Hello and welcome to the start of our 2024-2026 North Atlantic Region biennium!
As Soroptimists, we are dedicated to empowering women and girls through our grassroots efforts, creating positive change that resonates globally. Your unwavering commitment and hard work are truly inspiring, and it’s because of each of you that we are able to transform lives and make a meaningful impact worldwide.
Thank you, Soroptimists, for your incredible service and dedication. Your contributions are invaluable and together, we are making a difference. I genuinely hope you will find time to connect with fellow Soroptimists at our upcoming events. Your participation not only strengthens our community but also fuels our shared mission.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Beth Peterson, SIA NAR Governor
June 2024
Hello Soroptimist!
February 1, 2024
Dear Soroptimist,
Your North Atlantic Region Board cordially invites you to attend our 96th annual Spring Conference. This year’s event will be held at the Wyndham Hotel, 95 Presidential Circle, Gettysburg, PA 17325 on Friday, April 26 through April 28, 2024. The hotel number is 1-717-339-0020.
Registration will begin on Friday, April 26th at 3:00pm. Our opening session will begin at 6:00pm and for any late arrivals you may register at the back of the room. We will hear greetings from SIA President, Bobbi Enderlin and our SIA Executive Director and CEO, Michelle Burnett. This year our Pillar Presentations will be in a new format, so please be sure to check them out! Once again, we are asking all of our NAR Clubs to submit photographs with a brief description of your successful projects or programs from the past year as part of our “Toot Your own Horn” video presentation which will run prior to our member engagement activity. This year’s member engagement activity will be presented by Governor Elect Elizabeth Peterson, and you won’t want to miss this exclusive opportunity!
*Please note, this year, Friday dinner will not be provided but the hotel has a restaurant and there are many others within a short drive. Please return in time for our opening session at 6:00pm.
There will be a mandatory Delegate briefing at 8:30am on Saturday. We will resume our general session on Saturday morning at 9:00am, please be prompt, we don’t want you to miss a minute of this year’s excitement. Speaking of excitement, its an election year, and it will be a little different.
Reminder, as of July 1, 2024, our District V Clubs will be merged with District I and the 5 Clubs from lower District I, will be merged into District II.
*When voting, the current District V delegates will be voting for District I candidates as they are your candidates. The Clubs merged into District II; your delegates will be voting for District II candidates.
Current NAR Board Members and Newly Elected Members, please plan to stay for a transitional meeting following our Sunday business session. (12:30pm-3:00pm)
Please join us for our Live Your Dream Luncheon on Saturday at 12:30pm. Remember many awardees require anonymity, so PLEASE, No Photographs. Following our award presentations, you are invited to attend one of our educational presentations packed with information you can take back to your clubs!
Our Saturday Dinner Banquet will hold a little theatrical surprise for you, don’t you just love a surprise!
Sunday, following breakfast we will hold our Remembrance and share some very exciting upcoming events!
I look forward to seeing all of you!
Warm Regards, Governor Patti
December 10, 2023
Hello Soroptimist,
December is a busy month and I would like to share a few items with you.
December is Universal Human Rights month. This month, people across the globe are encouraged to come together in unity and stand up for equality. Soroptimist stand up for women and girls for equality, justice, and dignity. I applaud each of you for your commitment in doing so, as there are many in need of our support. Especially this month!
Reminder…Nominations are due by December 15th, please be sure to submit your candidates by 12:00pm midnight (EST) to our Nominating Chair, Peggy Gentile Van Meter at: [email protected]
December NAR Best Practice Zoom – December 28th at 7:00pm A Reflection of our Soroptimist Year! Zoom link available from your District Directors and it will also be on the NAR Private Members Facebook Page.
Coming soon, information about our January Best Practices Zoom; It’s for YOU!
Our Conference Committee is working hard to create a exceptional Spring Conference for all of us and we hope that you plan to attend. There will be a Friday afternoon walking tour (Women of Gettysburg), a Ghostly Costume Ball with the one and only DJ Mark Edwards, mixing up the hits! We will also share an unforgetable Saturday evening Banquet. Be sure to Save the Dates – April 26, 27 and 28, 2024 Our call to Conference will be arriving to your inbox the first week of February.
The holidays wave a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. It’s magical. No matter which holiday you celebrate be sure to take time to hug the ones you love and be sure to spend time creating happy memories with them.
Remember the one thing you can never get more of is time.
Warm Regards, Governor Patti
November 2023
I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the devastation in the middle east. We recognize the excruciating pain and suffering the women and girls in this region are dealing with and it’s unbearable to watch. Many Soroptimist have loved ones in Israel and Gaza who have been directly impacted by this horrific war and I ask that you please keep them in your thoughts.
Let us be thankful for what we have, family, friends and so much more.
This month, I’d like to remind everyone that our Live Your Dream applications are due by November 15th, and don’t forget, we are striving for 100% club participation. If your club has not received an applicant, please reach out to Jayne Cooper, NAR Chair of Live Your Dream at [email protected]
Veterans day is Saturday, November 11th, 2023, please be sure to remember those who served.
“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”
— Maya Angelou
Club 990’s should be submitted to the IRS no later then November 15th. Be sure to get yours in!
November 28th is Giving Tuesday, please consider giving to the Dream Big Campaign, Live Your Dream, or Stargazers. Every little bit helps a woman in need.
Its nominations time, who will you be submitting for a position on the NAR Board? Please remember that all nomination must be submitted no later than 12:00 pm, midnight (EST) on December 15th, 2023, to our Nominations Chair Peggy Gentile-Van Meter at: [email protected]
Your NAR Board wishes each of you a Wonderful Thanksgiving. We hope you have opportunity to spend time with family and friends, and hopefully enjoy a little down time.
Warm Regards,
Governor Patti
Hello Soroptimist and Happy September!
Falling leaves and stunning sunsets, caramel apples, cider and cool crisp air is beckoning to arrive…
If you missed our Summer Leadership Academy, information will be available on the NAR website. I would also like to state that this was our final NAR Summer Leadership event. Our NAR Board voted to pull this program to due low attendance. However, we will be adjusting our future Fall District Meetings to include important information for incoming Presidents, Vice Presidents, Secretaries, and Treasurers.
As you know, Live Your Dream Applications are now being accepted, August 1st through November 15th. Please promote this in your communities, local libraries, colleges, health centers and day cares. Remember we would like to achieve 100% participation this year. If we reach this goal, 1 lucky club will receive $500.00 to put toward another award.
Our Fall District Meetings start in October. Please keep an eye on your email for more information. NEW this year; each District will offer a special presentation, or guest speaker of their choice to add a little extra knowledge or inspiration for attendees. Please be sure to bring your Club Raffle Basket donation as the proceeds help support our Peace Begins at Home Grants.
SAVE THE DATE: April 26, 27 and 28, 2024 stay tuned more information to come!
In the words of Lauren DeStefano…”Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything burst with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale”
Enjoy the Season!
Fondly
Governor Patti
July 2023
Hello Soroptimist!
July, once again, isn’t it grand! July is officially summer for me and I’m sure all of you, and I hope you are fully enjoying all it has to offer. Vacations, Picnics and so much more. Please take a pause and reflect on the importance of finding joy in connecting with your families, friends and loved ones this summer. Time passes swiftly.
I would like to acknowledge and thank all our Region Soroptimist for your unwavering commitment to our mission and for the work you do in your local communities. I see what you’ve done and what you continue to do, and your work is Outstanding!
I have just a few reminders for you. Summer Leadership Academy will be held on August 12th, at the Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA., information is being circulated, and I ask that you share it with you club members. Registration will be required and the form will be sent to your Club and Presidents emails.
Our FIRST NAR Book Club will begin in September with Governor Elect Beth facilitating. The first book choice is “Every Little Thing” by Mary Lou Sanelli, followed by “I am Malala, the Girl who Stood up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban” in November. I hope you can join in the discussions!
Live Your Dream, eligible applicants may begin submitting their applications on August 1st, so be sure to promote this opportunity in your area. Remember we are looking for 100% club participation this year!
Fondly,
Governor Patti
“July is hollyhocks and hammocks, fireworks and vacations,
hot and steamy weather, cool and refreshing swims, beach picnics,
and vegetables all out of the garden.” – Jean Hersey
May 2023
WOW! What a Spring Conference, it was Over the Rainbow!
Time passes swiftly, just a year ago, we were getting this biennium started, and now we are halfway through. It has been a very exciting year for me, I have met many Soroptimist along the way, and I would like to say WELCOME to all new Soroptimist that have joined our Region! Our numbers are growing, thanks to all of you, for sharing our mission. Keep it up, you are doing a great job!
SIA is also recognizing the great work you are doing, and I want to make sure you are reporting it for recognition for the Big Goal. The program recognition period is running from July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023. Please be sure to submit your Club’s data to SIA by the following deadlines:
Program recognition was due by February 15th
Participation in DIBI and Big Goal Accelerator Projects by June 30th
Membership recognition with an 85% or better Retention and New Members rate by May 31st
Fundraising recognition Founders Pennies and Club Giving of 10% by May 31st
**Reminder for learning opportunities: NAR Best Practice Zoom meetings are the last Thursday of each month. Please reach out to your District Directors or Secretaries for the link. In May, we will have an evening discussing “Generational Solidarity” presented by Vanessa Treers, President of SI Metro New York, and one of our Representatives to the United Nations. This is an excellent program and I hope you have time to zoom with us.
Don’t miss our NAR Summer Leadership Extravaganza on August 12th at Susquehanna University, more information to follow. Stay Tuned!
2023 Leadership Roundtable – June 22 and June 23 6:00 to 9:00pm (Virtual)
2023-2024 Leadership Fellow Program begins June 24th, 1:00 to 4:00pm (Virtual) December 9th 1:00 to 4:00pm (Virtual) live and in person in Bellevue Washington on July 29, 2024, from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
If you would like additional information about any of the learning opportunities listed above, please reach out to your District Directors.
In anticipation of summer, I hope you, regardless of where you find yourself, find it to be enjoyable, restful and that you spend it with those who bring you joy.
