Locally SIDT selects projects for an area of service which commits its members to hands-on volunteerism. As with any organization not all members can do all things. Through direct hands-on projects many members can give directly of their talents where it makes a difference and has meaning. Past service projects include volunteering with the Educational Enrichment Foundation, Laubach Literacy Project, Christmas in April, and St. Luke’s Home to name a few.
Some of our current projects are listed below.
Eliminating Violence Against Women
Soroptimist adopts abolitionist model as an organization. Soroptimist endorses a resolution in 2010 toward abolition of prostitution, violence against women and not a victimless crime. Soroptimist International of Desert Tucson has selected the “Abolition Conference” in Tucson to participate.
Soroptimist International of Desert Tucson hosting the registration and an exhibitor’s booth to raise awareness about prostitution and sex trafficking in our local community. We are pursuing initiatives addressing prevention, advocacy for better laws and victim services.
Soroptimist International of Desert Tucson is putting together a video which is meant to be educational production to serve four purposes:
- Raise awareness of the magnitude of the human sex trafficking problem in Pima County
- Educate the changes needed in the laws to reduce crime
- Educate parents and teens on how to avoid the problem
- Highlight SIDT’s partnership with Streetlights Tucson, Southern Arizona Against Slavery and other advocate groups staging the Jan. 14, 2012 8:30am-4pm, UA Student Union Ballroom “ Abolition Conference”. http://abolitionconference.com/
Education at Dietz Elementary School - Making a Difference In a Girl’s Life
SIDT members take time from their professional worlds to enter the classroom to share knowledge and life experience with fourth and fifth grade girls at Dietz Elementary in a variety of activities designed to educate and entertain. Through this hands on project, the girls get exposure to topics and activities not always covered in the classroom.
Topics covered include setting goals, exploring careers, dealing with peer pressure, being creative, developing social skills, and making a budget, all while having fun. We end the year with a visit to Pima Community College, giving the girls the idea that this is where they belong. The serendipitous outcome is the adults gain and learn along with the girls.
Saturday of Service
The first Saturday in March has been designated Saturday of Service by Soroptimist. Every year Soroptimist Clubs pick a special project for this day to help women in our local communities. Over the years we have partnered with many organizations in the community such as Habitat for Humanity, Pima Community College and many more. Our project for this club year has yet to be designated.
Soroptimists are women who use the special expertise and management skills developed in their working life to advance the status of women and make the world a better place. Membership offers the opportunity to work with like-minded women throughout the world for human rights for all, equality, development and peace.
