It’s Spring! This is always a renewing time of year with lots of expectations and opportunities. That is certainly true in Soroptimist.

We are seeing our Live Your Dream and Violet Richardson awardees, Fellowship recipients, and other scholarship awardees launch or continue their journeys. These women and girls are moving toward their dreams, and YOU have been a part of that.

We also have several members back from the meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women. That is Soroptimist impacting women and girls throughout the world. YOU have been a part of that, too.

My Soroptimist time these days is consumed with preparing for our Region Conference. It is YOU that keep me going during those hours of preparing programs, script, and determining who will sit where. I am a cell phone battery just waiting to get to see all of YOU and get recharged.

Contact your club secretary now and make sure you are registered for Conference. You will see longtime friends, spend time with friends you see often, make new friends, and experience all that is Soroptimist.

I always end my blog with “See you soon,” but this time I mean it. San Ramon-May 1-3-I’ll be there, will YOU?

Governor Elise

March and April seem to be a time of celebration and fun in Founder Region. There are all sorts of events going on: Bunco, Teas, luncheons, evening soirees.  It is an exciting time and I urge you all to participate as much as you can.

March and April are also a time of preparation, much like the Spring season.  The Fellowship Board is working hard to select the awardees for 2026.  The Live Your Dream committee is finishing its work selecting our District and Region recipients.

The Region Board, the host clubs, and the Legislative Advocacy Committee are preparing for Region Conference.   The Call to Conference will be coming soon. But I can tell you, you do not want to miss this Conference.  It will be amazing.
 
Later this month we will have our Caucus Call to make sure you are fully informed to be able to vote on the bylaws amendments which we will be voting on at Conference.  Make sure you report your Big Goal Accelerator Projects and Dream It Be It programs by March 31.  There will be certificates awarded to those clubs that do.

I am excited and I hope you are too.  I will see you soon.
Governor Elise

I want each of you, as individuals and as clubs, to take a deep breath.  Then, say “I am doing what I can, when I can, how I can.”

Sometimes Soroptimist can feel like an overwhelming bureaucracy with ever increasing demands for time and money.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  Remember that part of the induction ceremony for new members- “We will never make you feel guilty.”  Whatever time, money, resources you contribute that is enough and is appreciated.
 
How can that be?   It is enough because your contributions and your club’s contributions are part of a worldwide organization working toward the same goals.  Together, our contributions combine and make the dreams of women and girls come true. Together we make a bigger impact than any one of us or any one club can on its own.
 
Yes, there can be lots of requests and lots of paperwork.  Think of the requests as options-you don’t have to do them all, but maybe one sparks your interest.  The paperwork is simply part of what is necessary to organize a large group of people working toward the same goal. Don’t let it intimidate you.

I hope this helps.  I will see you soon.
 
Governor Elise

Happy New Year!  May 2026 bring us all wonderful things and much joy.

I want to begin by thanking the clubs that shared their holiday celebrations with me either in person or virtually. It is truly heart warming to see the friendships among our members as they celebrate. That is an important part of being a Soroptimist.

Looking forward, 2026 has much in store for us. We have our Region Conference May 1-3 in San Ramon. You don’t want to miss that important meeting. In July, there is the SIA Convention in Incheon, South Korea. Another event not to be missed. Be on the lookout now for the SIA invoice for your club’s mandatory convention fee and take the necessary steps to take care of that.

We are also approaching the season for Live Your Dream judging and awards. Please get your club’s selection in early. I believe there could be recognition involved.

It’s never too late to be working on your Big Goal Accelerator Projects and Dream It Be It Programs. Make sure those are reported. It is important.

Let’s move into this new calendar year with new enthusiasm, commitment, and connections to Soroptimist.  I hope to see you all soon.

Governor Elise

In many of the months I have been privileged to write this blog, I give you a bit of a to-do list or reminders. I am not going to do that this month. Instead, I want you to think about some things.

Thanksgiving is past, but the entire holiday season is a time for gratitude and appreciation. Of course, it is always important to convey our appreciation to others for their contributions to our lives and the lives of others. Be sure to also take the time to appreciate how you, as an individual and a Soroptimist, change lives for the better.

Each of you have touched the lives of countless women and girls in ways that you may never know. Each of you has made the world a little bit of a better place for others. That is the best holiday gift of all.

In all of the holiday whirlwind, please take a moment and appreciate all that you and your fellow Soroptimists have done and still will do.

