Every so often when you pick up a newspaper you notice an article about “Soroptimists” and you may wonder “Who are these people?” Until I joined this great group of women I wondered the same thing, but now I know…

As the name indicates there is something very good and maybe unique about these women… With the word “optimist” as part of the title, it seems to imply “the best” – and so they are!

Soroptimist International is the largest group of service women in the world with clubs in 125 countries. Members dedicate their efforts to helping other women and girls throughout the world and in many ways. The main goal is to elevate the status of women through education and service. There are scholarships for women who wish to advance in their careers as well as for women head of households, who must go out to work to earn better salaries in order to provide a better life for their children. There are financial awards for teen volunteers to encourage service to others in their communities. Not only do worthy teens receive a financial benefit, but also the agency for which they volunteer also receives monetary assistance. In order to support their efforts various fund raisers are held during the club year.

In South Jersey, there are two very active clubs, which are part of a district within the North Atlantic Region. The Region is comprised of five states and is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas. Soroptimist International of Burlington County (SIBC), which meets monthly in Riverside, was the first club in the area and from this club Soroptimist International of Rancocas Valley (SIRV) was formed forty years ago. Both clubs have had an active presence in the county and have also brought clubs from throughout the region to participate in local activities.

Soroptimist International of Rancocas Valley has members active on the regional level as chairs of committees such as the Social Service, Public Relations, and Environment Committees. Working in conjunction with other service organizations a Peace Garden, dedicated to victims of Domestic Violence, was established in Pemberton Township, where an annual Candlelight Vigil takes place every autumn. Soroptimists are also involved in the Silent Witness program with the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office and Burlington County College.