Montréal


Board Meeting


Rosie Coutts, SI Executive Director


culmination of many months of preparation by the Officers, post holders and SI HQ. It was a great privilege to welcome 80 Programme Voting Delegates and over 60 silent observers to the meeting, in addition to our main board group. Programme Voting Delegates from the four federations attend


The SI Board Meetings in Montréal from 6 – 9 July were the


SI Board Meetings at the beginning of each quadrennium to take part in discussion, set the direction of programme and vote on SI’s programme goals and objectives for the next four years. This year’s meeting saw a lively debate, led by the SI Programme team who were delighted to hear the voices, opinions and experiences of so many engaged and committed members from all over the world. The SI Strategic Plan is reviewed at each annual meeting. After


C’est le fun!


Yvonne Machuk Convention Chair


greet former acquaintances and enjoy the joie de vivre of Montréal. Before and after the Convention, delegates were able to take tours


discussion and board approval of the Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives for Programme, Organisational Development and Strategic Leadership, it was agreed that accompanying strategies would be developed after the Board Meeting and submitted to the Board for approval by postal ballot in October. An overview of the Strategic Plan is available at: http://www.soroptimistinternational.org/who-we-are. The full version is also available in the members’ section. Under President Hanne’s leadership, the three days of Board


There were many opportunities at Convention to meet new friends,


to parts of Montréal, Quebec and Ottawa. Those attending the board meeting were invited to a reception outside on the terrace of the Mairie (City Hall) which was hosted by Tourism Montréal and Le Palais des congrès de Montréal. Exquisite hors d’oeuvres, specially made drinks and wonderful hosts made this a terrific transition from meeting to Convention. The Friendship Reception on Sunday featured food from across


Meetings included a number of fruitful opportunities for participation by the Board, post holders and Silent Observers in addition to the group work undertaken to establish the Programme goals and objectives. The board committee appointed to review structure and governance invited contributions from the meeting on ‘how best to structure and govern SI to support a collaborative business model’; a lively discussion took place on the minimum number of members required to charter and maintain clubs; each federation delegation discussed the role of SI; and the floor was opened for discussion on SI’s corporate identity. As one Silent Observer put it, when asked what she had gained


from the meeting: “As my first ever board meeting attendance, I have been amazed at the work that goes on, on our behalf. I have learnt so much, I couldn’t list it!”


Some of the key decisions approved by the Board: • December 10 to be adopted as a Soroptimist day of action for education and leadership for women and girls, linked to an annual global advocacy and awareness raising campaign.


• Future December 10 Appeals to benefit Soroptimist projects in education and leadership


• New Programme Goals and Objectives adopted for the next quadrennium and inserted into the SI Strategic Plan


• SI Treasurer allowed to renominate for a second 2 year term (subject to ratification of required constitutional change)


• Annual SI budgets to be approved by postal ballot after the Board Meeting to ensure alignment with strategic planning priorities


• Establishment of expert group to conduct review of SI’s internal operations, structure and activities


• Terms of Reference approved for new Audit Committee • Review of Convention Guidelines to be undertaken • SI to continue progressing global impact reporting and produce annual reports


The SI Board meets to set the future direction for our organisation. Headquarters staff and SI post holders alike are now looking forward to developing and implementing the agreed strategies in the course of the new biennium – as we work to ensure that Soroptimist International remains at the forefront of international women’s service organisations and fulfils our vision as ‘a vibrant, dynamic organisation for today’s professional and business women’.


Canada and a variety of strolling entertainment (the good-looking coureur de bois in the tepee was a hit!) which created the excitement for the next few days. On Monday evening Soroptimists were entertained by Tocadéro whose voices filled the Notre Dame Basilica and inspired most to get up and dance. This was an exclusive concert for Convention participants and over 700 visitors enjoyed the evening. The Gala Banquet on Wednesday evening began with the Change


of Insignia – the formality recognising the outgoing and incoming leadership. During the meal, Cirque Eloize demonstrated their exceptional skills and enviable flexibility. Two luncheons were also part of the experience – the Open Hearts


Open Door luncheon and the Chatline luncheon. Both events saw Soroptimist from all over the world talking, laughing and sharing. Cynthia Ullmark, President of the Banff National Park and


Canmore club in Alberta, Canada had these words about her experience: “After sitting for hours reflecting on my experience at the Convention, I have summed it up in one word – Unforgettable. Those five days, with 1100 like-minded women from all over the world, listening to amazing speakers, attending wonderful presentations and enjoying the summer weather in a beautiful city, have made an indelible impression on my heart and on my mind. “Events such as the evening concert at the spectacular Notre Dame


Basilica and the Gala Banquet, where we were entertained by circus artists performing seemingly impossible feats, inspired me even further. The women at our table, that night, were from Nigeria, Kenya, Scotland, Canada and the United States. Imagine the lively and interesting dinner conversation we enjoyed! I am convinced that every one of us went home with a greater resolve, more confidence and a stronger commitment to help make the world a better place. Istanbul, 2015, is already marked on my calendar. See you there!”


Soroptimists from around the world enjoyed the Gala Banquet TIS September 2011 Page 5


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