Presidents Message

I sat down to write my last article for the Bulletin and I think I am about all written out,  in the past two weeks I have written my Presidents Report, the opening address for the AGM, the article for the company annual report, my opening address for the conference and am currently working on my closing address for the conference.  I begin to wonder how many times one can say Soroptimists are amazing people and I love being a Soroptimist all of which is factful and true. 

But before we get to that, there is still some business topics to cover. We are entering one of the most important weeks of our Soroptimist year, I hope that clubs are prepared for the AGM, General Meeting and the Federation meeting. Have you held a meeting to choose your club representative at the meetings, have you read through the motions for the constitution and the decision for a Federation Logo? Have you given direction to the club representative on how she will vote? Have you discussed if your club would like to raise any questions with any of the Federation convenors?  It is important! Have you completed the forms to inform Federation secretary who will be your club representative? I urge each of you to read through the annual reports by the convenors and the National Presidents. I find reading all of the National President’s reports to be of immense value, to understand what are the barriers to women achieving gender equality, see what has been achieved by clubs in their countries, and they also highlight areas of advocacy and ideas for projects. 

The statistical data which has been extracted from the programme reporting database fills me with much pride, and you will have to wait until the company agm to hear how beneficial the work undertaken by SISEAP Soroptimists has been.  

The conference committee effort these past few weeks has been outstanding, there is so much to do to ensure that we all have the most amazing experience. The key note speakers will present a range of topics all of which are relevant to our Soroptimist work. Workshops will provide topics which address both our personal interests and our Soroptimist interests. The Friendship night is always fun and we have the Gala dinner to cap of a memorable 3 days, make sure you bring your dancing shoes for both events.

In closing, over the past 2 years, each month I have sat down at my computer attempting to write a monthly article which I hope has been of interest to our members, and now I am sitting here writing my last monthly greeting to you all.  SISEAP soroptimists have embraced the biennium tag line “Our Voice for Change – Our voice will amplify our areas of concern”, where you have identified areas of concern your voice has advocated for that change, the projects have addressed the 8 objectives and also the identified core elements of Education, Equity, Economic Empowerment, Enterprise and Environment.  Clubs embraced the Living with Nature Art competition which provided a voice for our youth through creative art. It has been with immense pride that I have been your representative at club charters, international events, webinars, Federation President’s meetings, conferences, conventions, CSW and many other times. I thank Federation Secretary Sue for her constant support through these 2 years, Headquarters staff who contribute over and beyond what is asked of them, the directors who took up the challenge to ensure that we operated as a company and supported the restructure of the company and Federation. The Federation convenors and their committees, I cannot thank you enough for your dedication, the volunteer hours you each have contributed to ensure that SISEAP continues to meet the vision and mission of our organisation has been huge.  This biennium has been a lot of hard but enjoyable work,  come the 1^st of June I am off on a walking tour of Arnham Land,  and I am sure I will have time to reflect back  on what a ride it has been. Thank you for your trust and friendship.

Christine Johnstone
President 2022-2024
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific
swppresident2022@siswp.org

This is the last month before the AGM, General Meeting, Federation Meeting and when we all get to meet at the “Your Voice our Future” conference to be held on the fabulous Gold Coast Tweed Heads, on the 3-5 May.   

It has been 6 years since we last met, each of you would have received the conference newsletter into your inboxes last week, please read, you will see that we have some exciting guest speakers who will provide thought provoking and interesting ideas over a range of topics, all of which are relevant to our vision and mission.

Conferences are a great time to catch up with old friends, meet new friends, get our creative project juices flowing as you come away invigorated with ideas for your clubs project work.  Use the opportunity to connect with other clubs and discuss possible project partnership ideas.

I encourage each of you to attend, every club should endeavour to have one member present in person as your club representative. The AGM and General meeting will only be held in person, so it is important that you have a club representative at this meeting.  The Federation meeting and some of the conference will be streamed out to members and guests, there will be a cost involved for this.  Please review the conference website page HERE. 

Shortly all clubs will receive into their club email account, the AGM agenda, General meeting agenda, Federation meeting agenda, annual reports and supporting documents, the club secretary and president will need to review these documents closely.  These will need to be discussed at a club meeting, and the club representative delegated with how she should vote at these meetings.

It is also to be noted that for a club to vote at these meetings, the club needs to be financial.  As of writing this report there are still clubs who are unfinancial, the clubs in question should arrange payment ASAP.

