SI WELLINGTON
Est. 1939
Soroptimist International of Wellington was the first club of its kind in New Zealand. In 2024 we will celebrate our 85th year of service to our community.
We are one of 19 clubs in our country and a member of the Soroptimist International of Aotearoa New Zealand National Association.
We are proud to be the oldest club in the country, with a rich history of service in our community.
In 2024 we have 21 members with an interesting variety of backgrounds and experience.
CHECK OUT OUR:
Club Details:
Wellington based club -
siwellington@siswp.org
Meeting Details:
Our club meets at 6.30pm on the 2nd Thursday of the month (not in January or December).
We currently meet at the St John’s Lounge at Saint Ninian’s Uniting Church in Karori.
Charter Members - 1939
CLUB ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS
A quote from the ‘History of Soroptimist International’ still sums up what we do, “from the beginning, the purpose of the organisation was service to the community. The diverse skills, careers and interests of the members were and still are utilised, to develop programmes and projects in the community”.
Members enjoy fellowship and friendship with monthly brunch & coffee morning catch ups, a book group and regular interesting outings e.g. Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Parliament Buildings, local exhibitions and art and theatre visits.
EDUCATE
EMPOWER
ENABLE
Educate, Empower & Enable -
These words guide us towards the work that we do in our community. This can be in the form of projects, advocacy and raising awareness. We call for ideas and suggestions from members and decide each year where and what we want to focus on. We are a club that wants to ensure our impact can make a difference to the lives of women and girls in the community.
Books the club donated to Berhampore School.
Member Kristeen with donated goods for Foster Hope.
Members visiting Wellington City Mission's Social Supermarket.
Member Jane with donated goods for the Women's Refuge.
Members with donated Christmas gifts for Foster Hope.
"A Soroptimist is a lady who helps to educate, empower and enable women and girls in a variety of different ways, also to help them to be independent."
- Paulette McElroy, Club Member.
SOROPTIMIST FRIENDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
We enjoy the company of visiting Soroptimists from around the world. Administered in The Netherlands one of our club members also belongs to the Open Door Soroptimist Exchange Programme. The aim of this initiative is to offer home stays for travelling Soroptimist members.
Our club has Friendship Links with SI Sakai, Japan; SI Hilversum, Netherlands; SI Joondalup, Australia; SI Moss, Norway; SI Cody and District, USA; and SI Kettering, SI Cheltenham, SI Harrogate & Districts in Great Britain.
Members with Michelle Smith
from SI Salisbury.
Members with Gisela Gorke from SI Celle.
Members with Sue & Sonya SI Cody members (a new Friendship Link).
Members with Susanne Barker from SI Mainz.
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For their Soroptimist club, regional and federation contribution
Catherine O’Donnell in 2024 made Life Member
Wendy Harland in 2023 made Life Member
Late Bernice Croft in 2018 made Life Member
Late Barbara Sworder in 2015 made Life member
CLUB ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACT
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Membership is usually by way of an ‘interview’ over a cuppa, an invite to attend a meeting usually with a speaker, and/or attendance at an event. Or members introduce their friends and relatives. We give the applicant time to think about whether it is an organisation they wish to participate in and join.
Members can volunteer in a variety of ways, in local & national projects, help at events, and take on roles in advocacy, membership or fundraising.
We have a member who runs the birthday book and one who coordinates the book group. Members are under no pressure to take on roles. Some of our members are in full-time employment, some part-time and some are retired. All participate as much as they are able.
There are also opportunities to network with other clubs locally in New Zealand and internationally with five Federations, SI South East Asia Pacific, SI Americas, SI Great Britain and Ireland, SI Europe and SI Africa.
Joining a Soroptimist club offers you fellowship, working with women with similar values, and opportunities to learn governance and leadership skills. We have experienced helpful Soroptimist mentors who willingly work with members to help build their knowledge and confidence.
Our club meets at 6.30pm on the 2nd Thursday of the month (not in January or December).
We currently meet at the St John’s Lounge at Saint Ninian’s Uniting Church in Karori.
Membership fees are approximately $135 p.a. (Federation fee) along with a joining fee of $25 (for a name badge and Soroptimist pin).
Applications on line or email the Secretary or Membership Convenor at siwellington@siswp.org
