Our Club History
The Santa Rosa club was chartered on May 26, 1945, with twenty-nine members and has always been active in the Sonoma County community, beginning with our very first project to sponsor and participate in a housing survey for returning service staff and their families.
We have cooperated with many other civic groups to initiate organizations such as the Sonoma County Heart Association, the Sonoma County Visiting Nurses Association, and the Family Service Agency. We celebrated our Santa Rosa club's 70th year of service in May 2015 and were unable to celebrate in 2020. We are looking forward to our 80th anniversary in 2025 and many more years beyond helping our community.
Click here to read about the many wonderful organizations that were started by our club and the rich history of past projects and events (you will need Adobe Acrobat reader.)
Soroptimist International History
Since 1921, Soroptimists have been committed to enhancing the quality of life within their communities, improving the status of women and encouraging goodwill among nations. Much has changed in the world since the first club charter signatories gathered in Oakland, California. (Click here to see a 3rd annual celebration picture of that 1st Soroptimist meeting)
The need for community service has increased along with the numbers of socially and economically afflicted individuals and groups. Women are becoming recognized for the added burdens they endure as a result of the world's social order while, at the same time, gaining respect as decision-makers and problem solvers.
In the 21st century, the backbone of Soroptimist remains constant--service. In 1994, the permanent identifying focus of Soroptimist International of the Americas was adopted as "Making a Difference for Women" which supports our mission "to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world ".
To learn more about Soroptimists outside the Santa Rosa community click here for links.