March was once again a busy month for myself, it was a privilege to represent members from SISEAP at CSW68.  SISEAP’s special consultative status with ECOSOC, enables our organisation to have up to 20 participants at CSW,  we do share our tickets with other Federations. This year Soroptimist International was one of the largest delegations at CSW with 98 Soroptimists from across the globe there in person.  Once again, this CSW was held as a hybrid event, which enables many Soroptimists who cannot attend in person to be able to participate in a variety of parallel events.  I do hope that many of you were able to view some of these parallel events. Attending these events provides you with a new perspective on topics.  CSW is very much a learning and sharing experience, everyone comes away with renewed energy for progressing gender equality, and ideas for improving the way in which we implement projects.   The agreed conclusions also provide us with recommendations towards closing the gap for 2030.  If you wish to read the Soroptimist International statement read HERE. The final agreed conclusions document can be read HERE.

Our membership base continues to grow, with the successful charter of 2 clubs since our last newsletter.

We welcomed SISEAP Sisters Online on the 24^th of February,  this is truly an international club, with members from across our Federation and we can now add another country Vietnam to our country list.  Then on the 24^th of March we welcomed members to SI Pearl of the Orient, the 2^nd club for Penang. The charter event was attended by SI President Siew Yong Gnanalingam, myself and president elect Joanne Yeoh.

This is the 6th club chartered during my biennium, our organisation has relevance in today’s world and women are eager to join, don’t forget to extend an invitation to every woman you meet.

I hope that our members were able to celebrate Easter and Eid al-Fitr with each other, and I look forward to welcoming all to the conference.

Christine Johnstone
President 2022-2024
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific
swppresident2022@siswp.org

Have you made a new beginning promise this year, or a New Years resolution, did you promise to do something good, or start afresh with some difficult ‘thing”.  Did your club conduct a planning day, or is yet to do so?

Did you take the time over the Holiday break to reflect on your year, was Soroptimist part of this reflection?  We cannot make a change or a new beginning unless we look back and evaluate, our new beginning has to be free from the actions or thinking that got you there in the first place.  Your new beginning has to be mindful of the past actions and recognition of what is required to implement that new beginning. 

This year, by renewing your membership you have already taken the steps to that new beginning.  Recognising that being a Soroptimist holds much promise, working with supportive ‘sisters’, linking into a global movement, and always that service or volunteering ‘work’, knowing that it will benefit many women and children as well as yourself. 

This week we celebrated Education week, read more HERE. Although the Programme team is still finalising approving the submitted reports, I did extrapolate what data was available for Education week.  $58,875 AUD on Education projects, $99,659 AUD worth of scholarships, bursaries and vocational training. Members are to be congratulated on the invaluable projects and scholarships undertaken which address education, and it has been said many times, we know that this is not the full story, as many clubs do not report, I am sure these figures could possibly double if we all took the time to report.   We need your data, data allows us to bench mark, to evaluate, (part of the reflection to be undertaken at club planning days), provides for informed decision making, problem solving, greater understanding (of the problem and solution), improving the process and understanding (meeting the needs of the recipients of our projects).

Our next major campaign in both CSW68 and IWD, Soroptimist International has a team across the 5 Federations going to CSW.  SISEAP will be presenting an in person webinar, (more news about this in the February eSPAN).  To publicise Soroptimist International, SISEAP have organised SISEAP branded IWD purple ribbons, these have been priced very cheaply (1.70AUD) they come folded and pinned ready to sell or hand out at your events, place your order NOW through HQ just email hq@siswp.org with the quantity to be ordered. 

Your Soroptimist new beginning has begun, being a Soroptimist is rewarding,  lets continue our work as we amplify our voices for change.

Yours in Soroptimist friendship,

Christine Johnstone
President 2022-2024
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific
swppresident2022@siswp.org

Awareness and Advocating are two of the pillars of our organisation and the 16 Days of Activism provide Soroptimists across our Federation with many opportunities to participate. Going back 20 plus years whilst Soroptimist talked about domestic violence, it was not considered a subject which we could actively raise public awareness to. Thank goodness this has changed. As a leading women’s civil society organisation it is our duty to amplify our voices, raise awareness and advocate for change. How inspiring it is to view social media on all of the various actions being undertaken by clubs and members to bring about an end to gender-based violence. We have lit up the world with orange and the actions of Soroptimist. Well done.