Remember “We Are…..SI”
#TogeatherinUnity
#SoroptimistatWork
#MakeADifference
With Gratitude,
Patti Yuengling
NAR Governor
Where flowers bloom…so does HOPE!
-Lady Bird Johnson
February 2023
Dear Soroptimist,
Soroptimist International of the North Atlantic Region cordially invites you to the 95th Annual NAR Spring Conference, to be held at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, 100 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA on Friday, April 21st through Sunday, April 23rd.
Registration will begin Friday, April 21st at 1 PM. We will have dinner at 6PM followed by the opening ceremonies. You will hear greetings from our SIA President, Stephanie Smith and SIA Executive Director and CEO, Michelle Burnett, followed by presentations of the SIA Pillar Programs. We encourage our clubs to submit a few pictures and a brief description of any projects/programs that you have held successfully over the past year, and these will be shown as a video presentation of “Toot Your Own Horn” and will include Interactive Discussion of Best Practices as part of our Member Engagement activity. After that, we invite you to Dance the Night away at our Dance, Dance, Dance Party!
Saturday morning, we will begin with a delegate briefing to be held at 8:30AM please review the agenda for time and location. Saturday will be an information packed day, and we will be starting our General Session at 9:00am. We will have our “Live Your Dream” Awards luncheon which always is a great way of reminding us why we are Soroptimists. Following that, your NAR board has pulled together highly requested workshops for you to attend.
Saturday evening, we celebrate US and all of our achievements this past year. As tradition dictates, we will end our evening with the awarding of the Governor’s Cup, an exciting time that we all look forward to!
Sunday morning don’t run off as we will be offering a Dream It-Be It, Start It-Share It presentation that you won’t want to miss. As we conclude the business portion of our meeting, we will recognize those members who have passed during the last year, offer you a little information on upcoming meetings and adjourn. As we say our good-byes and head for home, I hope each of you take something to share with your club members.
So please mark your calendars, make your room reservations early, and be prepared to have some fun and enjoy a little fellowship.
Governor Patti
January 1, 2023
Happy New Year Soroptimist – New Year, New Dreams, New Goals!
Every January 1st we get that opportunity to start fresh, maybe you have a few New Year Resolutions that you’ve set for yourself or maybe not as that puts to much stress on the year ahead. Either way, as you pursue your hopes and dreams, may this year bring you much success and may your journey be wonderful.
Speaking of Dreams…are you interested in our Big Goal Accelerator Project? Or are you not sure if your club’s project qualifies? Be sure to attend SIA’s Big Goal Accelerator Project 101 webinar on February 8, 2023, at 7 p.m. EST to find out! You will receive an overview of the eligibility requirements, learn how to report your work and have the opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A session. Check your email for registration details!
Your Region Board will be meeting the second weekend in January. We have many items on our agenda for review and will be planning our Spring Conference! Keep an eye on your email for that information, its sure to be an informative, exciting weekend! Hope to see you there! As a reminder the dates are:
April 21, 22, and 23, 2023 at the Hilton Scranton Hotel and Conference Center.
I hope you have been circulating the application for the Ethel F. Lord award. Applications are due to Governor Elect, Elizabeth Peterson ([email protected]) by February 16th. A good place to look for applicants is through your local VFW’s, American Legions, universities, colleges, and technical schools. We look forward to being able to present this award once again to a deserving female veteran.
New: NAR Monthly Best Practices Zoom – Information Coming Soon, to YOUR Inbox!
Reminders:
1. LYD Award Club transmittals are due to your District Chairs by Feb. 1st
2. LYD Award Club transmittals are due to the Region Chair by Feb. 15th
Please submit your Fundraisers, or Special Events to your District Directors so it can be shared on our webpage and social media sites.
Wishing you ALL the Best!
Governor Patti
Hello November!
Wow! We have just completed our 2022 Fall District Meetings and I must say they were a huge success! I appreciate our Directors and Secretaries for all their hard work, and I appreciate all of you who attended. I hope you each gained a little information to help you move your Clubs through our Biennium.
Fall is a busy time of year, and November is no exception! We have our Live Your Dream Portal closing on the 15th of this month, and we encourage 100% participation from each District. If your club does not have an applicant, please let your District Director and your Live Your Dream Vice chair know as they will be able to assist in helping your club obtain an awardee.
We also have form 990 due to the IRS by November 15th, please don’t forget to submit this.
As we approach Thanksgiving and the Holidays beyond, we encourage you to reach out to those less fortunate. There are many that will need food supplies, winter clothing (hats, coats, socks, mittens) and blankets. Perhaps you might consider collecting things for your local food bank or homeless shelters.
Giving Tuesday is November 29th please consider donating to our Dream Big Campaign. Please visit the website at: Dream Big Campaign (soroptimist.org)
Our NAR Conference Committee is currently working on putting together a Spring Conference to remember! Our Spring Conference will be held April 21st to the 23rd, 2023. We have a few surprises for you! Be sure to save the dates and watch for more information as we get closer.
Your North Atlantic Region Board wishes each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Fondly,
Governor Patti
For the joy of enjoying and the fullness of living,
are found in the heart that is filled with Thanksgiving.
– Helen Steiner Rice
September 2022 Governor’s Message
Hello Soroptimist!
With the rich fall season approaching, as everything bursts with beauty and all the leaves give their grand finale may we appreciate every attribute it brings and offers. September is also the start of our monthly Soroptimist meetings and a new Club YEAR! We all have so many wonderful things happening this fall, we dont want you to miss any of it! Please be sure to submit your Event and Fundraiser Flyers to your District Directors for submission to our Website, and Social Media outlets!
Our Fall District Meetings are being held consecutive Saturdays from September 24th through October 22nd. Information has been sent, and if you missed it, be sure to reach out to your District Directors for more information. We hope to see you there, live and in person! COVID-19 has changed everything about our work. The unpredictability of the pandemic is constant, so as a reminder and to manage the risk to members and our entire organization, Clubs and Regions wishing to meet in person must follow SIA’s risk management plan. If they wish to hold any in-person activity with non-members or an event with many members, they must file a written declaration with SIA headquarters at least 45 days before the activity. While things have changed, one thing that remains constant is our commitment to serving women and girls.
Our Dream Big Campaign is under way, this is our global campaign to raise the funds necessary to build our organizational capacity to invest in the dreams of half a million women and girls. The DBC will ensure that we provide our members the support to grow the Live Your Dream, Dream it – Be it, and Big Goal Accelerator Projects. You can find more information at: https://www.dreambig.soroptimist.org/faq
And, speaking of Live Your Dream, the portal is active, and the deadline for submission is November 15th!
Important reminder: ALL Clubs must file the 990 with the IRS, this is to be filed annually. Any club that does not file for 3 consecutive years will have its federal tax status revoked by the IRS, which means donors will no longer be able to receive charitable deductions for their donations and that the club will be liable for federal income tax.
I wish you all a successful club year! Remember if you need any support your NAR Board is here to help!
Fondly,
Governor Patti
July 2022 Governor’s Message
Hello to ALL the Soroptimist of our North Atlantic Region,
Here we are at the start of our 2022-2024 Biennium, and I am humbled to serve as Governor to such an outstanding Region! I want to thank all of you for your confidence and trust in me leading us through the next two years! We as Soroptimist have much to accomplish, we have been able to reach so many women and girls through our dream programs, not just locally but globally and there is so much more for us to do! Throughout the next two years we will be sharing Regional and International information regarding our work, so be sure to check your email for updates.
During this Biennium our theme will be: “Together in Unity” Together we can make a difference!
Together as One, United, we share in the Big Dream. As you know, dreams are more important than one might realize, they form goals! A dream can be described as a series of images, thoughts, desires, or emotions that pass through your mind. It’s a wonderful thing you can create in your imagination. Dreams makes the impossible, possible! My dream for our Region is empowering ALL women and girls to reach their goals and live their lives improved and transformed!
My goal for our Region, is to reach as many as women and girls as possible, with no number, and with no limits, encouraging them to become leaders, and achievers. Our goal, our mission, is never ending, woman across the world need our enduring commitment to helping them achieve their dreams and goals. Each time you and your club work together in unity on a program or fundraiser, know that you are making difference in someone’s life, helping to achieve their dreams, and attain their goals.
I invite you to join me on this journey in delivering on the dreams of the women and girls we serve. Soroptimist, Unified, Strong!
#SorptimistStrong
#SoroptimistatWork
#Soroptimist100
#2022-2024NARBiennium
#MakeADifference
With Gratitude,
Patti Yuengling
NAR Governor
June 2022, NAR Governor’s Message
And just like that, two years have gone by since I was installed as your NAR Governor. Where does the time go? It is hard for me to believe that this will be my last message as your Governor, but I want you to all know how much I have thoroughly enjoyed my term in office. It seems like only yesterday that I was writing my first message to all of you.
As you begin to wind down your club year, it is time to look back and reflect on all your accomplishments. We have all endured a lot over the past two years, but I’ve always thought that we are never given more than we can manage (although at times it may seem that way), and the past two years have certainly proved that as clubs and as a region we are, and will remain, strong. Take time to congratulate yourselves on all your accomplishments and remember to
say thank you to one another for being there to support each other through these rough times.
It’s time to collect dues for both SIA and the NAR. Remember, your region leaders, District Directors and District Secretaries need the names and email addresses of your leadership team (presidents and treasurers) so that we can continue to stay connected with you throughout the year. Please get that information to these people even if there hasn’t been a change in leadership at your club as sometimes names and email addresses change, and we forget to report that. Also, be sure to get your Form 200’s sent to SIA headquarters and a copy to our NAR Treasurer, Karen so that they too can keep in touch with all the people they need to reach out to throughout the year.
The region will be holding our transition board meeting in early June and at that time we the new board will begin planning the Summer Leadership Session as well as planning for the upcoming Fall District Meetings. Governor, Patti, and her board will keep you apprised of all those dates so stay tuned and be sure to mark your calendars as you don’t miss these important meetings.
