Soroptimist
International of
Las Cruces


Soroptimist International (SI) of Las Cruces is a local service organization for business and professional women. We are part of a large international organization whose goal is to to make a difference for women.

PROGRAM FOCUS

Each Soroptimist club conducts programs and projects in the following six areas:

Economic and Social Development
  • Eradicate the persistent and increasing burden of poverty on women.
  • Foster gender equality in economic structures and policies and in all forms of productive activity.
  • Actively ensure equality between men and women in the sharing of power and decision-making at all levels.
  • Strive for sufficient mechanisms at all levels to promote the advancement of women.

Education
  • Ensure equality of access to education.
  • Utilize mass media to advance women's positive contributions to society.

Environment
  • Ensure recognition and support for women's contribution to managing natural resources and safeguarding the environment.

Health
  • Prevent illness and promote wellness for the whole life cycle.
  • Halt violence against women.

Human Rignts/Status of Women
  • Pledge awareness and commitment to international and national norms and standards that endorse and safeguard the full and equal enjoyment by women of all human rights.
  • Enable the girl child to reach her full potential.

International Goodwill and Understanding
  • Increase participation of women in conflict resolution and decision-making in peace and security activities and reduce the impact of armed and other kinds of conflict on women.


LOCAL PROJECTS

Teen Parent Residence--financial support is given to a program which provides housing and life skills training for homeless or near homeless pregnant teens and teen parents and their children. $1000 was given in 1998.

La Casa--financial support ranging from $1000-2,000 was given annually to a local shelter for families involved in domestic violence.

Louise Garrett Scholarship--a $500 scholarship given annually to a student at New Mexico State University majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences.

Women's Opportunity Award--a $750 scholarship given annually to a woman who is the main provider for her family, and who is attempting to further her education.

Youth Citizenship Award--a $500 award given annually to a local high school student in recognition of outstanding community service.

Brownie Troop--financial support is given annually to a local Brownie troop in the colonias. The club has purchased books for each member, given gifts and a party at Christmas, and provided Easter baskets stuffed with arts and crafts supplies. In addition, SI of Las Cruces members have shared their expertise in programs for the girls.

Dress-A-Child--financial support is given annually to the local Salvation Army to help purchase clothes for needy children. Members volunteer to help children select clothing from local merchants.

Literacy Center--financial support was given to a literacy center at Lynn Middle School to help purchase books for program start-up.

Women of Distinction/Women Helping Women--several local women are honored each year by the club for their outstanding contributions, community service, and efforts to help other women.

MEETING INFORMATION

SI of Las Cruces meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month (except July). Our meetings are held from 12:-00-1:00 p.m. at Eddie's Bar and Grill on 901 Avenida de Mesilla in Las Cruces. The first meeting of the month is the business meeting; the second meeting is a program meeting.

CLUB OFFICERS

OFFICER NAME
President Merrilyn Cummings
First Vice-President Joan Dormody
Second Vice-President Karen Pogue
Treasurer Laurie Juhrs
Recording Secretary Jennie Meehan
Corresponding Secretary Diana Chanez
Director, 2 year Esther Devall
Director, 1 year Colleen LeClair


UPCOMING EVENTS


SOROPTIMIST PLEDGE

I pledge allegiance to Soroptimism and to the ideals for which it stands:
The sincerity of friendship, the joy of achievement, the dignity of service, the integrity of profession, the love of country.
I will put forth my greatest effort to promote, uphold, and defend these ideals for a larger fellowship in home, in society, in business, for country, and for God.





Soroptimist Hompeage


Golden West Region Homepage




CONTACT PERSON:
Dr. Merrilyn Cummings 646-3936