Happiest of Holidays to you, your families, and friends from the Founder Region Board. We will see you in 2026!

Governor Elise

As always, the Founder Region District Meetings were amazing.  Opportunities to see long-time friends and to make new ones, a time to learn new things. If you could not make it this year, make sure to save some time in October 2026.  I want to thank your Region Board and the host clubs for a job well done. I especially want to thank the Soroptimists who took the time to come to one of the meetings. As always, you are the most important piece of the puzzle.

Some take aways from the District Meetings. Your District Directors put together a program about membership-why did you join, why do you stay, and what can you do to help our organization grow and thrive. There were sticky notes involved with people’s answers to these questions.

The Soroptimist mission was one of the big reasons people come and stay.  I noticed, however, that some people came and stayed because they were asked. What does that tell us?  Ask people to join Soroptimist, even ask more than once. As part of that, talk about the Soroptimist mission. Share what we do and why we do it. We invest in dreams. We build dreams.

For successful growth, there were many diverse suggestions. I would sum them up this way: do something. Whether it is a some-more social, a book club, or something else, do something. Don’t wait, do your “something” in the next 30 days. The results could be amazing.

In this season of Thanksgiving, I am grateful for each and every one of you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Governor Elise

I am writing this two days before the anniversary of the date Soroptimist was founded October 3, 1921. Our organization is turning 104. That is truly an amazing accomplishment. I recently was telling someone a bit about Soroptimist, and she was amazed about our longevity.

As wonderful and amazing as that is, we can’t rest on our past achievements.  As Violet Richardson said, “It’s what you do that counts.”  I think she would be proud of Founder Region.

We have adapted. That is our strength.

When it was impossible for us all to gather in person during Covid, we learned how to do Zoom. We have learned to publicize our projects and fundraisers on Facebook and other social media. We communicate by email and text. Yet, with all that, we still know how to give hugs when we see friends we haven’t seen for a while.

Our Live Your Dream and Dream It Be It programs support women and girls in ways that would have been unheard of in 1921.  We build dreams for 2025 which are different than the dreams of 1921.

We are open in our membership. A potential member doesn’t have to be a business owner or a professional to be a Soroptimist. We even have Soroptimists who are men!

My anniversary wish for all of us is that, in one hundred years, there will be a Governor of Founder Region writing about us and how far Soroptimist has come since our time. That is our legacy.

I hope to see every one of you at one or more of our District Meetings this month.  We will celebrate together. Until then, be a proud Soroptimist.

Governor Elise

I have often praised the diversity of Founder Region and emphasized how each club has its own unique features. That’s all true, but this month I realized something else. In many ways, we are all the same.

Part of my role as your governor is to listen and give input as needed when a challenge arises. Recently I have had several issues come up with separate clubs and the reasons behind each were amazingly similar.  Let me share some of my takeaways.

Speak up. If you see that there is or might be a problem, speak up. Don’t whisper about it or just silently worry about it. Bring the issue to the attention of the involved people or, if that doesn’t work, to the attention of someone who can perhaps do something about the problem. You can do this in a friendly supportive way but take some action.

Communicate. If you feel, as a member, that you are being excluded from participating in something, maybe a meeting or some such thing, ask to be included. Perhaps there was just a simple oversight. If you are a club officer and feel that you have been excluded from something, ask to be included. If you feel your club needs to change up its activities, bring that up and facilitate a discussion about it.

Don’t be isolated. Never think that a challenge you, as a member, or your club is experiencing is unique. Every member and every club encounters its challenges. It’s easier to work on those together. Talk to each other, talk to other clubs, talk to your District Director, talk to your Governor. Together a solution might be found or, at least, you will know you are not alone.

That’s what I have for this month. See you all soon.
Governor Elise

The new Soroptimist 2025-2026 club year is well under way. Time to plan for Live Your Dream Awards, Violet Richardson Awards, Dream It Be It projects, Big Goal Accelerator projects, club giving, District Meetings in October, Region Conference in May, SIA Convention in July 2026 and who knows what else. There are a lot of things to think about and to do, so many goals to work for. More information on all of these things will be in the monthly newsletter, on the Founder Region website, and on the SIA website.

Right now, I want you to take a deep breath. Nothing is ever perfect. Perfection is overrated. The unexpected always happens and there are always mistakes and challenges. The point is that you are trying. The women and girls we strive to help achieve economic empowerment will remember that we tried. Even if the result is not all that we might have wished we tried.  The new Soroptimist member will remember that you spoke kindly to her at a club meeting and included her in the club’s activities. No one other than you will notice that the fundraiser did not go exactly as planned.