Upcoming dates to remember:
1. June 1st is the deadline for Dream It – Be It on-line reporting
2. June 17th is the deadline for registration for the SIA Virtual Convention
3. June 30th on-line reporting ends for the Big Goal Accelerator Project
4. July 1st – 2022-2023 SIA Dues and Form 200’s are due to headquarters
5. July 1st – Soroptimist Celebrating Success Applications are due to Region Chair, Kathy Lang
6. July 20-23 – SIA Virtual Convention
7. August 1st – LYD on-line portal opens
With that, I will not say good-bye but rather, “I will see you later.” Thank you for all your support and comfort over the past two years and I look forward to many more years of friendships with all of you. Until then…….
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
May 2022
I thought we all needed a little touch of Spring flowers to boost our moods in these crazy weather days we’ve been experiencing.
Thank you to all who joined us for our 94th Annual NAR Spring Conference. It was so nice to be able to be together and to see those smiling faces in person instead of via a computer screen. I hope by now that many of you have returned to your clubs and provided them with all the wonderful information you received during conference, if not, I hope you plan to share in the near future.
I want to welcome your new NAR board that was elected during conference. Your new leadership consists of:
Patti Yuengling – Governor, Elizabeth (Beth) Peterson – Gov. Elect, Joan Merritt – NAR Secretary, Karen Gehers – Treasurer, Cindy Rivera – Dist. I Dir., Donna Gigone – Dist. I Sec., Joyce Schech – Dist. II Dir., Mary Borger – Dist. II Sec., Christine Herman – Dist. III Dir., Joanne Jones (JJ) – Dist. III Sec., Lisa Malago – Dist. IV Dir., Catherine Forman – Dist. IV Sec., Heidi McNamar – Dist. V Dir., and Tracy Scala – Dist. V Sec. Please extend a warm welcome to all of these ladies. They will begin their duties starting with the transition board meeting in June but officially they begin July 1st.
My time as your Governor is fast approaching an end and I must say the past two years have really flown by. I will post a final farewell in June, but for now I’ll just say it has been an honor.
Some important things to remember in the upcoming weeks are:
- Registration for the 2022 SIA Virtual Convention – each club gets one free delegate
- Club Giving and Founders Pennies are due to by May 31st for inclusion in 2022 recognition
- Phase 4 of the “Diamond Campaign” ends May 31st
- June 1st is the deadline for Dream It, Be It on-line reporting
- SIA Dues notices will be sent on or about June 10th (no increase for this year)
- SIA Virtual Convention deadline for registration is June 17th
- June 30th, Big Goal Accelerator Project online reporting ends
- Form 200’s – Officer information form is due to SIA by July 1st – remember your NAR board
- also needs a copy so we can keep in contact with all club presidents and treasurers
- July 1st – Soroptimist Celebrating Success forms are due to the region chair – start thinking about what project your club will submit now!!
I think that’s all I have for now so I wish you all warm sunny days as we prepare to head into the summer and I look forward to seeing many of you again soon.
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
March 2022
I’m sure, just like me, many of you are looking forward to Spring with its green grass, blooming trees, and flowers and more than anything, warmer days. The month of March is Women’s History Month and March 8th is International Women’s Day. This is a month to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Remember to celebrate the members of your club as well as those in your communities who have been forerunners in these achievements.
We also need to be preparing our clubs for what Spring brings for Soroptimist. This is the time of the year we will be looking at electing new officers, reviewing club by-laws, and standing procedures, giving out awards, reviewing our fundraising efforts while looking to give a portion of our funds to Club Giving, and looking forward to Spring Conference.
Preparations are well underway by the NAR board for our upcoming Spring Conference. Remember to mark your calendars for the weekend of April 22nd to the 24th. By now all clubs should have received the call to conference, which is also posted on the NAR website. Be sure to share the information with your members and send your delegates to conference prepared with your clubs wishes for all voting.
I encourage all clubs to begin consideration of setting funds aside for Club Giving and Founders Pennies. All of these funds are used toward the awards we at the region level receive from SIA. This year our region will be receiving 3 LYD Awards from SIA as follows: 1- $5,000 award for Districts 1 to 4; 1- $3.000 award for Districts 1 to 4; and 1 – $5,000 award for District 5. In addition, the region board voted to give 4 additional $1,000 awards to be disbursed as 3 within Districts 1 to 4 and 1 in District 5. We are all excited to hear from our winners at Spring Conference.
Important Reminders for the Month:
- March 8th – International Women’s Day
- March 15th – region LYD Award reporting is due to SIA
- March 15th – 2022 Convention club fee is due to SIA
- April 7th – Call to SIA Convention will be sent to all clubs
- April 22nd to 24th – NAR Spring Conference
I am so happy that things are slowly beginning to get back to normal so that we can be together in person again. I look forward to seeing many of you at Spring Conference. As always remember to send information to your District Directors for any upcoming events your club is planning so that we can post these on our NAR website and Facebook page. Also know that your NAR board is always available for you if there are any questions or concerns your members have.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Happy Spring everyone.
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
January 2022
Here we are entering a new year and a new set of possibilities and exciting adventures for us as individuals and as Soroptimists. It’s been a rough past two years, but we need to look to the future with optimism, excitement, and hope. Yes, I’m sure there will be challenges, but we’ve shown over the past two years that we can face those challenges and come out on the other side just as strong or stronger than we were before.
We are in the process of planning a fabulous Spring Conference which I once again remind you to put on your calendars so that we CAN be together to celebrate all our accomplishments over the past year. Again, those dates are April 22, 23, and 24th, 2022 and it will be held at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, which is very centrally located for our region, so I do hope we will see many of you in attendance. I can assure you all COVID protocols will be followed. The NAR board will be meeting in January to begin planning the agenda and the information will be coming out shortly. Remember, this is an election year for the NAR board so be sure to select and send your delegates and make your wishes known as to how you would like them to vote.
I hope you have been circulating the application for the Ethel F. Lord award. We voted last year to begin awarding this on a yearly basis so long as funds justify it. Applications are due to Co-Administrative Officer, Patti Yuengling ([email protected]) by February 16th. A good place to look for applicants is through your local VFW’s, American Legions, universities, colleges, and technical schools. We look forward to being able to present this award once again to a deserving female veteran.
I’m sure you are all aware by now that the 2022 SIA Convention scheduled to be held in Seoul, South Korea has been moved to a virtual conference. Registration is still necessary to attend virtually and will be open on the SIA website starting in February. The dates of the virtual convention will be Friday, July 22nd and Saturday, July 23rd. Be sure to watch the website for early registration deadlines.
Reminders:
1. LYD award club transmittals are due to your District Chairs by Feb. 1st
2. LYD award club transmittals are due to the Region Chair by Feb. 15th
3. Ethel F. Lord Applications due February 16th
4. Think about budgeting 10% of all fundraising during the past year to be designated toward club giving
5. SIA Soroptimist Club Grants are once again available – applications must be submitted by March 1st
6. Your clubs 2022 Convention Fee is due to SIA Headquarters by March 15th
Again, I encourage you to connect with your District Directors and Region Officers to let them know of any upcoming events your club may be planning. We always post these on the NAR website and NAR Facebook pages to encourage all clubs to support one another.
I look forward to seeing many of you in this new year and I want to wish all of you a Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. May it be a year of bringing us all back together again
Fondly,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
December 2021
The last month of 2021 has arrived and while many of us have endured some trials and tribulations throughout this past year we still have much to be thankful for. In this magical month of the year let us reach out to those less fortunate than us and remember that as Soroptimists we can and will work to help put a smile on the faces of many women and girls as we continue our work toward encouraging them to live their dreams.
I want to apologize for not getting out a November Governor’s message but as many of you know, my mother passed the very beginning of the month and things just got very hectic with all the arrangements etc. None the less, I do hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving and that you were able to spend some time with family and friends.
It was so nice to be able to hold two very informative and fun in-person Fall District Meetings this year and for those who were unable to attend, please know that all the power-points have been posted to the NAR website for you to review. COVID has certainly put fear in many of us and for good reason, but I do hope that we can all soon be together comfortably and enjoy the friendships we have fostered over the years as Soroptimists.
I want to remind you that there are some especially important deadlines this month:
- The NAR Candidate forms are due to Nominations Chair Peggy Gentile VanMeter by December 15th ([email protected]). The applications can be found on the NAR website, and I do hope that you or someone you know is willing to run for office and hold a position on the NAR board. It is an experience like non other and one that you will never be sorry to have held. Help us to have a full slate of officers as we look toward the 2022-2024 biennium.
- Applications for the Peace Begins at Home Grants are due to NAR Co-Administrative Officer, Patti Yuengling ([email protected]) by December 31st. The application is on the NAR website under forms and documents. While we have not collected a lot of funds to use toward this program, due to not holding in-person meetings and having basket raffles to collect funds, we do have some money and we would like to help with your projects in any way we can.
As a reminder, we are planning for a fabulous Spring Conference to be held April 22, 23, and 24th, 2022 at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center in Scranton, PA. Be sure to mark your calendars now as you won’t want to miss this. More information will be coming after the beginning of the year.
While we have endured some very trying times these past two years, we have still been able to reach out and help many women and girls through our fabulous work in Soroptimist. Let’s continue to work together to strengthen our numbers and to reach out and touch the lives of those in need.
I want to take a moment to wish each and every one of you an incredibly happy holiday season. Regardless of what holiday you celebrate this month, take time to relax and enjoy the special moments that this season provides, and I hope you can find some time to spend with family and friends as we celebrate some of the most magical times of the year. As we move toward a new year, may you find laughter, excitement, good health, happiness, and love.
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year.
Fondly,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
September 2021
Welcome Autumn! And welcome to a whole new Soroptimist Club year. I’m sure some of you have already had your first meeting and for those who haven’t I want to wish you a fun, invigorating, successful 2021-2022 year. So much is happening including the resurgence of COVID, but I do hope that you are able to meet in person and for those who still may be uncomfortable with that option, that you also include a hybrid option so that all members can attend your meetings. It is of utmost importance that we be inclusive and are able to communicate with all our members.
