Program is the heart of the Soroptimist mission. It is guided by “Where We Stand”, a tool for clubs and members that describes the scope of Soroptimist interest and involvement in the communities we serve. Clubs carry out projects and activities at the local level, depending on their particular capabilities and the specific needs of their communities.

A MUST for all clubs is the Women’s Opportunity Awards, the major Soroptimist project which helps a woman live her dream through education and skills training. In addition, clubs are expected to work on at least one other project to improve the lives of women and girls. This is the minimum requirement for all Soroptimist clubs.

Special nstructions for WOA, VRA, and MADWA
There will be no need for District Judging events. Evaluations and selections will be based on the applications and supporting documents submitted by clubs. Clubs should ensure candidates applications are thoroughly screened and meet the eligibility criteria.

For more information, please visit www.soroptimist.org and www.soroptimistinternational.org.

The Women's Opportunity Awards project receives a very strong support from Soroptimist clubs in the Philippines. A cash award designed to assist women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families, the project gives resources women need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects. Recipients, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol abuse, may use the awards to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare and transportation.

Eligible applicants must be women who provide the primary financial support for their families, and who are enrolled in or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and cannot have already earned an undergraduate degree. Only residents of the 19 member countries and territories of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) are eligible to apply.

The program begins at the local club level, where awards vary. Club recipients become eligible to receive district-level awards; District recipients become eligible to receive region-level awards, which are granted throughout SIA’s 28 geographic regions. Currently, the 28 regions grant one first-place award for US$5,000 which then makes them eligible to receive one of three US$10,000 finalist awards. SIA grants two additional US$3,000 awards and a further additional US$3,000 award for every 10 participating clubs.

In 2008, a record 946 clubs participated in this program, honoring 1,120 deserving women in local communities, including the Philippines. SIA provided $1.3 million to help these women live their dreams. Participating clubs receive certificates.

For more information on the Women’s Opportunity Awards, please visit www.soroptimist.org.

• Adopt-A-Barangay - provides a focal point for projects of clubs in the Philippines. Established in 1981, this project has contributed to the impetus for Soroptimist growth in the Philippines through service to women and girls in the barangay, the smallest unit of government in the country. A sound working relationship with local officials and barangay women fosters cooperation, facilitates logistic arrangements and ensures the success of projects benefitting women and girls in the community. In the 2008-2010 biennium, particular attention will be given to basic education, women’s health and family spacing and livelihood projects at the barangay level. Every club is enjoined to have an adopted barangay.
  
  
• Adopt-A-PNP Women & Children Protection Desk - an example of a strong GO-NGO partnership towards addressing the plight of women and children who are victims of abuse and violence. It is in line with the United Nation’s program of cooperation in the field of human rights which is the foundation of justice and peace.

Since the project’s inception in 1994, clubs in the Philippines have assisted in strengthening the WCPDs in various ways by donating of office supplies and equipment; providing counseling and legal support; and giving stipends for policewomen to enable them to attend conferences on policing. SIPR also organized the Friends of PNP Foundation to ensure the success of our partnership with the Philippine National Police.

Every club is encouraged to adopt a WCPD thereby helping uphold not only the dignity of the women victims of abuse and violence, but also helping policewomen obtain the appropriate tools to carry out their jobs.

• STOP Trafficking - raises awareness about the sex trafficking of women and girls. The project seeks to encourage the public to focus on the elimination of this global crime.
• Club Matching Project - gives clubs an additional opportunity to make an international connection with Soroptimists and with the women and girls they seek to help. Clubs in need of project support can now request assistance. The projects will be posted on the SIA website and clubs interested in helping can pick one that would be appropriate.
• Violet Richardson Award - recognizes young women who make the community and the world a better place through volunteer efforts such as: fighting drugs, crime and violence; cleaning the environment; and working to end discrimination and poverty.
  
• Making a Difference for Women Award - recognizes women who help other women and girls through their personal or professional activities thereby helping to promote issues that are important to the Soroptimist organization. A new name will soon be given to this project.
• Workplace Campaign to End Domestic Violence - increases awareness on domestic violence as a workplace concern.
• Teen Dating - raises awareness on Teen Dating Violence and promotes healthy teen relationships.
• Club Grants for Women and Girls - cash grants to help innovative clubs meet community needs.
• Disaster Relief - provides funds for programs that assist women and girls after a man-made or natural disaster.
• Live Your Dream - aims to inspire women to live their dreams and encourages them to pass their good fortune on to others.
  

For more information on Soroptimist projects, please visit www.soroptimist.org and www.LiveYourDreamCampaign.org.

• Project Sierra - supports women caring for children in extreme poverty and provides a caring and secure family home for children who are alone or at risk of abandonment. The project location is Sierra Leone, West Africa. Our project partner is Hope and Homes for Children. Project Sierra was initiated by Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland.
  
  
• Project 5-0 - provides vocational training and employment for women in developing countries. Soroptimist International is one of five project partners, along with the International Federation of University Women, the International Council of Women, the International Federation of Business and Professional Women and Zonta International.
  
  
• December 10th Appeal - provides ongoing medical care and training skills to women with fistulas that cannot be completely cured. Every year, on Human Rights Day, the President of Soroptimist International selects a project that provides direct assistance to women in extreme need. The President’s Appeal on December 10, 2007 is for “Restoring Dignity” to women in Desta Mender Village, Ethiopia. Our partner is the Hamlin Fistula Relief and Aid Fund, a registered charity dedicated to supporting the work of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.
  

For more information, please visit www.soroptimistinternational.org and www.projectSierra.org

• Celebrating Success – an annual award program that recognizes successful club projects that improve the lives of women and girls and promotes Soroptimist as an organization with that mission. Clubs can submit their best project to SIA headquarters by January 24, 2008, in each of the four areas of the Renaissance Campaign: program, public awareness, fundraising and membership. A first place project for each area will be selected for each region.
  
  
• SIPR Governor’s Awards - whilst all Clubs must participate in the Women’s Opportunity Awards and at least one other Soroptimist project, to be eligible to vie for an outstanding club award in SIPR, you may choose to do one or several impact project/s depending on your club’s interest, energy and resources. The Outstanding Clubs are announced during the Region Conference.