SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF PINE RIVERS
PROGRAMME OF SERVICE:
Soroptimist clubs work within the framework of the international Programme of Service. Every four years, Soroptimist International (SI) chooses specific issues and concerns for their Programme of Service to focus upon. This means that the clubs throughout the world can concentrate their efforts in common directions and that Soroptimist International can act as a more effective Global Voice for Women. The Current Programme Focus is based upon the issues of global concern identified at the last international conference.
AWARENESS ADVOCACY ACTION:
Club members have worked to raise their own and community awareness on
a variety of issues including violence against women, the access of the handicapped,
migrants and the older citizen to services, environmental degredation and endangered
species, land rights and reconciliation, women in prison, globalisation and new communication technology. Letters have been written and submissions
made to the relevant authorities in regards to many of these issues.
In keeping with the close association between Soroptimist International and a number of UN
agencies, the club pays particular attention to special UN days and years including:
- International Women's Day - March 8
- Harmony Day - March 23
- World Environment Day - June 10
- United Nations Day - October 24
SERVICE TO LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITIES:
Soroptimist Projects - Women Working Together Making a Difference for Women and Families
SI Pine Rivers has offered support to other local organisations through providing people power at events. Club policy ensures that a percentage of funds raised annually is sent to overseas projects organised and/or endorsed by Soroptimist International. This includes:
International Projects
International projects are projects that all Clubs throughout the world support. The current projects are:
- Project Independence, Women Survivors of War [Quadrennial Project 2003-2007]
- International President's Appeal
Federation Projects
Clubs in SI South West Pacific, currently support:
- Halt Family Violence in Papua New Guinea.
Regional Projects
Clubs within the region of South Queensland regularly join together to support projects. The current project is:
- Support of schools and hospitals in Fiji through donations of school and medical equipment.
Support of other specific overseas projects occurs when and if members identify a need, and are willing to direct their efforts in its support. All attempts are made to ensure that money sent overseas is disbursed by Soroptimists and that no money is lost in administrative costs.
PAST PROJECTS:
Club projects can be initiated by individual members, developed as part of Region,
Federation or International projects, or developed in response to requests from other
community organisations.
- Bursaries - For a number of years, a bursary of $500 was offered to a young woman entering a tertiary course or in later years, a TAFE student with special needs.
- Trauma Dolls - Club members have also provided "Trauma Dolls" to local ambulance and hospitals to comfort sick and injured children.
- Helping Hand - Members provided "Helping Hand" in-home assistance for older people such as cleaning and tidying.
- Visits to Nursing Homes - On occasion, Club members visited nursing home residents who were given afternoon teas, flowers and benefited from conversation and company.
Current Projects
Netlinks
Netlinks has been an ongoing SIPR project since 1999. It was established to give access to computer technology for people over 50 years of age who had special needs. Participants are taught basic computer skills including navigating the Internet and can improve their opportunities for lifelong learning. The program also assists participants in breaking through the isolation barrier and puts them in touch with family members. Netlinks helps bridge the gaps which sometimes exist between generations. In 2005, SIPR members successfully applied for grants from the Community Grants Gaming Association to upgrade computers. Non-Soroptimist volunteers and an administrator deliver this very successful program which runs from February to November each year.
Weedbusting at John Oxley Reserve
Conducted at John Oxley Reserve, Murrumba Downs. Over several sessions we have removed lantana (an introduced pest) and opened up the area to allow regeneration of the natural bush. On following visits a rare species thought to be extinct was discovered (Alchornea Liicifia) (native holly). Other native species (grasses, trees & vines) have been identified following the lantana removal.
Soropti Sheep (Mongolia)
Soropti Sheep is a "pet" project of SIPR. It provides a wonderful opportunity to increase the number of sheep to families of Inner Mongolia, for whom sheep are a prized possession. They provide meat, milk, cheese and clothing. The cost per sheep for us to purchase, is $USD25.00.
Springbuds (Inner Mongolia)
The Springbuds project involves supporting a student in Inner Mongolia to attend Senior High School. The donation of $AUD200 a year for 3 years gives the student a full education, board and lodging.
Refugees
In our support of Pine Rivers and Brisbane Refugee Centres we have supplied household goods & clothes, socks for their Foot Ball team and ongoing financially and medical assistance.