I must let you know that I have wonderful news regarding my knee infection. On August 6th, I was finally infection clear and was able to have a new knee replacement put in. That was followed by 2 weeks in the immobilizer brace to allow for some healing time and I am now in physical therapy. I have already accomplished going from a 75 degree bend to a 90 degree bend and can only hope that I will continue to improve as the weeks go on. I want to thank all of you for all the cards, words of encouragement, positive vibes and prayers throughout this ordeal. It has meant so much to me.
According to SIA protocol, clubs may now hold face-to-face meetings and activities with Soroptimist members only in attendance. If you elect to have outside guests attend your meetings or events, you can still do so, but you must file a written declaration with SIA headquarters at least 45 days in advance of the meeting or activity. You must also file a Certificate of Insurance with SIA’s insurance broker at least 45 days in advance of the activity. It is recommended that you follow all official COVID-19 guidelines as defined by the CDC and/or local and regional safety and health protocols, requirements, and mandates for social gatherings.
SIA will be featuring Club and Region Treasurer training in late September or early October. Please be sure to have your club treasurer or an alternate attend.
Reminder that all clubs are required to file, annually, a Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Service no later than four and half months following the conclusion of the club’s tax/fiscal year; for most clubs the deadline is Nov. 15th. Any club that does not file for 3 consecutive years will have its federal tax status revoked by the IRS, which means donors will no longer be able to receive charitable deductions for their donations and that the club will be liable for federal income tax.
Reminder that club dues are now past due for the North Atlantic Region. The deadline to submit dues to the NAR was August 31st. Any dues submitted after that date will be subject to a 5% late filing fee.
Live Your Dream Award applications are now available on the on-line portals. Be sure your clubs LYD chairs are accessing the portals to see if there are applications there and also be sure that your club is contacting all the sources available in your communities to make them aware of this award. As a region, we will be receiving the same number of region awards as we got last year (one $5,000 for NAR, one $3,000 for NAR and one $5,000 for NER) because we did not increase the number of awards given at the the club level enough to warrant additional awards for the region. So I ask that as you consider awarding the LYD awards at the club level this year, please consider dividing the funds among more awardees.
IMPORTANT: Your region leadership has decided to send a quarterly newsletter to all members via your personal email. Be sure to watch your personal emails for information coming from the region and if you do not have an email address registered with SIA, please be sure to update your personal roster on the SIA website with that information so you don’t miss out.
We will be having in-person Fall District Meetings this year. Districts 1, 2 and 5 will be held October 16th at the Holiday Inn in Johnstown NY. Registration forms, a welcome letter, Friday night activity information, basket raffle flyer and a tentative agenda have already been sent to your club and president’s email. Be sure to make your reservations ASAP. Districts 3 and 4 meeting will be held Nov. 13th, at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA. All information will be sent soon so again, please watch your emails.
Also, remember to think about those individuals who you think may make great leaders for your next NAR board. All positions are open for the upcoming biennium (except Governor). Candidate forms are due to the Region Nominations Chair by Dec. 15th.
I ask that everyone please remain safe and have a great beginning to your new club year. Always remember your NAR board is here for you so please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.
Fondly,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
August 2021
Wow! Where has our summer gone? I hope that many of you have had the opportunity to get together with family and friends or have been able to travel somewhere that none of us have been able to go to in many months. Unfortunately, my summer has been spent at home due to the issues with this infection in my knee, but I am sincerely hoping to get beyond this soon and be back on the road again. I am scheduled to have surgery on my knee Friday, August 6th and I do hope that this will be the final one. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me via cards, phone calls etc. Your caring thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.
It’s now time to start preparing for our upcoming club year and there are a few reminders I want to call to mind:
- SIA dues were due by the end of July. For those clubs who haven’t paid their SIA dues you will now be assessed a $100.00 late fee.
- NAR dues are due by no later than August 31st – if paid after that date a late fee of 5% will be applicable
- LYD Award applications opened on-line beginning Aug. 1st so be sure to put out the feelers for applicants in your communities and remember we want to increase the number of awards each club gives so that we can get more SIA awards at the region level. Due to the number of awards given by clubs last year we have already been informed that our region awards from SIA will be the same this year as they were last year.
- Soroptimist Celebrating Success Award applications – we extended the deadline, but applications are due to our region chairs by no later than September 1st, so get those applications submitted now.
- Nominations are open for ALL positions on the NAR board (except that of Governor) – Candidate applications forms are available on the NAR website and are due to our region nominations chair, Peggy Gentile-VanMeter by no later than December 12th. Email applications to: [email protected]
- SIA has sent letters requesting nominations for the Fundraising Council so if you know anyone that you think would fit this position, be sure to get their name submitted.
As I reported in my August message, the NAR Board is in the process of preparing for in-person Fall District Meetings. With the spread of the COVID Delta Variant, we remain hopeful that these meetings will be able to take place. However, if anything changes, we will be sure to notify you immediately. As of now, Districts 1, 2, and 5 will be having their meeting at the Holiday Inn, Johnstown/Gloversville, NY on October 16th with a Friday night event on the 15th for anyone coming in and staying over. The meeting for Districts 3 & 4 is scheduled to be held at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA on November 13th with rooms available at the Holiday Inn Express, Selinsgrove, PA on the 12th for those coming in the night before. More information will be coming soon so PLEASE watch your club and president’s emails for further details. I cannot express enough how important it is for someone in the club to be monitoring the club email as well as making sure if you had any leadership changes for the coming year that we have all the current presidents and treasurer’s email addresses. If you have not already submitted these to your District Directors, please do so ASAP.
We are also in the process of planning for an in-person Spring Conference to be held at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, Scranton, PA on April 22nd to 24th, 2022. This will be a very central location for our new region, so we are hoping for a great attendance, and I hear from the conference committee that great things are being planned.
I do believe that is all for now. I wish you all a great time as we enjoy the remainder of our summer and I sincerely hope you are gearing up for a fabulous new Soroptimist year. Please take care and I hope that we can all connect soon.
Fondly,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
July 2021
While the festivities of the July 4th weekend are behind us, I do hope you were able to enjoy some time celebrating with family and friends this year. Most of our clubs have now taken a break for the summer months and members will be enjoying vacation or just getting some rest from the hectic year we just experienced. I do hope everyone has some fun this summer but at the same time please remain healthy and stay safe. Enjoy! You deserve it.
Remember as we wind down from the past year that many clubs did some fantastic things despite the circumstances. With that in mind, remember to send in your applications for the Soroptimist Celebrating Success Award activities your club accomplished. The normal deadline for these applications to be submitted to the region is July 1st, but I have reached out to SIA headquarters and asked if it was ok for us to extend the deadline for these applications to be submitted to the region and the response was “YES”, so long as the contents being submitted were completed during the 2020-2021 club year. So, if your club had an amazing activity during the past club year in any of the four pillar categories, you could submit an application to our region chairs, Patti Yuengling or Kathie Lang by no later than September 1st, 2021. The application is available on the SIA website, and the NAR website. And remember, you CAN submit more that one application as there are four categories (Program, Fundraising, Membership and Public Awareness). Applications can be submitted by clubs in one or each of these categories for judging.
Also, keep in mind is that this coming Spring Conference will be an election year for the positions on the region board. Nominations are open for all positions except that of Governor and since we will be fully merged, positions will be going back to the normal positions on the board. Those positions are Governor-Elect, Region Secretary, Region Treasurer, District I Director and Secretary, District II Director and Secretary, District III Director and Secretary, District IV Director and Secretary and District V Director and Secretary. Because we were not fully merged for 2020-2022, we had two Co-Administrative Officer positions on the 2020-2022 board and there was to be a runoff election between just those two for Governor for 2022-2024. However, Elizabeth Peterson has decided to withdraw her name for Governor which means your next Governor will be Patti Yuengling. According to our transition bylaws, no one else was able to submit their name for Governor for the 2022-2024 biennium. I ask that you look at all the members of the region and consider who you think might be a good candidate for any of the positions other than that of Governor and either submit a Candidate Application Form or talk to someone you think would be a good candidate and ask them to consider running for a specific position and submit their application. Applicants for all positions must be a member in good standing and she/he should have been a club president prior to sitting on the region board. Allowances of not having served as a club president are made for all positions, except that of Governor- Elect, so long as no one else applies for the same position, that has been a club president. Applications must be sent to our Region Chair, Peggy Gentile-VanMeter by no later than December 12th, 2021. The application is on the NAR website.
All clubs are reminded that your dues are due to SIA and to the NAR. Please be sure to get your dues paid timely to avoid any penalty charges and to keep your clubs in good standing. The NAR board is in the process of getting everything in place to hold our Fall District Meetings (FDM). An agenda is being worked on and contracts for venues as well as budgets are being put in place. As of now, the FDM for Districts I, II and V will be held at the Holiday Inn, Johnstown/Gloversville, NY on October 15th and 16th. The logistics for the District III and IV FDM is being worked on and will be announced soon. I can tell you the host club for this meeting will be SI S.U.N. Counties so it will be somewhere in central PA. Plans are also being worked on to hold some type of leadership training for club Presidents, Treasurers and Secretaries. These will most likely be held by district and via zoom since we are limited in time to get anything else coordinated at this time.
I wish you all a wonderful summer and hope to see everyone soon at the Fall District Meetings.
Fondly,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
June 2021
Welcome to the beautiful month of June with it’s promise of celebrations, beautiful flowers, and the beginning of summer. I know that with the COVID-19 numbers constantly decreasing, the availability of vaccines, and many areas of our country opening again, that many of you will be looking forward to some much-needed time away. I certainly hope that you can take those vacations and enjoy some time with family and friends.
I want to thank everyone who attended our virtual Spring Conference and I do hope that you garnered some new information and were able to connect virtually with many of our Soroptimist sisters. Though this certainly wasn’t the way we had hoped to have Spring Conference this year, it was still nice to see so many smiling faces.
