist International of the Americas belongs. The other three organizations that belong to Soroptimist International are: Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, headquartered in Cheshire, England; Soroptimist International of Europe, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland; and Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific, headquartered in Sydney, Australia. How many members are in Soroptimist? Soroptimist International has about 95,000 members. Soroptimist International of the Americas has about 45,000 members. How many countries are in Soroptimist? Soroptimist International members reside in about 120 countries and territories throughout the world. Soroptimist International of the Americas' clubs are located in 19 countries and territories: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, United States and Venezuela.

SOROPTIMIST PLEDGE   Each member should memorize the pledge, which should be recited during every Soroptimist meeting.    I pledge allegiance to Soroptimism and to the ideals for which it stands. The sincerity of Friendship The Joy of Achievement The Dignity of Service The Integrity of Profession The Love of Country   I will put forth my greatest effort to promote, uphold and defend these ideals, for a larger fellowship in home, in society, in business, for country and for God.   DESCRIPTION OF EMBLEM   The emblem is a circular disc on which the figure of a woman appears as the central figure.  She emerges as the “spirit of womanhood”—vital, steadfast and dauntless.   A plaque bearing the name “Soroptimist” is held in her upraised arms.   The leaves and acorns of the oak bend downward to the right from the word ”Soroptimist” and are emblematic not only of the strength and growth of the organization, but of the progress and achievements that it will attain.   The leaves of the laurel are on the left of the word “Soroptimist.”  Laurel is renowned as the symbol of victory and typifies friendship and success, both of which are vital to club life.   The word “International” forms the lower portion of the emblem and signifies the worldwide institution that Soroptimist has become.   Our emblem is more than just a badge of identification; it is a symbol of the aims and ideals of Soroptimists everywhere.