As we wind down to the end of 2023, and Christians prepare themselves for the Christmas Festival, we should remember that Festivals are an important event in our calendars. Festival celebrations of all forms, create enthusiasm and happiness between families and friends, and the important message of Peace and Goodwill. This year we have seen violence inflicted on people in many parts of this world, we pray for their safety, wellbeing and an end to conflict. I wish all Soroptimists a Happy Festive Season, please spend your time wisely with much joy and friendship.

On the 14th of this month I will be joining my SI Beenleigh Soroptimists friends, as we continue with a long tradition (over 30) of packing Christmas food hampers for the less fortunate in our community. 2 weeks ago, my 10 year old grandson said to me, “Nannie, last year you took me to help pack Christmas packs, can I please come with you to do this again”. I was overjoyed as this time at his own initiative he wanted to be a part of this. I do believe that Soroptimist empower many people on all levels to give generously of their time to their community.

I thank each and every one of you for the generosity of your time as a Soroptimist, and once again reflect on 2 sentences from the Soroptimist pledge – “The Joy of achievement, the dignity of service”, may you all finish of this year knowing that your Soroptimist work has made a difference to many women and girls. Take time to rest and come back prepared for an action packed 2024.

Yours in Soroptimist friendship,

Christine Johnstone
President 2022-2024
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific
swppresident2022@siswp.org

Educate, Empower, Enable three statements we refer to in written and vocal communication.  As Soroptimists we create projects which empower women every day, but to do this important work we must empower ourselves. SISEAP has recently ran two Thriving Futures programs, where 28 attended the Kuala Lumpur program and 15 attended  the  Western Australia one. 

Through the participation in these courses, our members have gained empowerment as this training equips them with essential tools, resources, and skills required to make informed choices and effectively solve problems.  If you would like to know more about this program, reach out to your membership zone coordinators or Membership convenor Yvonne, and enquire if the Thriving Futures program can be held in your area.

The Living with Nature art competition, a project I created to provide a voice to our youth through visual art has crowded its champions. Visual art provides communication and self-expression beyond what words can convey. My hope was that our youth would be engaged, and that the clubs which undertook the project would connect with their community through this project.  Artwork was received from 3 countries, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.  The artists are very talented, including two budding film makers Matilda Grant and Tianian Shen - their video covers the impact of waste with a strong call to action 'Pick it up' .  Please visit the website to view these artworks, and consider speaking to your club members to participate in this competition next year.

Federation Art competition entries. View here.

Left: First Prize Winner 13-18 years age group - Low Yeong Shi, Malaysia.

Right: First Prize Winner 7-12 years age group - Eshal_Naeem, Australia. 

Continuing my theme "Our Voice for Change”, the Programme team interviewed two young women for the International Day of the Girl Child.  I encourage members to play these videos at club meetings or events. They are short videos, each is under 8 minutes and showcase our project and advocacy work. The video are available for viewing from the SISEAP YouTube channel. Click here to view.

I hope that all members were able to participate in the October is Membership month campaign. Did you complete the survey at your club?  I know that the SISEAP family of social media was alight with many events and activities undertaken during October to raise awareness to our organisation.  I thank you all for your input and hope that there is success in increased membership.

With two months remaining until the close of yet another successful year, we are not shifting into holiday mode just yet. November and December are gearing up to be busy weeks when we amplify our Voices to bring awareness to ending domestic and gender-based violence. Please continue to visit our website for updates during these final two months.

Yours in Soroptimist friendship,

Christine Johnstone
President 2022-2024
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific
swppresident2022@siswp.org

October is the birth month of Eleanor Roosevelt, a woman of the world who worked to improve the lives of people all over the world, and assisted in writing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I came across this quote from Eleanor "You can often change your circumstances by changing your attitude."  

Over the past few months our Soroptimists attitude has been challenged, the SI convention provided opportunities to expand our knowledge across several pillars as we listened to expert speakers, we increased our Soroptimist knowledge.  Last week in Kuala Lumpur I attended the Thriving Futures program along with 28 Soroptimists from 10 of our 13 countries. 

The Thriving Futures program (a 6 months Leadership, Retention and Extension program, which included 3 days face to face, and 1 day strategic planning day)  is about changing attitudes.  The course content covered personal development, leadership strengths, effective meetings and planning, this led into planning and strategies for SISEAP retention and recruitment.  Soroptimist International and the members will benefit greatly from this training.  The women bonded, were frank and honest about membership in their clubs, there was much sharing of ideas and what did and did not work, the attendees all finished day 3 on a high, and were eager to take back learnings to their club members. 

