Soroptimist in the 1980s*

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1988-1990 Founder Region
Governor Susan (Lompa) Joyce, (July 1988 - January 1990)
Soroptimist International of Richmond
1984-1986 SI/A Growth and Development Committee Member
1986-1988 SI/A Growth and Development Committee Chair

Theme: "We Are One in Service Spirit"

Regional Board   Governor-elect: Lorraine Komor   Secretary:  Shirley Grover   Treasurer:  Lainie Lewis   Directors District 1:  Dorothy Avilla     District 2:  Patti Barendreght     District 3:  Doris Jones     District 4: Patricia Mayer/Diane Lehman     District 5: Bette Stilwell Clubs Chartered   Kahului   Conferences   1989 -  Honolulu - Sheraton Waikiki     Clubs in region:  80           Registration: 406

Highlights of the 1989 Founder Region Conference held on Oahu, Hawaii were: A business session consisting of 22 indexes, considered under very tight time restraints. Some issues adopted were: realignment of Districts I and II, to form a new district for 1990-92; permanent deadline date of December 15 for submission of amendments for conference; a list of conference sites, with the idea that any club could then host a conference; support of the Peace Garden Project, and a focus on Alzheimer's Disease. A personal highlight was our Saturday banquet at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Monarch Room, where I focused on Soroptimist clubs and members as family, had my own "one night stand", singing "Love Will Be Our Home". At the close of conference it was my honor and pleasure to personally gift the Region traveling pins of office for regional officers (except governor) and directors.

At Fall District meetings in 1989, I told a tale of geese flying in formation and why they honk - to encourage their leader to keep up the pace and lead them on. When the leader tired, it went to the back of the flock, honking encouragement to a new leader. This had great meaning for our Soroptimist leaders and the future, but also gave my board members the opportunity to "Honk" at me each time I told the story.

A newsletter was begun with the name "Founder Spirit" and a committee created to produce the publication. An adhoc committee was appointed to study possible redistricting for the region. The redistricting, adding a sixth district, was adopted at the conference in 1989 with an effective date of July 1, 1990.

in addition to honoring all past governors within our region boundaries who served as governors when we were Southwestern Region and Founder Region, we also honored visiting past governors from other regions, i.e., our workshop leaders Lynn Wurth, Golden West Region; Loretta Mayer, Desert Coast Region; and our official Federation Visitor, Roberta Porter, Northwestern Region.

In January, 1990, I resigned as your governor and as a Soroptimist after 18 years of membership. This left a great void in my life. At the time I was in personal crisis, a divorce action, my son's wedding plans, purchase of a new home and moving in, the earthquake disorientation. I fell apart feeling that I could not do the best job that the region deserved. In retrospect I regret this very much, sorry for leaving so many people "holding the bag". My sincere apologies go out to everyone. I rejoined Soroptimist in April, 1991, and this was due to one member of my club continually staying in touch with me and encouraging me to return... please do not ever forget... one person can truly make a difference.

* 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".