Soroptimist in the 1970s*

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1978-1980 Founder Region
Governor Catherine (Jordan) Burns,
Soroptimist International of Eureka
1980-1982 SI/A Vice-President

Theme: "Let Us Grow "

Regional Board   Secretary:  Susan (Lompa) Joyce   Treasurer:  Marjorie Conley   Directors District 1:  Jinx Mann/Dorothy Sarnes     District 2:  Patricia Daniels     District 3:  Frances Sueco/Mabel Peterson Clubs Chartered   Mendocino - Sonoma Coast   The Redwoods   The Tri Cities Conferences   1979 -  Eureka - Eureka Inn     Clubs in region:  56           Registration: 293     1980 -  Santa Rosa - El Rancho Tropicana     Clubs in region:  58       Registration 390

During the summer of 1979 Violet Richardson Ward passed away. A large group of regional representatives attended the Memorial Service in Berkeley to pay respect to this leader in the development of Soroptimist.

Conference action of this biennium included the division of the districts from three to five and the addition of a Lieutenant Governor. Following the new Federation By Laws adoption in Calgary, July 1978, long hours of conferencing were needed by the region and the clubs to adopt procedures implementing the options provided for them in the By Laws.

We grew in our understanding of Soroptimist service and ideals, our friendships and working relations, and particularly, in membership numbers.

During the International Convention in Honolulu the summer of 1979 several members of the regional board and others served the International Board as "Conrad's Crew", doing secretarial work, page service and general errand running. It was an exciting way to learn of the procedures and policies at the International level and meet Soroptimists from around the world.

The incorporation of individual clubs was encouraged. Several clubs completed the process, providing protection against liability for club action for individual members.

* reprinted from Southwestern Region's history book entitled "Out Where It All Began" written and compiled for a celebration of Soroptimist's 50th anniversary in 1971 and updated and reprinted in 1996 for the celebration of Soroptimist's 75th anniversary, prepared by the Founder Region 75th Anniversary Committee and entitled Founder Region "The Way It Was".