Northwestern Region

WHAT A WEEKEND!!!!!

by Ann Thatcher
SI Anacortes
NWR Region Information Manager

During the weekend of April 23 through 25 almost 400 Northwestern Region Soroptimists gathered in Spokane, Washington for the 86th Northwestern Region Conference. As always, the weekend was invigorating, exciting and full of the passion that creates our desire to make a difference in the lives of women and girls on a global level.

Some of the highlights of the weekend were our distinguished visitors. As a member of the SI Federation Board, our own Carol Kirkby from Burlington, WA was our official federation visitor. As always, Carol was an inspiration. She brought us updates on what is new at the federation and changes we might be seeing in the near future. Carol was asked by Governor Elect Linette to be the installing officer at the Gala Banquet and Installation on Saturday night. True to Carol’s style, we enjoyed her Cat In the Hat installation ceremony.

Governor Dede Olson pulled every string possible to get Dawn Marie Lemonds at our conference on Thursday evening and Friday. Dawn Marie is the Soroptimist Liaison for the SI Quadrennial Project, Project Independence: Women Survivors of War. Dawn Marie is an amazing speaker and her presentations were enjoyed by all. Governor Dede presented a check for over $17,000 to Dawn Marie for the Quadrennial Project. This check represents the donations already made or will be made by the end of the year by the individual clubs of the Northwestern Region. Wow, just imagine what it could be next year with every club participating!

On Saturday afternoon, Vanessa Horning of SI Everett, gave the keynote address entitled “For Goodness Sake.” It was thought provoking and very entertaining. Let me put it this way, it was the kind of program that when you leave you feel so good, and think, “Yes, if everyone would just be good to one another, this would really be a lovely world.”

The workshops offered over the weekend were excellent. As always, a workshop was available to anyone who is presently an officer or perhaps is thinking of accepting an office. Our Leading Edge Team, Martha Faulkenstein and Judy Dreis, organized an informative workshop on Mentoring. An excellent panel of health care professionals led a discussion on Women’s Health and You! Saturday afternoon we were treated to a workshop offered by Nancy Hanson introducing the Grant of Friendship recipients. Also, every club in the Northwestern Region contributes $46.50 per year to our region identifying projects. An explanation was given at a workshop as to where this money comes from, where it goes, and what are the projects. Last but certainly not least, a workshop was presented on Grants and Non-Profit Status.

The weekend was a total immersion into Soroptimism. On Saturday, our luncheon was devoted to honoring our Women’s Opportunity Award and Violet Richardson Award winners. What an incredible group! The challenges that some women have to face and rise above is remarkable and inspiring. Sunday morning brought about our annual Celebration of Life. Each member of the Northwestern Region who had died during the year, was remembered with a yellow rose, carried by her club President and placed in a clear crystal vase containing laurel branches. Afterwards a video of these amazing women was shared with all.

It was impossible not to leave on Sunday afternoon without carrying home a strong feeling of pride and satisfaction about who we are and what a difference we make in our world.