We had some fabulous raffle prizes at the end of each session, and I want to congratulate all our winners. For those unable to attend, we will be posting the PowerPoint presentations along with photos etc. to the NAR webpage (soroptimistnar.org) within the next few days. Be sure to check it out and see the fun and exciting things you may have missed.
As you wind down your club year, remember your dues are due to both SIA Headquarters and to the NAR Region Treasurer, Karen Gehers. When you send your dues to the region, please be sure to let us know of all the new officers in your club, particularly the positions of President, Vice-President/President Elect, and your Treasurer. Throughout the year it is important for us to have the names and emails addresses of these officers so that we can keep in touch with your members. And don’t forget those dollars needed for Club Giving and Founders Pennies. I know a few of our clubs do not contribute to these two categories and I want to remind you that the monies contributed to Club Giving and Founder’s Pennies comes back to our regions in the form of awards from Headquarters. None of that money is used for administrative expenses. Even if you opt not to give the 10% to Club Giving, consider giving what you can so that we can continue to help support the many women and girls that are in need.
At the region level your board is looking forward to planning in-person Fall District Meetings this year. We will be actively working on seeking venues, setting dates, and coming up with an informative agenda. How exciting! We do hope that we will see all of you in attendance and that we can once again share some smiles, hugs, and fun with one another. As Soroptimists, we are a very social group, and it has been exceedingly difficult for all of us to not be together physically for so many months. The end is near.
I look forward to connecting with you soon. Until then, enjoy your summer and remember that your NAR board is always here for you. Have a great summer.
Fondly,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
May 2021
Spring is in the air, the flowers and trees are blooming, and new life is appearing all around us. Spring is often thought of as a time of renewal and with the months we have all endured I’m sure we are all ready for some new beginnings and renewal of old normalcies. However, I commend all of you for your diligence throughout this pandemic and I do hope that it isn’t too much longer until we can all be together again in person. The old saying goes, “this too shall pass”. And I know we are all ready for this to be over.
I want to take a moment to thank all of you who have reached out, sent cards, blessed me with good thoughts and positive vibes and said prayers for me over the past few months as I have dealt with this awful infection that set into my knee replacement. It has certainly been an incredibly challenging time and it’s not over yet. I currently have a temporary knee in my leg and will have to wait a few more weeks before the surgeon will even consider discussing putting a new knee replacement in my leg. But most importantly I want you to know that I have tried my best to keep up with all things Soroptimist and specifically pertaining to our region. You elected a fantastic NAR board for me to work with and I can’t begin to thank each of them enough for all the help and support they have offered throughout this process.
We are gearing up for our virtual Spring Conference and we do hope that all of you will join us on June 5th and June 12th as we present some very informative information and share in the accomplishments of the clubs within our region over this very trying past year. Your club President’s and delegates will soon be receiving a survey monkey to vote on some information that pertains to activities within the region, and I sincerely hope that your clubs have all discussed this information and have informed them as to how you would like them to vote on your behalf. If your club has not already given the names and email addresses of your club President and delegates to your district director, please be sure you do that ASAP or you will not be included in the voting process. We want to be sure everyone to has the opportunity to vote and have your votes counted.
SIA has opened the registration for the virtual 100th Anniversary Celebration for October 1st to 3rd and there is a discounted fee for early registration. I do hope to see many of you participate in this celebration of our organization as we celebrate our “bright past and brilliant future”.
Remember as your club is about to elect new officers to be sure to inform your region leaders of the names, email addresses, and phone numbers for these new people as it is our only way of being able to keep in contact with all of you. You can do this by sending a copy of your Form 200 that you submit to SIA to your District Director, District Secretary, or your NAR Treasurer when you send your dues. Also remember as you are ending your club year to review and update your club by-laws, standing procedures and strategic plans.
I hope to see many of you on our virtual Spring Conference. Until then, take care and feel free to reach out to me if there is anything I can do to help.
Fondly,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
April 2021
Dear Soroptimist Friends,
Soroptimist International of the North Atlantic Region cordially invites you to the 93rd annual NAR Spring Conference, to be held virtually via Zoom, Saturday, June 5th from 10:00am to approx. 12:15pm and Saturday, June 12th, from 10:00am to 12:00pm and again from 6:30pm to approx. 8:00pm. We made the choice to split this over two weekends so as not to hold anyone longer than two hours at a time and make this a positive experience for all.
Saturday, June 5th will begin promptly at 10:00 am with the opening ceremonies and will include a virtual presentation of all the flags of our newly merged region. You will hear messages from our SIA President, Penny Babb, and SIA CEO Elizabeth Lucas, followed by an introduction of the NAR board. We welcome clubs to submit a few pictures as well as a brief description of any projects/programs you have had successfully over the past year and these will be shown as a virtual presentation of “Toot Your Own Horn”. We will hear from our Federation Visitor, Stephanie Smith who will provide us with us a short program followed by a question-and-answer session. After that each of our region Pillar Program chairs will be giving an update on their programs and how we can and have been successful. You will hear information on Fundraising, Membership, Program, and Public Awareness.
We will reconvene on Saturday, June 12th promptly at 10:00am with reports for our region treasurers followed by a very informational presentation of a whole new program being initiated by SIA, known as the Dream Big Campaign. This message will be delivered by our very own Past Region Governor, Diane Thompson who is also the chair of the new campaign. Following Diane’s message, we will be announcing our Live Your Dream Award winners and we hope to have them with us to share a little about their dreams for the future. At this time, we will adjourn until later in the evening when we will reconvene promptly at 6:30pm for a remembrance and celebration of our past year. The evening will conclude with the announcement of this year’s winner of the Governor’s Cup.
While I know this is not how we had hoped to be meeting this year, we promise to try to make this conference as enjoyable and informative as possible under the circumstances. Also, remember that this is an opportunity for those who may not normally be able to attend a Spring Conference in person to actually be able to attend all or at least hopefully part of this conference from the comfort of their own homes. Your region board has worked extremely hard to put together what we feel is an excellent virtual conference.
We look forward to seeing many of your smiling faces and we do hope that we can all soon be back together in-person.
Sincerely,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
March 2021
I don’t know about where you live, but it’s starting to seem like a long winter here in Central Pennsylvania. I’m sure, just like me, many of you are looking forward to Spring with its green grass, blooming trees and flowers and more than anything, warmer days. The month of March is Women’s History Month and March 8th is International Women’s Day. This is a month to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Remember to celebrate the members of your club as well as those in your communities who have been forerunners in these achievements.
We also need to be preparing our clubs for what Spring brings for Soroptimist. This is the time of the year we will be looking at electing new officers, reviewing club by-laws, and standing procedures, giving out awards, reviewing our fundraising efforts while looking to give a portion of our funds to Club Giving, and looking forward to Spring Conference.
Preparations are well underway by the NAR board for our upcoming Virtual Spring Conference. Remember to mark your calendars for the weekends of June 5th and June 12th. You will soon be receiving the “Call to Conference” as well as information that your President and Delegates will need to review in preparation for a future Survey Monkey where they will need to provide a few votes for your club. The results of all voting will be mentioned during our virtual Spring Conference. Remember, the President and your delegates are voting for your club so once the materials for Spring Conference are sent out, be sure to distribute all documents to your members for review so they can express how they want those members to vote on their behalf.
I have already been in contact with our Federation Visitor for Spring Conference, who even though she lives on the west coast, plans to attend our virtual Spring Conference. I am working on preparing our “Healthy Region Report” and while much has had to be done virtually this past year, I must commend the clubs within our region for all you have done to keep your clubs and your members engaged in our mission.
Live Your Dream Awards reporting should have all been sent to our Region Live Your Dream Award chairs who will now have their committees vote on our region winners. This year, SIA will be providing our region awards in the following manner: one $5,000 award for the Northeast Region, one $5,000 award for the NAR and one $3,000 award for the NAR. In addition, the region board voted to give 4 additional LYD awards. There will be two $1,000 awards given in the Northeast Region and two $1,000 awards given in the North Atlantic Region. Remember, the budgets for both regions were kept separate for the club year of 2020-2021 so funds will be disbursed accordingly.
Please keep me posted with the dates, times, and links for your meetings so that I can try to attend and be there with you virtually. I have been fortunate to meet with several of your clubs already and although we are not together in-person, I still enjoy seeing all your smiling faces and hearing about what your club is doing. I so hope this pandemic will soon come to an end and we can all be together again. Until then, I wish you well and hope that this upcoming Spring brings you much happiness.
Fondly,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
February 2021
As we begin the month of love, let us take time to remember that as Soroptimists we should reach out to our fellow mankind with love and kindness on a daily basis. Several of us are working as volunteers with SIA to do what they are calling “Member Care Calls”. What this means is we are given the information needed of a Soroptimist member within our federation and we are taking about 15 minutes of our time to reach out to them and make sure they are doing ok throughout this pandemic which just doesn’t seem to want to go away. It has been a real treat to be part of the team making these calls as I’ve had the opportunity to speak with some absolutely lovely ladies that I’ve never known before. Let us all remember to reach out to those we love and care about, our friends, neighbors, and relatives and just add a ray of sunshine to their day by letting them know someone cares.
I’m sure by now all of you are aware that we have had to cancel our in-person Spring Conference that we had so hoped to be able to hold. With guidance from SIA we have ALL been asked to suspend all in-person meetings and events until further notice from the SIA board. SIA held a webinar with the Governors and Governor Elects to explain the legal ramifications of holding in-person meetings at this time and how it could affect any legal suits that could come from someone saying they contacted COVID after attending a meeting or event held by Soroptimists. I ask that you PLEASE follow these guidelines and adhere to the request of SIA. None of us want to put our clubs, regions, or federation in a situation to have to fight a legal battle over something we CAN at least try to control. Currently, we are not to plan ANY future in-person events without the consent of SIA. So, if you are looking at an event you would like to plan this summer, I would ask that you reach out to SIA with the specifics and get their feedback prior to moving forward.
