A Tradition of Service: The first Soroptimist club was formed in 1921 by a group of 80 women in Oakland, Alameda County, California. They chose their name from two Latin words meaning "best for women." The heart of Soroptimist’s mission is to "make a difference for women" through service to the community and support for international understanding and goodwill.

Service projects are carried out through clubs in over 100 countries and by means of the personal efforts and financial support of over 95,000 Soroptimists.  World-wide, Soroptimists support community–based and international projects that benefit and assist to improve the economic, social, education, environmental, health, and human rights status of women and girls.

Each local club determines the focus of service to their community. Club projects include direct services like domestic violence services and shelters, and sponsorship of preventive health care like mammograms, and self-esteem workshops for teenage girls.

Soroptimists are women at their best working to help other women to be their best.  We also honor other women and girls whose personal, volunteer or professional efforts are consistent with advancing the status of women and girls. 

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