President's message from Terri Cadiente:

My theme for this year; BACK TO THE ROOTS originates in the question: “Where does all growth begin?” Where do we look when we want to examine the results being produced? Not at the fruit but at the root.

Roots two main purposes are:
1. Anchor
2. Carry nutrients and water to the various parts of the tree.

Our Root system – As a club of Soroptimist International, we are given a root system. We are also given liberty to express this system with unique individuality ~ a club operating as a unit.

There are three essentials when speaking to Root systems;

1. The Soil – There is a difference between soil and dirt ~ one is useful to the growth of root systems ~ Soil has nutrients that root systems draw from to produce outcomes. For purposes to this illustration, if “we” are the soil (that our Soroptimist root system draws from) then the question becomes: What condition is our soil in? If we are the SOIL ~ it is vital that we bring the right amount of nutrients and moisture to the root system. Soil with too much moisture, makes mud. With too little moisture you get hardening and a drying up occurs. We are individually responsible to keep the condition of our soil, balanced. What if the soil represented our attitude of our hearts ~ we are the stewards of our attitudes and ultimately responsible for this delicate balance. There is a saying; Attitudes can be unspoken, but never un-communicated.

2. The Environment ~ what type of atmosphere is conducive to the development of this root system and soil? ENVIRONMENT ~ how can we create a sort of “hot house” environment where we protect our investment (the root system) against detrimental influence?

We STAND FOR:

Mission: To improve the lives of women and girls, by being a local global voice through Awareness, Advocacy and Action. Through International Goodwill, Understanding and Friendship 

Soroptimist strive for:
• Advancement of the status of women
• High ethical standards
• Human Rights for all
• Equality, Development and Peace

Soroptimist Core Values;
1. International goodwill and understanding,
2. Volunteer ACTION,
3. Development of leaders
4. Fellowship and diversity.

HOW we stand for those values is to focus our action on:
• Programs ~ How we show up “hands on” to impact a change
• Membership is thriving, dynamic, progressive and relevant in this organization, with members committed to the mission of improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. 
• Increasing Public Awareness to promote our action
• Fundraising Opportunities ~ through which we honor Soroptimist “Root System” and participate in the grand scale of improving the lives of women and girls both locally and internationally!!

3. Water ~ Water is essential to the growth of our tree. When we encounter water there is an opportunity to see a reflection of ourselves ~ is what I see what I want?

You will reproduce WHO you are not what you do.

All outcomes begin with the ability to see forward ~ by beginning with the end in mind, we can look “Back to the Roots” and see clearly where we are going so every ACTION we take will point to our DESIRED OUTCOME.

Let us be balanced and well cultivated in attitude and heart to foster growth toward health and vitality. This will enable us to greatly impact the lives of women and girls to an excellent outcome that ultimately touches and changes this world.

I am committed to that.

Your President,
Terri Cadiente