Unit Seven Case Study

Soroptimist International of the Americas: Using White Papers to Raise Awareness about Issues Affecting Women and Girls Worldwide (Read the following case study, and then answer the case questions in a 2-3 page academic paper, employing the provided writing guidelines.)

Soroptimist International of the Americas: Using White Papers to Raise Awareness about issues Affecting Women and Girls Worldwide

International ……

In nineteen countries and territories, Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) works to improve the lives of women and girls. SIA club members strive to accomplish this goal by participating in a wide variety of programs and local projects that involve education, employment, healthcare, disaster recovery, and the prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. The term “Soroptimist” is a combination of the Latin words soror meaning “sister” and “Optimus” meaning “best”, which loosely translates to “best for sisters”.

History ……

The parent organization, Soroptimist International, was founded in 1921 as “a worldwide volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.” The vision statement for the organization is to “be the leading international organization of the business and professional women united through volunteer efforts to enable women and girls to live their dreams, take control of their lives, and live according to their own values.” The worldwide organization consists of our divisions (or federations): Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), SI of Great Britain and Ireland, SI of Europe, and SI of southwest Pacific. The organization’s world headquarters is located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Today, with over 95,000 members in more than 125 countries, the organization donates time and money to local projects and international efforts to mark the lives of girls and women better. The SIA “was formed at the Washington DC conference in 1928.”

Challenge …..

Soroptimist has been researching and publishing white papers on issues important to women and girls for several years. Each year, new white papers are added and existing papers are updated to ensure that information is current. Soroptimist white papers focus on topics important to Soroptimists and women and girls worldwide. Currently, Soroptimist papers are offered free of charge on the Soroptimist website.

The specific goals of the Soroptimist white papers are to raise awareness of issues important to Soroptimist and to influence others to work to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Also, the white papers help to promote Soroptimist as an expert on international women issues and as an organization addressing those issues.

Strategy ……

Soroptimist white papers can be used by Soroptimist members and clubs in a number of different ways. This resource contains a number of suggestions for club use. In addition, it includes abstracts for each of the current papers, the URL address, significant dates with which to use the white papers, and suggestions for other federation resources to use in conjunction with the papers.

Soroptimist Club Use for White Papers

1. Education Club Members
2. Promote Soroptimist Programs
3. Educate the Community
4. Interest the Media
5. Strengthen Advocacy Efforts
6. Raise Funds

Results …..

The Soroptimist’s cumulative impact has been significant. According to the organization’s 2009-2010 Program Impact Report, “more than $2 million was distributed through federation programs, helping more than 10,000 women and girls live their dreams of a better life.” Soroptimist participates and funds programs to ensure their strength and effectiveness. For example, recipients of their Women’s Opportunity Awards, who have typically suffered hardships such as poverty and abuse, receive skills training and education so they can find employment and reclaim their lives. Soroptimist also provides Disaster Grans for Women and Girls around the world, offering funding to rebuild homes and lives after natural disasters strike. These programs, along with numerous other awards, grants, and programs, have made SI club members an important part of the international effort to improve the lives of girls and women.

1. What are some of the ways SIA uses white papers to raise awareness about issues affecting girls and women?
2. How might this organization’s white paper strategy and tactics be applied to other organizations or companies?
3. What are some of the possible drawbacks to using white papers in an attempt to influence people?
4. How could SIA use article directories and e-books to further raise awareness about issues affecting girls and women?