AWARDS PROGRAMS
 Violet Richardson 2010 Award winners Brita Henry and Sharon Aumoeumago, with Committee Chair Michele Nash-Hoff on right. |
Violet Richardson Award (Application)
Named after the First Charter President of 1921's founding Soroptimist Club in Oakland, CA, this award recognizes outstanding young women between the ages of 14-17 engaged in volunteer activities in school or the community. The program begins on the Soroptimist club level, with recipients receiving cash awards of $250 to $500 for the charity of their choice. Club winners become eligible for additional awards at other levels of the organization, and one winner will ultimately be chosen to receive a finalist award, which includes a contribution of $2,500 to the charitable organization of the recipient's choice. The vision of winners of this award not only helps keep SISD's perspective on youth-oriented issues, but also invariably encourages our members to even greater effort on behalf of girls. It also introduces Soroptimist to young women who have already shown an interest in civic needs. The range of activities for which our recipients are awarded is truly inspirational.
 Recipients of the 2010 Ruby Award - For Women Helping Women (L to R) Teri Burg, Executive Director Stand Up For Kids; Susie Faber, Founder, Stylish Noggins; Margaret Eilerman, Community Advocate and Counselor; Dilkhwaz Ahmed, Executive Director License to Freedom; Cyndi Jones (seated), Director The Center for an Accessible Society. |
Ruby Award: for Women Helping Women
The Ruby Award for Women Helping Women recognizes women who are working to improve the lives of women and girls through their personal or professional activities. While not Soroptimists, these women are involved in efforts that help to promote the issues that are important to the Soroptimist organization. The program enables local Soroptimist clubs and the Soroptimist organization to thank these women, and encourages others to explore ways to assist women and girls. The program begins on the club level, where the type of recognition varies. Award winners at the club level are eligible for additional awards at other levels of the organization, and the SIA finalist receives a $5,000 donation to the charitable organization of her choice. Applicants cannot be Soroptimist members.
Women's Opportunity Award (Application)
 Women's Opportunity 2010 Award winners Debbie Danssaert, Rosa Maria Tavarez and Evamarie Hammond with Committee Chair Cynthia Khelif on right |
Originated in 1972 by Soroptimist of the Americas Federation (SIA), to which SISD belongs, the Women's Opportunity Awards program is a major club project. Through this program clubs in countries and territories of SIA have assisted women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families, by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects. Each year more than $1.5 million is disbursed through cash awards at various levels of the organization. Recipients, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, may use the awards to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare and transportation.
SISD is one of the nineteen clubs in SIA that participates in this program. Eligible applicants must be women who provide the primary financial support for their families, and are enrolled or have been accepted in a vocational/skills training program, or in an undergraduate degree program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Only residents of participating Soroptimist International of the Americas member countries and territories are eligible to apply.