Women serving the global community
Projects
Members support local, national and international projects. They recognise special days in the international calendar, such as The International Day of Literacy, World Aids Day, Armistice Day, and The International Day of the Environment, and apply their efforts under the SI headings of ‘Awareness’, ‘Advocacy’ and ‘Action’.
Local: The subject of underage pregnancies has long been a concern and a few years ago the Club presented two infant simulators to each of the two local Comprehensive Schools. These continue to be used as part of a planned programme as it has been proven that these 'dolls' can act as a deterrent against such under-age pregnancies Another topical problem in the Northern Devon area is ‘debt’. Members researched the free help available, designed an information leaflet, obtained sponsorship for the printing and distributed 5,000 copies in recognised areas of deprivation.
National: Members repeatedly lobbied their local MPs regarding the usage of cluster bombs as these cause such extensive damage and injury to innocent victims, often children, within war-zones. The Government has now agreed that these munitions will no longer be used either by UK troops or by troops from other countries stationed in the UK. Correspondence received from these MPs has indicated that the voice of SI has been heard. Members of the Barnstaple Club held a Cycle Fest in the local Pannier Market with a ‘green’ theme encouraging the use of cycle power. In addition to their enjoyment of The Cycle Circus’ participants of the day helped the members raise money that has been donated to NSPCC Childline.
Link http://www.bigtopmania.co.uk/
International: Every four years a new project is chosen that is supported by the worldwide membership of SI. From 2007 to 2011 this is ‘Project SIerra – a Family and a Future’. This is a partnership project between a West Country charity, ‘Hope and Homes for Children’ and Soroptimist International. The challenge has been set that £1million is raised within the four years.