The point is to never stop trying, never stop reaching out.  As someone once said, shoot for the stars and miss, but you might just hit the moon. The only wrong thing is not to try.

Remember, you are not in this alone. You individually have your club members, the club has its district, the district has Founder Region. We are all here together working toward the Soroptimist mission.

Keep going, you are doing great. I will see you soon.

Governor Elise

This past month has been inspiring in many different ways. I hope you have had some of the same inspiring experiences as I did.

First, I attended several club installations. The enthusiasm was wonderful.  From large clubs to small clubs, there was a sense of a new beginning and great things about to happen along with recognition of past achievements. There was also wonderful camaraderie and friendship. As always, excellent hospitality was extended to all guests. Some installations I couldn’t attend, but I saw these same things on Facebook posts and pictures.

In my travels, I had the privilege of inducting three new members. This is good and it is reassuring to see that growth. Let’s keep that pattern going for the new club year.

I also was part of our two Leadership Training programs. Close to one hundred members participated. I saw familiar faces, but I also saw some new faces. There were good discussions, good questions asked, and I hope, good answers given. For those of you who attended, please share your new information with other members. For everyone, the Leadership Manual is on the Founder Region Website. Use it to answer any questions you may have. Of course, your Region Board is always just a phone call, text, or email away, if you have questions.

I hope to see you all at District Meetings (October 4-Districts I and II) (October 11-District III and IV) (October 18-District V).

I think 2025-2026 is going to be one of the best Soroptimist years ever. Let’s all make it so.
Governor Elise

Let me share a few observations.

Soroptimist love recognition for themselves and others. Having an opportunity to brag about something your club has done or receiving a certificate is important.  We need to do lots of that in our clubs and as a region.

Soroptimists like information. We seem to thrive when things are explained.  I hope enough of that happens and that we are not so busy with our BGAP, LYD, VRA, and DIBI that we forget to think about what those things really mean.

Soroptimists like to be asked. We can ask for volunteers and get no response. Make a phone call and you’ll get what you need. Let’ s  just consider ourselves asked and step up without a special invitation.

Soroptimists are warm and caring people. Tell a Soroptimist you have a challenge, and she will do her best to solve it. Let’s all continue to do that and to be understanding that someone may have a challenge you don’t know about and need a little support.

Soroptimists do not like deadlines. We are so busy that sometimes things just fly by. All I can say is remember deadlines are there for a reason. There is someone out there trying to organize something and create a good experience not only for you, but for others. Find out the timelines and stick with them. Everyone, including you, will be happier and less stressed.

Finally, Soroptimist really is like a puzzle. None of us are exactly alike, think exactly alike, or act just alike. That’s a good thing. With all those differences, we can all fit together and be the most beautiful picture we can be.

Governor Elise

Yes, this blog is later than usual. That’s because I was off at the Founder Region Conference celebrating our achievements and learning with many of you. Now, I am back.
Conference and the beginning of a new club year always make me think about why I am a Soroptimist and what I can do to maximize the value of my membership to myself and to others.  I urge you to do the same.

As to the “whys,” seeing the faces and hearing the stories of our Live Your Dream and Fellowship awardees as well as seeing members/friends who I have not seen for a while. Those are things that keep me going and make me want to do more. What about you?

Is this the year you will take on a new leadership role or recommit to a role you’ve had before? Is this the year that words of encouragement you say to another member causes her to stay a Soroptimist? Is the year that your smile at an award winner sticks in her head as she deals with the challenges of her life? Is this the year that someone will encourage you and make you feel good about some Soroptimist work you have done? I hope your year is all those things.

I’ll start. I think all of you and your Soroptimist are amazing. I can’t think of any better group of people.

Be in touch.
Governor Elise

Last month I asked to hear what the clubs are bringing in new members are doing to be successful at that most important task. I have been watching and have come up with a few thoughts about that.

Growing clubs recognize their members.  Whether it be a happy birthday or celebrating some recognition a member has received in her profession or community, those clubs are there. It doesn’t cost anything and isn’t hard to say, “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations.”
Growing clubs have fun.  Soroptimist can be a lot of work sometimes and there can even be frustrations. Does your club get together to simply enjoy one another’s company? Maybe a dinner not a regular meeting night, getting together for a glass of wine for no special reason, or a cup of coffee to get to know each other better?  It is those fun things which can help get us through the not so fun times, retain members and attract new members.

