FounderLink

September 2002 Volume 2, Number 1

The theme for this biennium is Achieve Growth By Sharing. This theme is meant to cover different aspects of being a Soroptimist. First is to share the gift of membership. If each member, regular, embarking, retired/unemployed, and life, would share the gift of membership with one new person, then our membership would be doubled. Not only would the workload in our clubs be easier, but also twice as much service would be accomplished. Sharing the gift of Soroptimism in chartering more clubs is also essential to the growth of the clubs as well as the Region. Clubs that are closer to each other could work together and achieve more service. Public awareness would be raised as more clubs are established.

Second is to share the knowledge that each of us has. We must mentor our new members so they do not feel so lost when attending meetings. We need to ask members to become involved. Sometimes just the simple act of asking is all that is needed to retain a member.

Third, we must share the information received at Leadership Meetings, District Meetings, Conferences, and Conventions, as well as the Region and Federation mailings. We all grow in knowledge and power when the information is processed by more than one person.

Personal growth is achieved when the duties of office are fulfilled. By accepting the position of being an officer, the responsibility of performing the duties of the office must be taken seriously. Everyone is affected when a job is left half done or worse, undone. Growth is also achieved when support is given to the officers and boards elected, for it may come time to serve and you will want the same kind of support that you have given and expect in return.

It is now August and Founder Region Leadership meetings and the SIA Convention have been held. The biennium is off to a terrific start based on the evaluations and comments made from these meetings. There was much camaraderie, positive influence, fellowship, learning, and fun shared from these events. It is my hope that this goodwill shall continue to grow throughout Founder Region for those who attended are now charged to be goodwill ambassadors and to Achieve Growth By Sharing their experiences.

Mary Ann Redden
Governor Founder Region
2002-2004