Soroptimist in the 1980s*

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1986-1988 Founder Region
Governor Carol Steele,
Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg

Theme: "Dreams of Soroptimism"

Regional Board   Lieutenant Governor: Susan (Lompa) Joyce   Secretary:  Shirley Grover   Treasurer:  Lainie Lewis   Directors District 1:  Sally Sheridan/Dorothy Avilla     District 2:  Carol Hoskins     District 3:  Barbara Nobles     District 4: Patricia Mayer     District 5: Eli Buinac/Louise Smith Clubs Chartered   Central Oahu     Napa Sunrise     Tamalpais Sunrise     Vallejo Gateway   Conferences   1987 -  Oakland - Oakland Hyatt Regency     Clubs in region:  80           Registration: 561     1988 -  Santa Rosa - El Rancho Tropicana     Clubs in region:  81       Registration 632

Things I remember most about my biennium are the following:

1. Having the International President, Sadun Katapoglu, at my first conference and presenting a charter to a new club, Soroptimist International of Napa Sunrise.
2. The establishment of the "Visiting Soroptimist Program" and the wonderful visitors from other federations.
3. The finalization of the Founder Region Fellowship Endowment Fund, the by-laws were approved by conference action, and we reached $80,000 in the endowment fund.
4. The adoption of an official Founder Region emblem, described as "A bird in flight". When first presented the description was a seagull... which was the symbol used for Founder Region's growth awards. During discussions, a delegate from Hawaii pointed out that there are no seagulls in Hawaii so Lt. Governor Susam Lompa amended the proposal to be a "bird" in flight and the proposal was adopted.

It was a biennium of change both in conference structure and members of the Regional Board. I remember the fun, meeting new friends, but most important, watching the region grow.

The second conference was one to remember - the largest attendance ever, the presence of many of the Federation Board members, raising $8,000 for each Foundation and Fellowship.

* 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".