A message for Spring
The Public Speaking 30th Final took place in Clonmel on 3rd March 2012. Congratulations to Rachel Reigel, from Fermoy,
Co. Cork. >>
This was a wonderful culmination of Soroptimist work over the last twelve months. Particular
thanks must go to our Convenor, Mary Hession, for her dedication in organising the documents and
topics and operating as a co-ordinator of the overall event. I would also like to thank clubs for
hosting competitions, local, regional and final, with all the work that the project entails.
It is great to
see Soroptimists attending from neighbouring regions to act as adjudicators and supporters. The co-
operation of the whole of the National Association is appreciated. We had ten past winners join us
for lunch in Clonmel. They were from between 1983 and 2011 and had careers ranging amongst
others, from Business Executives, to professionals in Medical Services, Law and Education. All
who travelled to join us spoke highly of the effect of the competition on each of them.
Congratulations to all you members, this is a true expression of the Soroptimist ideal to Educate,
Empower, Enable. The planning starts now for the next competition starting in the autumn.
As the AGM’s take place at club level I encourage you all to embrace the challenge required to take office and to support your club in whatever way you can. Use your skills to support each other in the projects you choose. Look again at the Soroptimist Values and Programme Areas to help you to decide how to make the most of your talents in the coming (See Members Notes for Soroptimist Programme and Values).
Remember:
Take time to think, time to discuss and time to decide so that all members can support, with energy, the actions taken by the club to achieve successful projects over the year.
We are getting ready to use the new Branding prepared by SIGBI and now operational, for all our printing and promotions. This will be discussed further at National Association meetings.
The Executive Officers are available to assist you in any way they can. It may be Membership, Programme Action, PRO or the National Project that you wish to improve in your club. Communication between clubs and executives can be invaluable, resulting in efficient and affective running of clubs. I also recommend using the member’s section of www.sigbi.org to find information in the member’s library.
It is time to register for the 46th North South Joint Conference taking place in Wexford from 18th May until 20th May 2012. The theme for the Conference is how the Arts can support our members in their Soroptimist work. The Registration & Booking Form can be downloaded >>
The SIGBI Federation Conference in Belfast is in October www.sigbi.org
Make the most of the conference being in Ireland and try to attend.
In friendship
President Barbara Harrison |
