Where Women and Girls Come First
It’s true that both men and women live in poverty, face discrimination and must overcome obstacles. But throughout history—in every country in the world—women and girls face additional obstacles and discrimination solely because of their gender.
Get in touch to inquire, volunteer, join, or donate!
Soroptimist means “best for women” and that’s what we strive to be—an organization of women at their best helping other women to be their best. As a volunteer organization of business and professional women we feel uniquely qualified to help women and girls live their dreams.
By initiating club projects that benefit women and girls, and by honoring women who help women and girls, Soroptimist clubs and members improve the status of women and girls. Soroptimist projects and programs aid women economically, and empower them to make positive changes in their lives and their communities.
From the Soroptimist International of the Americas website:
- One in three women have been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in their lifetime.
- According to a recent report, of the 600,000-800,000 people trafficked across international borders annually, 80 percent are female.
- Women work two-thirds of the world’s working hours but earn only 10 percent of the world’s income, and own less than 1 percent of the world’s property.
- Of a total 550 million working poor, 330 million (60 percent) are women.
- Two-thirds of the 880 million illiterate adults are women.
- Of the more than 110 million children not in school, approximately 60 percent are girls.
- By age 18, girls have received an average of 4.4 years less education than boys.
SUPPORT PROGRAMS
How We Help
Education and Training
LIVE YOUR DREAM AWARD
A financial award for women who are primary wage earners for their families, to offset costs associated with additional skills and training. For tuition, books, childcare, or any other education-related expense.
Career Support for Girls
DREAM IT, BE IT
Soroptimist’s global program for girls, Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls – targets girls in secondary school who face obstacles to their future success. Read more about this and all of our awards on the Programs page.
Volunteerism
VIOLET’S DREAM AWARD
The Violet’s Dream Award honors young women (ages 14 through 17) for volunteer actions that make their community and world a better place. Volunteer actions that benefit women or girls are of particular interest.
Talbot Soroptimists raise funds for our awards through our annual Jigsaw Puzzle Jamboree and our Annual Flower Sale in early Spring, along with other fundraisers throughout the year. Click here to download the flyer for this year’s Live Your Dream Award.
Click for award details, eligibility, and to download applications
JOIN US!
Upcoming Events
Saturday, February 8th, 2020 10:00 AM at The Senior Center
In this FUN-raising event, teams of four members compete to assemble the same 500-piece jigsaw puzzle in the fastest time. There are prizes for first, second, and third place teams. The registration fee is $25 per person or $100 for the team of four. If you wish to register as an individual, placement on a team is guaranteed. A tasty lunch is included in the registration fee.
People of all ages – friends, families, co-workers – are encouraged to form a team and enjoy this wintertime activity! All proceeds from the Jigsaw Puzzle Jamboree support Soroptimist “Best for Women” projects locally, including the club’s new Dream It, Be It Career Support program for adolescent girls.
For questions or to register contact Deb Keller at dkeller922@aol.com or (410) 770-8555 by Friday, January 31.
May 23 – June 1st, 2020 – Travel to Sunny Portugal
Is a trip to sunny Portugal on your bucket list? Come travel with Soroptimist of Talbot County. The trip package includes 10 days, 12 meals, travel to/from Easton, MD to Philadelphia International Airport, round-trip airfare, air taxes, fees/surcharges, hotel and hotel transfers.
Two trip information meetings at the Fairfield Inn & Suites: Thursday October 24 at 5:30 PM or Wednesday November 20 at 5:30 PM. Reservations on a first come, first reserved basis. Double occupancy = $3,713 (additional discounts for attending information meetings and for previous travel with Collette Tours). Contact Barbie Smith at Smith Travel and 410-822-5926 for reservations and more information.
March through April, 2020
Always in time for Mother’s Day, Talbot Soroptimists provide beautiful potted geraniums and gorgeous hanging baskets. Each year’s sales begin in March and close out mid-April for pickup May 8th, 2020.
JOIN US AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Get Connected
Soroptimist International of Talbot County meets on the third Thursday of the month from September through June at the The Milestone in Easton. Post us a note on Facebook, contact a member, or email us if you would like to explore membership in a dynamic women’s service organization.