Day of the Girl Child advocacy program is about changing attitudes, we need our young girls to be resilient and strong as they face adversity at every step as they strive forward in this world. We need to educate our men, employers and boys, that women are equal.  The programme team have prepared two excellent interviews with young women and a toolkit to assist you with your advocacy and social media campaigns.  

Language as a tool for communication.  Recently I have had the opportunity to visit Soroptimists in a range of countries, language and communication was often a topic.  English is the official Soroptimist language, but we make all efforts to be inclusive to members who have English as their 2^nd language, and part of this inclusiveness is that the website now can be read in all the languages of our member countries. Yet whilst this has been communicated many times, it is only as I have been visiting countries and demonstrating this, that I got the “oohs and ahhs”, the smiles and high fives,  so please make sure that all your members know where and how to change the language for improved communication. The bulletin and e-span can also be converted to other languages but not all the languages of our Federation.  Club meetings do not have to be conducted in English they can be conducted in the language of the country. 

 As a Soroptimist there has been much change in the past months, but remember it is about how you react to this change, and remaining positive to what is important to you about being a Soroptimist is the key.  There is always work to do to improve the lives of women and girls and you are the one to do it.

Yours in Soroptimist friendship,

Christine Johnstone
President 2022-2024
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific
swppresident2022@siswp.org

How important is it to you to make a difference?  During my recent Cultural Exchange visit to Mongolia, I was accompanied by Federation Life Member Lorna Mead, Catherine Evans and Cherrie Power. We visited with the 4 Soroptimists club’s and their members, witnessing firsthand how being a Soroptimist does make that difference. The Mongolian Soroptimists projects meet many of the Federation’s 8 objectives.

Homelessness is at a crisis point in many of our Federation countries and the SI Darkhan Ger Project (a Ger is a Mongolian dwelling ideally suited to Mongolia’s harsh terrain and lifestyle) provides a home to a woman and her family. This year in partnership with other Soroptimist clubs and individual members they were able to present 3 women with a Ger. Providing a shelter and a home where plans and dreams can be made for the future.

After the official presentation of the 3 new Gers, we visited a previous benefactor who was so pleased to invite us to afternoon tea and show us her home. If you ever doubt that your work as a Soroptimist is not making a Difference, look at how proud this woman is, sharing her home and food, and showing us a big bowl of cranberries which she grew, and her vegetable garden. She wanted me to convey her thanks to the members of SI Palmerston North who provided her with the seeds to grow the cranberries and also contributed to the purchase of her Ger. This is why we are Soroptimists, to provide life changing opportunities

The Soroptimist International Convention is over, and still the positive ripples continue. This month SI announces the Visible and Vocal public speaking competition, open to any clubs in Australia and to clubs in one of our Federations non-commonwealth countries, please see the article below for all details. I encourage all eligible clubs to nominate. 

Congratulations to the successful nominees for Federation positions for 2024-2026 Biennium. Your energy, support and dedication to the vision and mission of SISEAP is acknowledged and valued. There are still a couple of positions vacant and I encourage all members to consider applying.

It is now officially spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Spring signals new growth, make this spring a time for Soroptimist clubs to implement their projects for the remainder of the year and into the new year.

A global voice for women, Soroptimists voices were indeed strong and loud over the last week in July, as 1,700 Soroptimists from across the globe convened in Dublin. A taxi driver remarked to one of our Federation Soroptimists “So many women in town, what is going on?”. We were indeed visual and vocal. The SISEAP Federation was well represented at the convention, with over 100 members attending, the group photo tells it all.

Joining us for the group photo was Soroptimist International IPP Sharon Fisher and President Maureen. The Australian Soroptimists were easily recognisable, thanks to the efforts of the New South Wales Region, who organized an indigenous inspired shirt, this was a great hit, and I know many other Soroptimists from across the globe were asking for one as a souvenir.

I was very proud to address the convention on behalf of our SISEAP members, showcasing our impact for 2021, 2022 and 2023. You can view the recording on the SISEAP Youtube site HERE. The convention was packed with quality speakers and Soroptimists news announcements, such as a remodelled emblem to lead our International movement into the next 100 years, the Soroptimist International Foundation which will permanently replace the SI Presidents Appeal, more information about the foundation and the emblem will be sent to members as it becomes available. Incoming SI President Siew Yong Gnanalingam presented her welcome address via video, as a Federation we stand united to assist Siew Yong when she takes up her international position in January. Siew Yong’s theme, “Save Mother Earth, Save the Future”, is very dear to SISEAP, as we all know the devastating effects of climate disaster. Her video will be available in coming days on the SISEAP Youtube site.