With all that said, your NAR Board has now moved to planning our Spring Conference to be held virtually. We are planning 3 sessions over two Saturdays, June 5th from 10 to noon, June 12th from 10 to noon and then a celebration of awards and accomplishments the evening of June 12th from 7 to 8:30-9:00. So please put these dates on your calendar and we hope you will join us via Zoom. More information will come out with the call to conference sometime in March. As there is some voting that will need to be done, we will once again be asking all clubs to submit the names and email addresses of your President and club delegates to your District Directors so that when we have the survey monkeys ready to send for voting they can be sent, and results returned in a timely fashion.
I know these are not ideal times but as we move forward with more and more people becoming eligible for and receiving the vaccine, perhaps our lives will soon become more normal again. We can only hope so. However, in the meantime, we continue to do what we can to help and support the women and girls in our communities that need us now more than ever. I praise the work you are all doing and urge you to continue to move forward as best you can.
Please keep me posted with the dates and times of your meetings so that I can make an attempt to attend and be there with you virtually. I wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day and I look forward to our time together.
Fondly,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
January 2021
As we welcome 2021, let’s take just a moment to reflect on the things of the past. 2020 is certainly a year we will all remember and yet also want to forget. It was a year of cancelled in person meetings, cancelled vacations and travel and a year of sadness, sorrow, heartache and stress for many. And yet it was also a year of new beginnings. We learned how to use new technology to hold our meetings virtually, we also learned how to hold on-line fundraisers and come up with new ideas of how to raise funds. And more importantly we learned how to keep in touch and reach out to one another for help when needed. And although we couldn’t be together in person, we still held onto the connections we have through this wonderful organization we call Soroptimist.
As we enter 2021, I look forward to a year of excitement and hope. Your NAR board and Spring Conference Committee are already working on a possible in-person Spring Conference to be held at the Hilton Scranton Conference Center in Scranton, PA the weekend of April 23rd, 24th and 25th. It is our sincere hope that by then, we will be able to physically be together once again and share a few laughs, hugs and most importantly some great information. A new SIA program, the “Dream Big Campaign” will be launched at Spring Conference so be sure to plan on attending. We will also begin planning for our Fall District Meetings. And of course, 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of Soroptimist so as we progress into the year, be sure to watch your club email for exciting events that will be occurring.
I ask that you please email me the dates and any links for your upcoming club meetings. I was a bit out of the loop during the end of 2020 due to some physical complications, but I am back on the road to recovery and would like to connect with your clubs to see what exciting things are happening in each of your worlds of Soroptimist.
I encourage you to connect with your District Directors and let them know of any and all upcoming events your club may have planned so that we can post it on our updated NAR website (www.soroptimistnar.org). I also encourage you to connect with your members and be sure that they are doing ok and ask if there is anything they need or anything you can do for them. A simple act of kindness can mean the world to someone who is experiencing a hard time.
I wish each and every one a safe, healthy, and happy New Year and I look forward to the hugs and laughter we can all share again soon.
Thank you,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
December 2020
Greetings to all NAR Soroptimists, Wow! It’s almost hard to believe we have reached the last month of 2020. While it’s been a year of trials and tribulations, ups and downs, social distancing and lots of mask wearing, there is always something we can all find to be thankful for.
I want to thank each and every one of you for doing your part to try to keep your clubs functioning and your members engaged. It’s been quite a road to forge but I feel that we have each played a particularly important role in trying to keep things running as smoothly as possible.
It has truly been my pleasure to work with my board and with many of the clubs that I have been able to connect with virtually. I look forward to connecting with many more in the new year and hoping that we can soon all be together again.
At this point we don’t know what 2021 has in store for us, but we will continue to persevere. Together we can and will become a stronger and more vibrant region as we continue our mission to help many women and girls in our local communities and around the world.
Please remember that no matter what comes down the road, together we can make it work. As I have said so many times, your NAR board is always only an email, a text, or a phone call away.
I want to wish each of you a healthy and happy holiday season as you reach out to spend time with loved ones, be it in person or virtually. Remember, this is indeed a wonderful, magical time of the year. I wish you all an incredibly Happy New Year. May it be filled with laughter, excitement, good health, happiness, and love.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to All!
Thank you,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
Welcome November,
As 2020 marches on, many of us will be glad to see it come to an end. This year has been very frustrating, challenging, and unforgiving for many of us but during this month of November, let us concentrate on the things we also must be thankful for.
Your NAR board was thankful to be able to have our first in person board meeting during October and while we made sure to social distance and wear our masks, it was very rewarding to be able to be together in person. We put together some very informative Leadership sessions which we are presenting to our members via Zoom. The first sessions based on leadership roles were presented on October 22nd and 23rd and both sessions were well attended. The next set of sessions will be on Membership, November 2nd and 5th and the last set of sessions will be on using Microsoft Office (via your club email account) and these will be presented the week of November 16th. So, I encourage all club President’s to continue checking your email as well as the club email account for all future links to these sessions.
We are also in the process of working with our webmaster to launch an all new updated NAR webpage and we are hoping to make it go live sometime in mid-November. This will be a much more up to date and SIA logo compliant website so be sure to keep checking for all the new features. I encourage you to send your District Directors details of all your upcoming events so we can share them on the website. I also encourage all clubs to send your District Directors links to any of your club webpages and Facebook pages, as there will be links to these posted on the new website so that we can all share our information.
The NAR Conference committee is currently working on putting together a Spring Conference in hopes that we will all be able to gather and enjoy each other’s comradery again soon. The projected dates are, April 23rd to the 25th, 2021. Be sure to watch for more info as we get closer.
As we approach this season of giving, I encourage you to reach out to those less fortunate. As the weather turns cooler, there are many that will be in need of warm clothing, food supplies and shelter. Perhaps you might consider collecting things for your local food bank or homeless shelters. These places are always in need of gloves, scarves, hats, and coats as well as food supplies.
The North Atlantic Region Board wishes everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving season. Although it might be a bit different this year, remember you can always connect with family and friends via modern technology. Please take care and remember all the blessings each and everyone of us has been given.
Thank you,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
September, 2020
Greetings to all my Soroptimist Friends and Family,
Although 2020 has been a very trying year for us, it’s hard to believe that we are already into September and looking to what we hope will be beautiful fall weather with all the beauty it can bring us.
In the words of an unknown author, “Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go”. So, let’s let go of the past months of quarantine, isolation, and sense of loneliness and come together for a renewed life as we begin our club year of 2020-2021 together.
It is time for us to once again, be looking to new beginnings in Soroptimist, renewing old friendships among us, inducting new members, new ways of doing business, new Live Your Dream applicants, new fundraising opportunities, and so much more.
I do hope that each of your clubs are engaging with your members, be it in person or virtually because it is of utmost importance that we connect with one another and continue the important work we have done in the past.
Just as the women we help in our local communities and all over the world, our members need us now more than ever and without reaching out and connecting with them, they are going to feel lost. So please, if you have not already done so, make sure you are conducting business as usual in whatever way you can. Zoom has become our best friend and although it’s not the same as meeting in person it is still a way of staying connected and showing one another that sense of belonging.
I hope many of you are planning events to make your clubs known in your local communities and allowing your communities to know that you are still here for them in these times of need. Please share those events with your NAR board, and in particular with your District Directors, and we will be sure to share them to the NAR website and Facebook page so that all of us may have an opportunity to help one another. Also be sure to share your newsletters and meeting dates so that the members of the board can connect with all of you.
The NAR board has continued to meet virtually throughout the summer and we are excited to announce that since we were unable to have our late summer conference, leadership seminar or Fall District meetings, we have decided to put together several virtual educational programs for you this fall and we do hope that you will join us for these events. Please stay tuned as we work out the details and dates for these opportunities.
Always know that your NAR Board is here for you, so please do not be afraid to connect with us if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing many of you virtually, if no other way is possible, and I wish you all a great beginning to a new club year.
Thank you,
July 1, 2020
Greeting to all the Soroptimists of the North Atlantic Region,
As we begin a new biennium, I would like to take a moment to say “thank you” to each of you for putting your faith and trust in me to be the leader of our newly merged region for the 2020-2022 biennium.
It is through programs such as the SIA Dream Programs, that we as Soroptimists have been able to reach so many women and girls in our communities, our states, our region, our federation and around the world. Many of these women and girls would not have the potential to reach their dreams if it had not been for the help of Soroptimists like you and me.
During the course of the next two years I will use the theme:
“Become the Key to Someone’s Dreams”.
Each time you put a key in a lock to open a door; be it your car, your home, your office, your safe deposit box, or whatever; think about the key role YOU have played in being an integral part of someone’s dreams. When we reach out to help women and girls, we are a key to the future for them. All too often I have heard members of clubs say things like “But the small amount of money we are able to raise really doesn’t go very far in helping the women and girls in our communities”. ….. ; I want you to remember this: no matter how large or how small the amount may be,…. each turn of the key is a step in unlocking a promising future in someone’s life.
Due to the pandemic we are currently facing in our country and around the world, the future as we know it may be vastly different from what it has been in the past. The women and girls we serve through our programs leading to education and economic sustainability are needed now more than ever.
I ask you to join me in the 2020-2022 biennium to help unlock the dreams for a promising future of even more women and girls as we support them through our Soroptimist endeavors.
I look forward to working with each of you and I ask you to join me, as together, WE “Become the Key to Someone’s Dreams”.
Thank you,
Diane M. Savidge
NAR Governor 2020-2022
(May 2020)
Dear North Atlantic Region Members,
Well your board gave it our best, but even though with all the planning and rearranging, we can not in good conscience hold the Late Summer Conference that we had hoped to have. After much deliberation and discussion, we MUST put the health and safety of our members first. Even if we were able to go ahead using the the same venue, we know that many members may not be comfortable with travel out of their own states. The conference would have at minimum,100 members in attendance, to have less would be costly, and there is always the possibility that some states will still have a 50 person limit to gather in groups. Even if the numbers are lifted to over 100, to have distancing of six feet between each of us would be impossible. It is always better to be safe.
