President’s Message
My name is Doreen Forbes and my Soroptimist ‘career’ dates from 1983. From the start I was encouraged by the example of many older, stalwart members, working to ‘make a difference’ to women’s and children’s lives. These were my first mentors. Baroness Valerie Amos - speaking at the 2008 Federation Conference in Barbados - could almost have been describing them: “You are not only beautiful but inspiring … and intimidating as well”. Yes, they were intimidating in their zeal and determination to carry forward the aims of Soroptimism. Determination was a key quality - echoed at the Barbados Conference when McFadden and Whitehead’s music was played …”Ain’t no stopping us now”.
The name ‘Soroptimist’ means ‘best for women’ - the work we do aims to advance human rights and the status of women. Let us take up this challenge ‘with one voice‘ - the theme that I have chosen for the year. Ann Dawson, Federation President 2005, encapsulated our Programme Action work in a musical analogy: “If the Soroptimist vision is to be a global voice, Programme Action is the song sheet from which we should be singing. Awareness, advocacy and action is the chorus and the programme areas are the verses.”
As well as undertaking Programme Action, I would like us to focus on our newer members as, so often, Soroptimism can seem an enigma. Those new to the club encounter a complex world of information, in which more experienced members seem well versed. We must equip new Soroptimists with the knowledge and understanding of SI - its vision and values.
On a lighter note, there will be plenty of social and fundraising events during the year. I’m also hoping to set up a singing group in club. The aim will be to enjoy it and ‘give forth’: a singing voice is God’s gift to everybody.
A little about me. My career has always been in music, whether in a school setting or, as now, by running courses. I am also the Musical Director of the Liverpool Male Voice Choir. I spent many years in Scouting, leading outdoor pursuits; and I still keep fit through country rambling. Drama and public speaking have been my other main interests - skills that I now put to good use as a preacher on the local Methodist Circuit.
To the members of SI Crosby - a big thank you for your support, love and encouragement as I meet the challenge of being your President. And to those who would like to know more about what we do - and who might like to join - just get in touch.