Soroptimist International GBI

Director of PR Marketing and Design

Just a month into my new role as Federation Director and I’m into a steep learning curve!!

The return from SIGBI Conference in Barbados was a shock to the system!  From beautiful blue skies, sandy beaches and tropical temperatures to the cold, wet and grey of the UK.  In Barbados we were given a very warm welcome by everyone on the island before, during and after the Conference, so many thanks to everyone who gave us such a memorable time.  I have lots of photographs and even more special memories.

Immediately before Conference started, there was a very informative, practical and useful session lead by the members of the Teams of Excellence: Irenë Orr, Elaine Shaw and Sue Greener.  Do contact them or your Regional trainers to find out more.  We are hoping to develop some further training modules around areas members have suggested so if you have any ideas please let us know.

I have enjoyed Soroptimist hospitality at a 70th Charter celebration - if you have a special birthday coming up then don’t forget to use it to publicise your work.  SI Sunderland had produced an excellent short informative leaflet for their celebrations which they are intending to distribute widely in the area.  Many Clubs already produce leaflets to illustrate their work - any of them would be willing to share if you would like to do the same.

I’m sure you are all beginning to turn your thoughts to other celebrations around this time of year.  Can I let everyone know that I will not be sending out cards but donating an equivalent sum of money to International President Margaret’s President’s Appeal, which this year will again support the Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.