Join Soroptimist

Are you ready to make a difference in our community by helping to improve the lives of women and girls? We’re calling on Triangle businesswomen to take action and join us!

Who is eligible to become a member of Soroptimist
International of Raleigh?

A woman must be working in a profession or business to be eligible for membership. Alternatively, she must be engaged in an occupation, paid or otherwise, with comparable status or responsibilities to those of a woman working in a profession or business. If you are recently retired or have become unemployed, but were eligible when you were working, you are still eligible to join.

Should I choose to join Soroptimist International of Raleigh,
what is expected of me?

All members of the club are expected to attend meetings, work on a committee, and participate in fund raising and service projects. You should expect to spend at least 4-6 hours each month in these activities. Members are encouraged to go to regional and national and international meetings, as they are able. Club members may elect to be “Christmas Angels” for children in Robinwood. We celebrate the chartering of our club and installation of officers annually. Occasionally there will be an opportunity to donate funds for a special purpose. Each club member is expected to pay annual club dues. Dues are allocated among Soroptimist International, Soroptimist International of the Americas and the Raleigh Club.

Why Should I become a Soroptimist?

• Because you like the “Think Globally, Act Locally” philosophy of Soroptimist
• Because you want to participate with others in service to the community
• Because you want to build friendships with remarkable women, locally and around the world
• Because you want to build your leadership skills by accepting positions of responsibility in the club

What fundraising activities do members of the Raleigh club
participate in to fund service projects?

• Selling and delivering beautiful poinsettias to individuals and businesses in the Raleigh area. The sales effort occurs in September and October with plants delivered between Thanksgiving and the second week in December. We sold over 1000 plants in 2007.
• Acting as hosts at the Parade of Homes. We enjoy seeing these lovely homes and meeting the people who come to see them while earning money to support our service projects.
• Selling tickets for Belk Charity Days, which provides an opportunity to publicize our club within the local Belk stores.
• Other projects as they arise. Since 2004 we have also sold Easter Lilies and other spring plants to area churches, businesses, and individuals, as well as other efforts.

How is the Raleigh Club organized?

We operate with a board of directors to conduct the business of the club. The decisions of the board are reviewed with the club membership. That membership is called upon to vote on items of interest to the club as the Board deems necessary. Committees address the areas of finance, service, membership, fund raising and programs, making recommendations to the board and the membership. Other committees are formed as required. Committees report regularly to the board and the membership.

When does the Raleigh Soroptimist Club meet?

We meet each month except July. Business meetings with programs reflecting the six service areas of Soroptimist are held at Hudson Memorial Church on the second Tuesday of the month. Exceptions include:

• Planning for the coming year that occurs in August. The meeting is usually held at a member’s home.
• Wrapping gifts for children and celebrating the holiday season in December at a member’s home.
• Installation of officers at a luncheon in June.

In addition to our regular meetings, in November we also celebrate our club founding. November 21, 2007 marked our Twentieth Anniversary.

We invite your inquiries.

You are welcome to attend any of our meetings to learn more. Several times a year we hold a Get-Acquainted Wine and Cheese Reception for prospective members. For additional information, or if you would like to talk with a member of the Raleigh club, please contact us at membership@soroptimistraleigh.org or call (919) 846-1321.