SI Convention

The Soroptimist International Convention was held in Dublin, Ireland last weekend and I was fortunate to have been in attendance with  over 1700 Soroptimist members from around the world. I was able to meet many members from so many countries – Iceland, Australia, Germany and more. I had a nice conversation with two members from SI/Kisumu who expressed their gratitude to Founder Region, and SI/El Cerrito in particular, for the period packets that have been sent to them for the girls in their community. We had over 30 members from Founder Region in attendance at the convention, however, in two attempts, we were not able to get all of us into one photo. You should be able to see most of us on the various Facebook posts that have been made.

Ireland is a beautiful country, such a  green and lush countryside, and they have such a rich history in the castles and cathedrals throughout the country. It is definitely  a “must see” for any who have not been there.

Although I cannot detail here all that went on at convention with all the speakers and workshops presented, highlights were keynote speaker Mary Robinson, the first woman President of Ireland, elected in 1990, and Renata Dwan, policy expert on peace and conflict issues with the United Nations. I hope that summaries of the speakers and workshops will be posted on the SI website.

Also of note was the unveiling of the new Soroptimist International logo (please do not confuse this with the “S” logo for SIA) which we have posted in this blog, and the introduction of the incoming 2024-2025 SI President Siew Yong Gnanalingam from Malaysia. Then there was much celebration over the announcement that the 2027 convention will be an Alaska cruise. Save your pennies for this great adventure.

As I am still recovering from the week in Ireland, the flight home, and a case of jet-lag from the time difference, please note that more information will follow through your District Directors at the upcoming Presidents’ Roundtables.