Building dreams is serious important business, but remember to enjoy the journey in getting that done and your companions on the trip.
 
Let’s all go to Founder Region Conference, May 2-4 in Concord, California.  Let’s recognize our achievements and have fun. I will be there and want to see YOU.

See you soon.
Governor Elise

I am very excited. Founder Region has awarded one hundred twenty three (123) Live Your Dream Awards for 2024-2025.  Region Chair Maida and her team are fantastic and so are all of your clubs.  Every one of our clubs gave at least one Live Your Dream Award.  I can’t wait to meet the district recipients at our Region Conference. Sunday morning, May 4 will again show us a great “why” be a Soroptimist.

Speaking of Region Conference-did you know that our Legislative Advocacy Committee is pulling together a not-to-be-missed day of presentations on Friday, May 2. The Fellowship Board is completing interviews of their candidates, and I know we will have much to be proud of on the night of Friday, May 2. The Call to Conference may make it to you before this blog. Make plans now to be with us in Concord May 2 through 4.

We continue to see good membership growth. I would love to hear what the clubs that are bringing in new members are doing to be successful at that most important task.  For all our clubs and members, every effort you make to bring in a new member makes it more possible for some woman or girl to achieve her dreams.

I am seeing lots of optimism and excitement about Soroptimist throughout our region.  Let’s keep it going.  If there is any way I can help you do that, I am only an email or phone call away.
 
See you soon.
Governor Elise

Pardon me if I am a bit obsessed right now.  Founder Region Conference 2025 is 3 months away-May 2-4, 2025!  What is that, only 90 sleeps?  My first Conference as your Governor. The Call to Conference is almost done and will be in your email box in the first week of March.  Be sure to get that to your club right away. That’s all I am going to say about that right now, so I leave you with a bit of a cliff hanger or, maybe, a puzzle waiting to be completed.

In the meantime, I hope all of your Live Your Dream and Violet Richardson Award recipients have been passed along as need be.  I hope we are going to have 100% participation in the Live Your Dream Award program.

Has your club thought about doing a Dream It, Be It project this club year or maybe next?  Is there a financial issue holding you back? Founder Region may be able to help. Watch this month’s newsletter for grants which may be available.

As I write this, tomorrow evening Governor-elect Jackie and I are going to present a webinar on Big Goal Accelerator Projects.  We will tape it and have it available for you if you did not catch us live. Your club can do one of these projects. It may take a little thought and creativity, but I know you have plenty of both of those. Let’s speed on to that goal of half a million women and girls by 2031.

Must go now. Conference preparations to complete and I get to meet with my Region Board colleagues next weekend.
See you soon.
Governor Elise

It is the time of year when we often try to fulfill other people’s dreams and wishes. This is nothing new for Soroptimists. That is what Soroptimist is about all of the time-building dreams.  That is what we do all year. Congratulations to all of you for the role Founder Region Soroptimist has played in building dreams during 2024.

Especially at this time of year, think about making Soroptimist your charity of choice. Can your club or you individually make a gift to SIA? Can you contribute to Fellowship ?  Be a part of making dreams come true for women and girls.

Happiest of Holidays to you, your families, and friends from the Founder Region Board. We will see you in 2025!

Governor Elise

It is the time of year when we often try to fulfill other people’s dreams and wishes. This is nothing new for Soroptimists. That is what Soroptimist is about all of the time-building dreams.  That is what we do all year. Congratulations to all of you for the role Founder Region Soroptimist has played in building dreams during 2024.

Especially at this time of year, think about making Soroptimist your charity of choice. Can your club or you individually make a gift to SIA? Can you contribute to Fellowship?  Be a part of making dreams come true for women and girls.

Happiest of Holidays to you, your families, and friends from the Founder Region Board. We will see you in 2025!

Governor Elise

This blog is a bit later than usual. Why is that, you ask?

First, there were District Meetings.  Your Region Board went from Coyote Valley (just north of Ukiah) to Honolulu. Great attendance at all the meetings.  Your District Directors came up with a great program.  Were YOU the missing piece? (If you didn’t go, you don’t know. Ask a friend.)  We were welcomed with great hospitality, enthusiasm, and fun at each meeting.
Next, your Board met from November 1 to 3rd. Always fun to be with my Board colleagues plus we got a lot done. Region Conference, Leadership Training, and next year’s District Meetings are going to be amazing.