I will ask that all SISEAP members who attended convention deliver to their clubs, regions and or countries a detailed report of the positive outcomes, workshops, the posters showcasing projects across the 5 Federations and the warmth and friendships experienced by all, including the logistic nightmare of moving 1,700 women from floor 6 to ground level for morning tea and back again in 30 minutes. The 5 Federations delivered workshops, SISEAP’s workshop “Climate Change – Women Leading the Way” was well attended, we had to turn away many people as both sessions were oversubscribed. The programme team will be reporting on the success of the workshop and its takeouts for members to action on a personal and club level.

Our Federation presented to SI President Maureen a beautiful set of pearls as a thank you for her leadership. Maureen was overwhelmed by this gift, please see the image below shared by Maureen at the Gala Dinner.

Soroptimists came away from the SI Convention, inspired, renewed and ready for the Challenge to take Soroptimist International into a bright future.

I am very pleased to announce that SISEAP received one nomination for President Elect for 2024-2026, and wish to announce that Anthea Penny, member of SI North Canterbury will take up the position of SISEAP President Elect on the 1 June 2024.

Please congratulate Anthea on her appointment.

Please view her address to the members HERE. 

SISEAP Federation positions for the biennium 2024–2026 are open and I urge all Soroptimists to consider nominating for this vital work. Our Federation cannot go forth and be the change maker we all desire without the volunteer work of Soroptimists to take on these rewarding roles.

I am currently away touring Northern Ireland with 30 other Soroptimists from across 4 Federations. Once again being a Soroptimist affords us such amazing friendships. I leave you with this image of a very wet Connemara, this area of the Wild Atlantic coastline and the 12 Ben Mountains would have been magical had we been able to see it, but that is the joy of travelling, you never know what you are going to get.

Yours in Soroptimist friendship,

Christine Johnstone
President 2022-2024
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific
swppresident2022@siswp.org

How long has it been since you reviewed our vision and mission?

Our Vision is that women and girls will achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.

Our Mission is for Soroptimists to transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.

Do these words inspire you? Do they provide you with the renewed energy and inspiration to continue to be a Soroptimist, they do me. Often when talking to potential members or partners in projects, I will respond that as a Soroptimist my work transforms the lives of women and girls through our project work. At your next club meeting, consider reading the vision and mission statements at the start of the meeting and remember in your project planning to consider the vision and mission objectives and ensure that the project is going to deliver on an aspect from each.

Visibility of our vision has been on fire this month, with social media platforms showcasing the work undertaken by clubs during Environment month. The range of actions has truly amplified our united voice and commitment in recognising the unequal burdens experienced by climate change.

Over 1,600 Soroptimists from across the 5 Federations will be converging in Dublin in the coming weeks for the SI Convention. At this convention we will be reminded of the SI Vision and Mission and the theme of Challenge the Future. One might ask who’s future!, our SISEAP future; the future of SI; or the future of the women and girls we so passionately advocate for? All very thought provoking, we will all come away motivated and inspired as we personally continue our Soroptimist journey.

SI Inner City Sydney, our newest club, held their charter dinner in June whilst SI Melbourne celebrated 75 Years of service, both milestone achievements. The members buoyed with enthusiasm as they embark on projects which follow our vision and mission.

Left: SI Inner City Sydney Charter

Above: SI Melboune Celebrating 75 Years

It is with much pleasure that I make the following announcements:

• The appointment of Michelle Kaur from SI Shah Alam, Malaysia, as the new Governance Convenor for the remainder of this biennium.
• The appointment of Gail Ker from SI Beenleigh, Australia as a new company Director.
• HQ Communications & Administration Assistant Jessica Aylward is taking maternity leave for 6 months, as she welcomes a new addition to her growing family. I had the pleasure to meet with Jess last week and present her with a gift and convey from all members of the Federation our congratulations and very best wishes on the safe delivery of her baby.
• Naomi To has been appointed as a replacement for Jess whilst she is on maternity leave, please say hello to Naomi next time you ring HQ.

This month we will be calling for position holders for the 2024-2026 Biennium. Our clubs cannot complete projects which transform the lives and women and girls without leaders in the Federation to steer the direction, you can be one of those leaders, you are not alone, we work in teams, please consider nominating for one of the positions or being a member of one of the committees.

Right: Jessica Aylward with President Christine

Yours in Soroptimist friendship,

Christine Johnstone
President 2022-2024
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific
swppresident2022@siswp.org