So, we are going to “entertain” you with virtual meetings. The board has decided to hold three separate virtual meetings through the use of ZOOM. We are working on an agenda that will allow us to present awards, do a virtual installation of the new board, and say our farewells. We promise to do our best to make it fun and informative and we hope that each of you will be able to “ZOOM” in to say hi and enjoy some face-to-face time with us.
The following dates have been designated for combined districts. You will need to download the app for ZOOM. www.appdirectory.online/Zoom It is a free app.
Districts 1/2
Tuesday June 23, 2020
Districts 3/4
Thursday, June 25, 2020
President’s Virtual Meeting
Saturday June 27, 2020
Time for all three meetings:
Connect time: 6:30-7:00 pm.
Meeting begins at 7:00 pm.
ZOOM link and passwords were sent to Presidents and club email on May 26th & May 27th.
We invite Presidents to join the evening that your district is Zooming as well as the President’s virtual meeting. Committee Chairs, we do invite you to join both scheduled district zoom meetings. A general agenda will be sent before the first scheduled Zoom meeting. If there are any questions, please contact your District Director.
I wish everyone continued health. Stay safe!
Fondly,
Governor Peggy
(February 2020)
Seems just like yesterday that I was writing my first Governor’s note for my first Spring Conference as your Governor. Here we are today, with an agenda and plans for the second conference of the biennium!
This year we are going to “Get Happy in Happy Valley” and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage. The board has planned a very exciting agenda that has something for everyone! SIA Centre County is our host and I know they have been working very hard to make your visit extra special. Many items are being sent to club presidents and we hope each item will be shared with the members. Presidents, please encourage your members to attend Spring Conference.
Some of the major highlights for Spring Conference 2020:
- This year we welcome Federation Visitor, Pat McCay from Alabama who is a member of the SIA board for 2019-2020.
- Please remember to bring items for the NAR Project: “We Support the Girls”.
- Friday evening festivities will be very special with the Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage.
- We will once again have our First Time Attendee/Laurel Society Recognition reception Friday
- This year we are going to change things up a bit by recognizing clubs with some awards on Friday evening.
- There will be an update on the merger with the NER and the new transitional bylaws will need member support. Please have your members review the transitional bylaws. Delegates need guidance from your members in order to ask questions and know how to vote on behalf of your club.
- A new biennium means a new NAR Board to vote for.
- Region Merchandise will be on sale and we are going to try pre-orders this year.
- Look for the “Beach House Raffle” tickets which will be mailed to the clubs.
- I can’t wait to award the 2020 Governor’s Cup!
Flyers and information will be emailed and posted on the Home Page of the NAR web site. Look for Face Book post as we continue towards Spring Conference 2020.
Please join me as I install the new officers of the 2020-2022 NAR board. I will have my Farewell Address with my Governor’s State of the Union Address on Sunday morning.
Spring Conference is our time to shine. It is our time to acknowledge all the dedicated clubs that have given their best the past year to help women and girls reach their dreams. I look forward to seeing many friends I have made the past several years and meeting first time attendees.
Please make an effort to attend YOUR Spring Conference!
Fondly,
Governor Peggy
(December 2019)
Season’s Greetings to all…
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and now we have the December Holidays to look forward to. Let us continue to remember all those who are not as fortunate as we are as we shop for our families and friends. Please reach out to your family and friends who have suffered the loss of a family member or close friend this past year. The first year of holidays and special occasions can be a very depressing time to face alone.
The NAR board elections are this spring and candidate biographies will be sent with the Call to Conference in February. The board meets in January to finalize plans for Spring Conference, which looks to be another informative and fun conference. Don’t forget items for the Region Project: Support the Girls as you shop for family and friends.
SIA is running a friendly competition with our Social Media outlets. Below is a summary of HQ’s email and attached to an email sent to club Presidents. As you know, NAR started Social Media awards this past year along with the newsletter awards, so I think we already have a great running start! The important thing is to keep posting and include the hashtag
#SOROPTIMISTATWORK with each of your club post. Please tag Soroptimist NAR so we can keep re-posting.
If your club received a Peace at Home Grant, you MUST submit your impact report.
The Governor’s Cup Application is on the website and attached to an email sent to club Presidents. Some items have been deleted and some added, so please use the new form. Remember, all clubs who turn in an application will be recognized for their participation. All applications are due by March 15th, 2020.
If you have flyers for 2020 events please send to your District Directors so we can post on Face Book and the web site.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday and a wonderful new year. Let’s continue to do what we do best… Helping Women and Girls!
We continue to hope for Peace on Earth.
Fondly,
Governor Peggy
(November 2019)
Happy Fall Everyone!
We had two perfect Fall District Meetings! Thank you to SIA Rancocas Valley and SIA Fayette County for being the host with the most! The Friday evening events were well planned. The Peace Garden is a place of serenity and is beautiful. The Canteen evening reminded us of days gone by and that we owe so much to those who have protected our freedoms! Be sure to view all the photos under FDM 2019 on the photos page. Thank you to all the planners and the presenters. I especially want to thank each member who took the time to attend.
We now have nine new monthly giving members for Laurel Society. Our new Fundraising chair, Barbara Andre-Maxwell is doing her best to spread the word about Laurel Society. We hope that each club will try to get one more Laurel Society monthly giving member before the end December.
Club delegates have a lot of information to share at your meeting. Most important is the new e-balloting system that will begin with the new year.
The merger with NER is progressing in a very positive way. Below is the summary that I gave at both FDM’s.
Please post your events and upcoming activities on Face Book so we can share on the NAR Face Book page.
Nominations are being accepted for the 2020-2022 NAR Board. Please think about the member that has leadership qualities that would be an asset for the region. Nominations forms are on the documents page and Chair Stephanie Shoemaker needs these nominations by December 15th. It is going to be a very exciting time for NAR as we add a district 5 and grow our membership!
Check out the upcoming events page so you can mark your calendars for Spring Conference and SIA Convention.
Please remember the importance of Club Giving and Member Giving with the upcoming SI President’s Appeal. The purchase of the “Road to Equality” pin is a great way to support Soroptimist.
As this is the beginning of the giving season, I encourage you to help those less fortunate as the weather becomes so much colder. Homeless shelters are in need of items as well as your local food banks. Many places of worship and schools collect gloves, scarves, hats and coats. Perhaps you might consider buying a Thanksgiving dinner for a family in your area. A few hours “Ringing the Bell” for the Salvation Army is very rewarding.
The North Atlantic Board wishes everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Fondly,
Governor Peggy
(September 2019)
I hope everyone has enjoyed the summer months! Doesn’t seem possible that students are already returning to their classrooms. Let us all hope that each and every student is safe during the school year!
Our 2019 Leadership Seminar was a great success. We covered a lot of information and I hope those in attendance will share their “lessons” with their clubs. For the first time, we had a presentation about working moms and leadership. This was a big hit, with a wonderful message about how clubs can support and encourage working moms. A big thank you to Brianna Apfelbaum (SIA SUN) and Annmarie Levy (SIA CJC), both are first year members in their clubs.
At this time, dues and the 200 form should have been sent to Treasurer Karen.
As fall approaches, so does our annual Fall District Meeting. Dates and places are on the flyer above. I encourage you to send as many members as possible to FDM. This is a great way to introduce new members to the mission of Soroptimist. The agenda and materials will be sent by the second week of September. Treasurer Karen and Governor-elect Diane enjoyed a very fun time at SI Convention in Kuala Lumpur and will share their travels with us.
The board has chosen a project this year, chaired by District III Director Patti, entitled Support the Girls (End Period Poverty). Flyers are below, and we will begin collecting items at Fall District meeting through Spring Conference. This may be something that your clubs would like to begin collecting items for.
Please get the information out for the Live Your Dream Award. The SIA portal is open, and MUST be used to apply. I would like to challenge each club to have at least one recipient. It is very important that one or two members of each club are assigned to check your club email on a regular basis. All voting for SIA will be by electronic voting only! To ensure that your club email is correct we will be doing a “test” email before FDM’s. Each club has an SIA email address.
As we continue to update our website it is also important to have the correct club website addresses. We want to have each club with a website to have a link directly from the NAR website. Please have the member who does your website updates send the correct link to your District Secretary. We want these links set up by mid October.
Please take the time to scroll though and see announcements and events that are coming up. Again, all flyers must be sent to your Directors before the 10th of each month so that we can compile and have posted on the NAR website.
As a new year begins for your club, please begin keeping a log of everything your club is doing and begin a draft for the Governor’s Cup. Also this list can be a perfect reference for you to use to in order to fill out your Celebrating Success Awards application which is due next July 1st. The Peace Begins at Home Grant is due by December 31st.
I encourage each member to “like” and “follow” the NAR Face Book page. There are so many wonderful things that our clubs are doing and are sharing on Face Book.
As always I do appreciate the support and all that each member does for our region. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!
I look forward to seeing many of you at Fall District Meeting!
Fondly,
Governor Peggy
Important Documents
(July 2019)
Hope everyone is enjoying the long summer days! I know many have suffered through severe storms and dread the sound of thunder coming your way on these humid days. Just remember, it is not snow! LOL
The board has worked on our agenda for our annual Leadership Seminar on August 17.We think there is something for everyone! Please encourage as many members as possible to come SOAR with us. All presidents and treasurers should have an email with the agenda, the flyer, and a Governor’s note. If your club has a new President, I hope that the past president has forwarded this information. (see below)
Governor-elect Diane and Treasurer Karen are making their way to the SI Convention in Kuala Lumpar, so please join me in wishing them a safe and fun journey! I know they will have lots to share at our FDM’s.
Things are progressing with the merger of the NAR and NER. Communications are positive with lots of exciting ideas. A short report will be given at Leadership and I hope to have more detailed information at FDM’s.
Governor’s Roundtable in Montreal was very informative. I have a lot of information to share, and some items will be incorporated into FDM’s. I do encourage you to check out the SIA website to see all the new helpful tools for your club to use.
Please send your dues for SIA and NAR as soon as possible. Treasurer Karen and Secretary Alice need your new officer information as soon as possible as well. Forms are included below and on the Forms and Documents page. Please send an updated club roster to your Directors.