I look forward to hearing about your club’s Live Your Dream successes. November 15 is almost here. Don’t fret if you have not received a bunch of applications. Reach out to your District Live Your Dream representative if you need help.

Could that project your club has been doing forever be a Big Goal Accelerator Project? Stay tuned to learn more. A tutorial is coming soon.

“Canva”, did you say?  Make your flyers and social mediate communications look even better.  The SIA website has great information on using that program.

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for you and all our Soroptimist sisters.  Happy Thanksgiving. Until we meet again, be well and do good.

Oh…a special request.  The first 10 Soroptimists to email me and tell me where Coyote Valley is located will get a special prize.
Governor Elise

For reference purposes, I am writing this on September 30, 2024. This is a big week. Thursday, October 3, 2024, is Founder’s Day-the anniversary of the day Soroptimist was begun on October 3, 1921, in Oakland, California. We are turning 103!

Imagine those first Soroptimists and the challenges they faced. There were no Zoom meetings, no Governor’s blogs, no emails, no texts. I imagine that even communicating by telephone was sometimes challenging at that point. Yet, those dedicated individuals nurtured and grew an organization that has lasted over a century.  For that entire time, Soroptimist has been providing women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.  We have been building dreams.

There have been many changes since 1921. Some have made things easier; some may have made things more difficult. [That’s a subject for another day.]  We are a diverse group and a strong organization that continues to weather the test of time.  

We must continue to adapt and change as we move through the second century.  Let’s learn about and listen to new ideas, new ways of doing things. But let’s also remember that Soroptimist has a strong foundation on which we can rely. More importantly, let’s remember that the most important part of Soroptimist is one another and the women and girls we help. Let’s work together and continue to create something truly amazing.

I look forward to seeing many of you at District Meetings.  Until then, take care and be a proud Soroptimist.
Governor Elise

Since we last “spoke” in this blog, your 2024-2026 Founder Region Board had our first official Board meeting. We accomplished many things and had some fun as well.

One of our main tasks at the meeting was planning the upcoming District meetings.  The District Directors have created a great program to present, and we discussed the many details that go into planning a good District meeting.  You don’t want to miss attending at least one District meeting this year. We have lots of information for you and this is your opportunity to share with each other. I look forward to seeing each of you.

We are also now two weeks past from the opening of the Live Your Dream portal. Remember to keep talking about this program and publicizing it however you can. These awards make a huge difference in women’s lives. Can your club give one more Live Your Dream award than it did last club year? That would be amazing.

It’s also not too early to start planning for Founder Region Conference. You will want to be at the Concord Hilton from May 2 to 4, 2025. As always, there will be much to learn and much to share with each other. It won’t be the same without you.

One thing we will doing at Conference is electing the 2025-2027 Nominating Committee.  Very soon your club will be receiving the nomination forms for those positions. Who do you know who is a bright, energetic, and organized person who would be willing to help as part of the Nominating Committee to select the next Founder Region Board?

That’s the puzzle for this month. I will see you soon.
Governor Elise

I have just returned from the Soroptimist International of the Americas 48th Biennial Convention in Bellevue, Washington. I was impressed by so many things and learned so much. It would take many pages to tell you everything. So, I will try to hit some highlights.

It began when I arrived at the Bellevue Hyatt. My first task was to find my room. The people at the front desk pointed me to a ramp and told me to go down the ramp and to the elevators. I couldn’t find the elevators and was standing in the middle of the hallway looking confused. Then, I saw several friendly looking ladies approaching. Turns out they were Soroptimists who greeted me warmly and pointed me in the right direction. Off to a good start.

Founder Region was very well represented at the Convention. We had approximately 70 members there.  I don’t know if I saw all of you, but it was great as always connecting with you.

At the Governor’s Orientation, I met Governor’s from all over the United States, Japan, and Korea.  I was seeing an even bigger picture than before. Opening General Session was very moving with the presentation of flags from each country in SIA. I saw what a big part of SIA Founder Region is. We are a big piece of the SIA puzzle.

That our hard work pays off was also brought home to me. In 2023-2024, there was $3,000,000.00 awarded to 2269 Live Your Dream recipients. More than 25,000 girls were reached by Dream It Be it during 2023-2024 through over 350 club projects. Real progress is being made toward achieving the Big Goal of reaching 500,000 women and girls by 2031 with increased access to education and economic empowerment.

