Women's Opportunity Award

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The Women's Opportunity Awards program was established in 1972 by Soroptimist International of the Americas to assist women with primary financial responsibility for their families to obtain the skills training and education necessary to improve their employment status and standard of living for themselves and their family. 

Women’s Opportunity Awards applicants have faced economic and social barriers, and personal hardships that have prevented them from pursuing and achieving their educational and professional goals—until now. 

Club participation in the Women’s Opportunity Awards is a terrific way to “create magic” in the lives of women—and their families. 

“Founder Region had 100% participation in the Women’s Opportunity Awards!!!

During the 2006-2007 club year $102,800 in club, district, and region funds were awarded to 68+ women in Founder Region’s 65 clubs.  The women receiving these financial awards may use them for any costs associated with their educational efforts, including tuition, books, child care, and transportation.

Based on all Founder Region clubs participating in the program, we were able to award the 2007 district and region Women’s Opportunity Award winners a total of $23,000 in addition to the $79,800 awarded to the club winners.  The $23,000 is given to the region by Soroptimist International of the Americas from money donated by all members of the Federation through the Club Campaign, Founders Pennies, and the Laurel Society.  Because of your 100% participation last year, we will be awarding $23,000 again to the 2008 award winners.  That is why our region governor encourages all Founder Region clubs to participate in the Women’s Opportunity Award program.

The Women’s Opportunity Award changes the lives of women throughout Founder Region; women who need and deserve our support for themselves and their families. 

The program begins in September when clubs order and distribute the award applications, it continues through April with clubs giving awards to women in their local communities, in May district and region winners are honored at region conference, and the program concludes for the year with the announcement of the Federation winner in July. 

For additional information about this award contact the region committee chair or go to the Soroptimist International of the Americas web site at: www.soroptimist.org.  Members can log onto the “Members Only” section, go to Library, then click on Program, and then Women’s Opportunity Award to download materials and information to assist you with this program.

Seek out the women in your community who need and deserve your support.  If every club gives an individual in their community an award this year, at least 65 women in Founder Region will benefit from the work you do.  That, says Governor Sue creates “Magic through Soroptimist”!