88th Annual WCR Conference (Virtual), Day 1 - Saturday, May 15, 2021
What a weekend!
Hosted by SI of the Langleys, Soroptimists from around the region gathered to share and learn from the comfort of their homes. Club members were joined by SI President Sharon Fisher and other international guests, SIA guests as well as Governor Jennifer Oliver and members of Eastern Canada Region. A benefit of being mindful of travel restrictions allows for our events to take on an international flavour.
Conference Co-Chair Diane Summers welcomed attendees to the conference. In her remarks she recognized the recent passing of Governor Roseanne Ham and explained that according to Region Bylaws, when the Governor is not able to complete her term, the Governor-Elect will assume the role for the remainder of that term followed by the biennium she is to serve as Governor. Governor Suzanne Heron of SI Victoria-West Shore will conduct the business of the Region until the end of this biennium and assume the position again for her term. Similarly, the Governor may appoint a Soroptimist to assume the role of Governor-Elect for the remainder of the term. In this instance, Chari Grant of SI of the Tri-Cities has accepted to fulfill the term as Governor-Elect.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE STRUCK
A three member Nominating Committee was struck at this conference to prepare nominations for the 2022-2024 biennium WCR Board.
Melanie Kenny (SI Saskatoon), Diane Summers (SI of the Langleys), and Sherry Smith (SI Central Alberta) are tasked with contacting members to determine a slate of names for election to the Board at our next conference. Please consider putting your name forward when/if you are contacted. If you are already interested in being part of the Board - reach out to any of these Members!
FEDERATION ADDRESS: Jackie DeMartini, SIA Secretary-Treasurer
In her role within SIA, Jackie DeMartini (SI Newcastle, CA) sees first hand the financial struggle that some clubs and members are facing in the current world climate. Membership is down 16% with those leaving indicating that by meeting on virtual platforms with fundraising and other interactions limited, they were “not getting anything out of their membership”. She reminded all clubs to check in with those clubs when we are able to resume regular activities.
She prefers to use the term “forward to better” rather than “back to normal”. Her words are far more encouraging!
Jackie reminded everyone that the programs and projects that our clubs take on are still very important and should be celebrated on an ongoing basis. As a way to get to know our clubs better and to re-invigorate thinking she opened the floor to hear from us directly about our programs. We thank her for getting us motivated to move “forward to better” in our new Soroptimist year!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fChjhM_Ycuc
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Memorial Co-Chairs Karen Wandler and Sharon Fisher prepared a wonderful tribute to the beautiful Soroptimists that we have said good-bye to this year. Please take a few minutes to watch and remember with us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqNYuC6jTtI
Conference 2022 - Invitation from SI Victoria-West Shore!
After two years of “watching” instead of “meeting”, this group of women are seriously ready for a road trip! Some had booked their hotel rooms before the weekend was even over! Here’s the invitation from the amazing members of SI Victoria-West Shore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtAPMbNwY4o
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER - President Sharon Fisher, Soroptimist International
It is always an honour to hear from SI President Sharon Fisher (SI of the Langleys). Her positive and inspiring message is a reminder of why we work so diligently to empower women globally.
The “Road to Equality” President’s Appeal is focusing on making changes in six (6) areas that impact women and girls globally:
Domestic Violence
Human Trafficking
Forced and Child Marriage
Female Genital Mutilation
Older Persons
People on the Move
To learn more about what has been done and will continue to be done as a result of President Sharon’s vision please view her presentation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=359xrIU4ZKM
President Sharon reminded all that there will be a grand 100th Anniversary Celebration on October 1-3, 2021 (virtual). Members are encouraged to register and part of this historic event. The organizing committee is also looking for assistance with some of the prep work for the event, if you might be interested please let President Sharon know.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Emmy Skates, Executive Director, The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope, Langley BC
During the early planning of this year’s retreat, Governor Roseanne felt strongly that members should hear from a local organization that serves the community and how they have pivoted to meet the needs of their community over the past year. The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope has successfully continued to serve their existing clients in additions to many new clients in need of food and assistance with coping during the current conditions we all face.
While several programs offered at the Gateway have had to be halted temporarily, many of them were ramped up to serve the growing demand:
75,000 community meals - pivoted to served in house to being made “to go”
11,000 emergency stays
9,000 transition stays
850 school backpacks for local children - delivered by volunteers rather than picked up by families
3,000 food hampers for families - also delivered by volunteers rather than available for pick up
The Gateway of Hope has an operating budget of $3.3 million, with $1.5 million of that fund raised through events like the Christmas Kettle Campaign ($226,000) and Coldest Night of the Year ($87,000).
The staff and volunteers of the Gateway of Hope are dedicated to ensuring that everyone in need is provided as much assistance as they are able to provide. The support of organizations like SI of the Langleys locally continues to make their jobs easier and provides them with encouragement knowing there are those in the community supporting their efforts..
To learn more about The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope please visit: www.gatewayofhope.ca
With that the first day was done! Committee Co-Chair Diane thanked everyone for being there and introduced a wonderful video salute to 100 Fashionable Years of Soroptimist which was created by Karen Wandler (SI of the Langleys).