There are many substantive things I learned that I will share in the coming months, but one I want to share now.  Make sure that your club president and treasurer’s email addresses are on file with SIA. The new member portal really is going to be a reality.

I am so glad I attended this Convention. Make your plans now for the 49th Biennial Convention in Inchon, South Korea July 22-25, 2026. Include the mandatory convention fees in your club budgets as that date approaches and we can have a great turn showing from our Region.

See you soon. (District Meetings are coming.)
Governor Elise

Past Governors Kris, Pam, Vicki, Amelia & Sylvia along with current Governor Elise at the SIA Convention. 

Past Governors of Founder Region, including SIA President Bobbi Enderlin at the SIA Convention.

2024-2026 Governors

Wow, I have to say I am a bit in awe to be writing the Governor’s Blog.  But it’s time to PUT THE PUZZLE TOGETHER and we are going to have a wonderful successful biennium.
Several people have asked me “what does your theme mean?”  Here is the idea.

First, every one of us is an important and critical part of Soroptimist.  We each are a part of the puzzle.

Each club contributes its own unique character to the picture and fills in an important spot. More puzzle pieces.

Each of our programs also has its own special role in fulfilling the Soroptimist mission.  Live Your Dream; Dream It Be it; Big Goal Accelerator Projects; and Fellowship all provide women and girls with access to education and training and ultimately economic empowerment.  Each of those completes a part of the whole Soroptimist puzzle.

Each of the pieces are needed and vital to complete the puzzle.  It takes all of us doing what we can to put that puzzle together.

During the next two years, let’s all do our small part to further the Soroptimist mission and working together we will create a whole wonderful picture.

Know that your entire Region Board is here to help in any way we can.  Reach out to us. Plus, we are really nice people and would love to participate in your projects and events.

Let’s do this!!  See you soon.

Governor Elise

It has been such an honor and a privilege to be Founder Region Governor these past two years. Together we all helped to “Bee the Dream!” for ourselves and the women and girls we have supported this biennium.

When I began my biennium two years ago, a past governor told me to enjoy every minute of it because it will go by so quickly. I HAVE really enjoyed it and the past two years have flown by faster than I could have ever imagined.

After two years of Covid virtual meetings, I wanted as many in-person meetings as we could manage. I encouraged the board to hold their PRTs in-person, although some went hybrid and some continued-on Zoom. We gathered together again for District Meetings and I only had to cover one Zoom Leadership Training. We traveled to Guam, which was a wonderful experience and the District V clubs were so gracious in making sure we had a wonderful time. It was important to me to have our members return to the fun and fellowship that can only be had by being together.

Our clubs returned to regular meetings, community fundraisers, and in-person awards programs. I could only attend a few of these gatherings, but when I did, it was clear that our members had missed being together. And I always appreciated your invitations to your events.

I am very proud of the work the Founder Region clubs have accomplished in these past two years. The message got through that we needed to give more Live Year Dream awards than we had in the past, and we did increase those awards during the biennium. Dream It, Be It events continued, we had an increase in the number of “S” Clubs, and reporting on Big Goal Accelerator projects increased.

The success in Founder Region takes effort from all. You are all awesome Founder Region!!
As my biennium winds down, I wish to personally thank many who have made it memorable for me. First, I wish to thank my team, the 2022-2024 board.

Director Lenore – Your laughter is infectious. You always have wonderful ideas and you’ve been dedicated to your clubs. I thank you for working so hard for the clubs in District I.
Director Jackie – When you are asked to do something, you are immediately “on it!” It’s as though you know in advance what I would ask you to do because you are like “no sooner said, than done!” You are clever and creative and come up with amazing ideas.

Director Colleen – You led the district with the most clubs spread over the largest geographical area. What a feat! You have had a great rapport with your clubs and always responded quickly when asked to get things from them.

Director Elaine – What a great carpool buddy you have been. We would get in the car and you would begin telling me all these wonderful ideas you had from fundraising, to membership, to increasing public awareness. Technology was a bit of a challenge, but you managed to make hybrid PRTs work really well and the presidents were appreciative.
Director Teri – You seem to be the quiet one, but you really have a wonderful relationship with the clubs in your district. And more than Colleen, I guess your district really does cover a larger geographical area. Because of this, you are not able to personally visit all your clubs, but you are always in communication with them.

