SOROPTIMIST
INTERNATIONAL
OF MARIN COUNTY

Join Soroptimist

Soroptimist is an international organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Almost 95,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community–based and international projects that benefit women and girls. The name, Soroptimist, means "best for women," and that's what the organization strives to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women to be their best.

How To Join Marin Soroptimist

For information about Soroptimist membership, please call Marla Martin at (415) 601-2210 or you can download the membership application by clicking on the button below. Complete the application and mail it to Soroptimist International of Marin County, P.O. Box 150704, San Rafael, CA 94915-0704.

About Membership

Soroptimist International was founded in 1921 in Oakland, California. Eighty women in professions that included medicine, laboratory technology, education and printing formed the first Soroptimist club to foster the ideal of service. Since 1921, membership has grown to nearly 100,000 women in about 120 countries and territories.

Soroptimists are business and professional women of all ages, cultures and ethnic groups. They are working moms and single women; small business owners and corporate executives; attorneys, teachers and physicians. The common thread that connects all Soroptimists is their desire to make a difference for women.

Membership dues are $145 a year for the fiscal year from July 1 to June 30. Half of the $145 dues ($72.50) may be paid upon joining. The second $72.50 is due in December. Members joining between January 1 and June 30 will pay reduced dues of $80 payable upon joining. There is an additional one time new member fee of $20 upon joining that pays for your pin and materials.

We have two dinner meetings a month on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 6-8p.m. Attendance is expected. Dinner costs are not included in dues and are an additional expense. You should also know that there are various optional fund-raising opportunities for which most members spend about $200/year.

Benefits of Membership

If you are a special woman who wishes to provide volunteer service in an atmosphere of support, friendship and fun, then joining Soroptimist may be right for you. Soroptimist membership provides a variety of benefits, including:

Fulfillment – Working on projects that improve the lives of others leads to personal satisfaction and recognition from the community.
Friendship – Cultivating relationships with other women who have similar interests and values is a central aspect of Soroptimist membership.
Diversity – Meeting and learning about women from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and participating in projects that address the needs of women throughout the globe, contributes to world peace and understanding.
Networking – Associating with other women representing a variety of professions facilitates valuable business contacts.
Leadership – Developing skills at the club level results in enhanced professional capabilities as well as leadership opportunities at all levels of the organization.
Mentoring – Reaching out to women at the beginning of their professional lives provides an avenue for Soroptimist members to serve as mentors.
Convenience – Belonging to an association with organized programs and professionally developed resources frees members from administrative constraints, while enabling them to concentrate on providing volunteer service
Services – Joining Soroptimist provides access to additional benefits, such as: several insurance options (United States only); low–interest credit card (United States only); and a subscription to Soroptimist International of the Americas' award–winning magazine.