Treasurer Tess - Thank you for all your hard work to ensure the finances and membership numbers of the region were accurate.  Since I have been in your position, I really appreciate all that you have done to keep the region finances on track. And you were always willing to take on additional projects, like the cybercrime presentations at District Meetings and the region fundraising sales tables - who else would haul that stuff all over? Your energy is amazing!

Secretary Kristal – You have been a really amazing secretary. Your attention to details, deadlines, and your proofreading skills have always been “right on!” Whenever I questioned a decision made by the board, you had the answers at your fingertips. You were such a vital part of the team.

Governor-elect Elise –Your experience as District Director was really helpful in my understanding of how to interact with the clubs. You have always been supportive of my ideas and were there when I needed someone to talk to.

Thank you to Parliamentarian Sylvia for your guidance on all things bylaws and procedures. I was honored to have your expertise as past governor and parliamentarian. You were always there with answers when I needed your assistance.

To my region committee chairs –Debbie, Bev, Sheila, Linda, Joy, Dyann, Debbie, and Debbie (yes, there are three Debbie’s)- Pillar Chairs Lyn, Gina, Elise, and Kris, you were all instrumental in the success of the business of the region. I thank you all for your commitment to Soroptimist and for your invaluable leadership this biennium.

Conference Coordinator Dona – I am so grateful for your guidance and organization. You kept me on top of things so this conference (and last year’s as well) could flow smoothly. You were instrumental in organizing all the people necessary to keep the events running seamlessly.

Thank you Past Governor/President  Kris for your leadership, mentorship, and supportiveness. You were a wonderful teacher, and continued to guide me when I needed help with technical issues. You are an absolute treasure! To you, I will be forever grateful and in you I have a friendship that is endless. Your commitment to the region and the organization is truly inspiring.

As I say farewell as Region Governor at the end of this month, I want you to always remember, we can all Bee anything! We can Bee Kind, Bee Helpful, Bee Courageous, you can fill in the blank with just about any positive word. Just continue to “Bee the Dream!”.

Thank you!

Conference is just a few days away and I am getting so excited! Our host clubs (SI/Novato, SI/Oakmont Wine Country, and SI/Santa Rosa) have really been working hard to ensure members have a great time this weekend. When you see those members, be sure to tell them “Thank you” for all they have done! So much goes on “behind the scenes” ahead of time and they have put forth the extra effort for all of you.

A few things to remember:

• Don’t forget your Dream Programs raffle basket to be delivered to the Grand Ballroom Sunday morning

• Dress in Black & White for Saturday night
• Come with enthusiasm, a desire to be with other Soroptimists, and a smile on your face – we will have valuable information, inspiration, education, empowerment, fellowship, and most of all FUN.

See you this weekend in San Ramon!
Governor Vicki

Conference is only a month away and we are getting excited! Here are a few reminders about important deadlines:

• Dream Programs Fundraiser: Sell or purchase drawing tickets and submit with club check to your District Representative by APRIL 10. Remember to provide a basket valued at $150 on Sunday morning at conference.
• Registration and Meal Form: Complete the forms ASAP and send to Cara Begley, Conference Treasurer. A late fee of $50.00 applies to club registrations received after the APRIL 10 deadline.
• “Celebration of Service” Memorial Tribute: Send completed memorial form to Governor Vicki Ham at vickiham01@gmail.com by APRIL 10.
• Club Sales Registration Form: Send completed information as indicated on the Trade Fair form if your club intends to sell items at the Conference. Deadline APRIL 10.
• Pre-Conference Founder Region Board Meeting Silent Observer Registration Form. Return to Secretary Kristal Koga at secretarykristal@gmail.com by APRIL 10.
• Pre-Conference Fellowship Board Meeting Silent Observer Registration Form. Return to Billie Knight, Fellowship Secretary, at billie.frfellowship@aol.com by APRIL 10.
• Request to Host 2027 Conference – send to Secretary Kristal by APRIL 10.
• Nominating Committee Candidates who are not attending conference need to submit a 2-minute speech or video to Governor Vicki by APRIL 5.
• Program Ads/Sponsorships -  deadline has been extended until APRIL 5. Submit form to Treasurer Cara and print ad to Governor Vicki.

 
All forms can be found in the Call to Conference found on the Conference tab of the Founder Region website.

We can't wait to welcome you to the 2024 Founder Region Conference at the San Ramon Marriott. See you soon!