I am requesting that each club that has a web site send the complete link to your Directors. I want to have a section on the NAR web site that will allow all clubs to directly link with each other.
I hope that many clubs are working on developing a Dream It Be Event for the upcoming year.
The Live Your Dream portal opens on August 1st, but it is never too soon to get thisinformation out to your community. There are many great items for you to use on the SIA website. Although the application is listed on the Forms and Documents page, applications are only being received on line, through the portal.
As you plan your budgets for the coming year, may I ask that each club consider “Club Giving”? Every dollar helps programs for women and girls.
Please review all future dates for NAR events. We have planned far enough so that clubs will not schedule their events on the same dates.
I am enjoying your newsletters and I love the information that many clubs are posting on Facebook.
Thank you for all you do! Together we really do make a difference!
Hope to see many members on August 17th!
Fondly,
Governor Peggy
(May 2019)
SIA & Status of NAR
Saturday May 4, 2019
General Session
Over the course of our Soroptimist history we have had many changes. Sometimes we do not openly accept change, but like so many things in life, change when done right, can lead to new and exciting adventures. Over the past decade we have seen many changes to membership, funding, leadership and how we view our relationship with clubs, regions, federations and being an integral part at the International level.
This past January SIA Board of Directors after reviewing healthy region reports and doing a feasibility study determined the necessity to possibly integrate regions along the eastern seaboard.This past fall, a task force was developed to explore possible options for integrating The NER with our NAR region. There was discussion about the status of all regions on the east coast, ours, the Northeastern, the South Atlantic and Southern regions. The SIA board has recommended that the Northeastern Region and the North Atlantic Region, be combined. SIA put together a task force which includes, Heidi McNamar, past SIA Board member, Iesha Brown, SIA Senior Director of Membership and Leadership Development, NER Governor, Ruby Mercado, NER Governor-elect Beth Peterson, NAR Governor-elect Diane Savidge, and NAR Governor Peggy Gentile-Van Meter.
Beginning last fall, phone conferences and email correspondence began to discuss ways to incorporate our two regions. Membership is a key factor in combining our regions. Although we have been maintained a stable membership, and many clubs have increased membership, the NER, has experienced declining membership and has just ten clubs in their region. We are all aware that there is tremendous encouragement for all regions to not only increase membership, but to try to add new clubs to our regions.
Your NAR Board has had several conversations about this merger. Your board has been kept informed after each phone conversation and sent emails that have transpired. As you can imagine, there have been many mixed emotions about such a merger. One issue is the concept that our name, The North Atlantic Region would no longer exist, as well as the name Northeastern Region. Several suggestions have been made about what the new name would be.
As Soroptimist, we want what is the best possible outcome for both regions. There is a lot of work to be done in order to combine our two regions and several key decisions that will need to be made, such as a new name for the combined region, governance structure and new bylaws. The task force is having a face to face meeting in Montreal while we are attending the annual Governor’s Round Table. SIA states that this effort could take up to two years and as the process continues it is business as usual for both our regions.
As far as your NAR board, let me tell you that we have questioned and discussed many avenues. The 100th anniversary of Soroptimist is very near, and we know that our region has played a very instrumental part in its’ development for almost as long as Soroptimist International has existed. Many of our clubs in the North Atlantic Region have passed their 80th anniversaries, some have passed 90.
As Soroptimists we should always strive to do the best for all involved. No Soroptimist club or region should ever feel that their existence is not important. We should always do what we can to help members, clubs, and regions when possible. We do not have a crystal ball to see what our future holds as a a region. What we do have is dedicated members and leaders that want to look at possible changes in a positive manner, to research, to ask questions and offer solutions.
So… what do we do now? What the NAR board needs from you is number #1, trust, #2, patience, and #3 time… time to reflect and consider the possibility that the NAR may grow by a district with 10 new clubs, and may have a new name. Please keep in mind, that we will always be the members we are, we will maintain our general structure, and will always be doing what we can for women and girls.
Between now and tomorrow, I encourage you to talk to your NAR board members. The board meets for a post conference meeting and I will ask board members to recap your outlook based on conversations with you. Once you return to your clubs, I encourage you to discuss this with your members. Clubs not represented here I hope will do the same once the Governor’s memo is sent. Sometime next week, the region secretaries will send a governor’s memo to all club presidents. The email will include this memo as well as the original HQ’s memo that outlines all the issues that SIA has looked at. The email will ask Presidents to collect questions/concerns from their members and forward these to me. I will compile these emails and send a copy to the Board. I will take your comments and questions with me to Montreal and present them at our meeting.
I promise you, that as we receive information and answers to our questions that clubs will be kept informed through their Presidents. The North Atlantic Region Board truly believes in transparency. Let us remember, that we are all Soroptimists and as Soroptimists we should pull together and hope that decisions made are decisions based on input from you, the members who make Soroptimist what it is.
Respectfully,
Governor Peggy
(March 2019)
Dear Members,
In just about six weeks we will be together at our annual Spring Conference! The Board has planned a very exciting and informative gathering. SI Butler as the host club has worked very hard to ensure our visit to Mars is a fun-filled weekend.
Our theme for Friday evening is A 50’s Sock Hop. We hope you will all participate in dressing in your 50’s attire and be ready for dancing as our DJ will be spinning records from 8:30pm to 10:00pm. So, dust off those saddle shoes and press that poodle skirt and “Pink Ladies” jacket and be ready to dance the night away. There will be games and contests of that era too! (50’s attire is optional).
Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the Beach House Raffle! Presidents were mailed raffle tickets. You do not have to be present to win and tickets will also be available to purchase at conference.
Reminder to help our NAR Service project supporting the Victim Outreach Intervention Center. List of items is on the website.
We are happy to announce that you will once again have a chance to join the Laurel Society thru the Looking Beyond Matching fund given by a generous anonymous donator. Funds are limited so please review the document explaining the details.
We are collecting shoes for donation at Conference. It is a great time to clean out your closet to make room for the new spring and summer shoes. Proceedshelp support NAR projects.
Governor’s Cup Applications were due by March 15th. Remember all clubs that sent an application will be recognized. Thank you to those clubs that submitted.
Great to see all you are doing and that you celebrate your clubs!
Social Media applications are being accepted by District 2 Secretary Stephanie and News Letters (3) are being judged by me.
“Toot Your Horn” items are being compiled by District Director Phyllis.
It has been great reading about all the wonderful events our clubs are doing. Your community projects and fundraising events have been numerous! Also I have enjoyed seeing so many post on social media about induction of new members, Live Your Dream celebrations, and your amazing Dream It Be It events!
Thank you to the clubs that are using social media to celebrate Women’s History Month. Social media was filled with acknowledgements on Women’s International Day!
Spring is around the corner, and just like the fresh growth that comes with Spring, I hope that our region as well will continue to grow with new members and new and creative ideas.
Thank you for all you do!
Fondly,
Governor Peggy
(February 2019)
Greetings!
It may not “feel” like Spring at this moment, but before we know it, the days will be lighter longer, flowers will be popping up, the smell of cut grass will be in the air, and warmer weather will be surrounding us!
With Spring approaching we will be ‘cruisin’ into Mars, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania on May 3 for our annual Spring Conference! The Board has been working since last spring to develop a conference that will be uplifting, informative and fun.
We are so happy that SI Butler is our host for this year. They too have been working diligently to ensure that your visit to Cranberry will be perfect in every way. They have compiled a list of “things to do” during your visit.
Many items will be sent to each club president so that they can share with each member. Presidents I encourage you to forward and discuss all items that you are sent.
Some highlights for Spring Conference:
- We will welcome our Federation visitor, Bonnie Domonchuk from SI Cambridge.
- And of course there is a Friday Evening Party with a 50’s Theme, so get those Poodle Skirts ready!
- Our Region project this year is the Victim Outreach Intervention Center (VOICe).
- Your continued support for Laurel Society will be recognized at our opening social Friday evening.
- Our Live Your Dream Awards and Ethel F. Lord recipient will once again highlight our Saturday luncheon.
- We are having a special film viewing of “In Plain Sight: Stories of Hope and Freedom” which focuses on six modern-day abolitionists as they fight sex trafficking across America.
- As with each new biennium, the Board has reviewed and revised our bylaws and we will need a vote to approve.
- This year we have added two additional recognition awards, Newsletter development and Social Media for public awareness.
- We think you will love the new NAR merchandise that has been designed for this biennium.
- Raffle tickets for the “Beach House” will be sent to Presidents for pre-sales.
**And yes the coveted Governor’s Cup Award! This year we will recognize each club that sends the application.
I hope we can set record numbers for attendance this year. I encourage all members to attend and I hope each club will be represented. I look forward to welcoming our First Time Attendees too.
It is great seeing many familiar members who attend and meeting new attendees is fun for everyone involved! Please make every effort to attend YOUR Spring Conference this year.
Fondly,
Governor Peggy
Happy “To Be Thankful Month”!
Well I am very happy to report that both FDM’s were very successful. The board has reviewed all the evaluations and it seems the topics were well received. Most members were very pleased with the venues, the food, the content, and mostly the friendliness of our members. Thank you to each member who took the time to attend and learn more about Soroptimist. Our Laurel Society membership is still growing which makes all of us truly grateful for the graciousness of our anonymous donor. Photos from both events are on the photo page, but they are also on the NAR Face Book page. Presentations used are on the SIA website.
Please plan ahead! We hope by giving you these dates early your clubs will consider not planning club events on these dates so members have a chance to attend NAR events. I hope everyone has already marked their calendars for Spring Conference 2019, May 2-May 5th. Our SOAR Leadership Seminar will be in August, and tentative date is August 17th, 2019. Please mark your calendars for 2019 FDM’s. Host for Districts 1/2 will be SI Rancocas, October 18/19 and host for Districts 3/4 will be SI Fayette, November 8/9. Again, tentative dates depending on availability for hotels.
Keep those newsletters coming. Also, I would like names and addresses of your new members since September. Keep your Face Book post going, I try to repost on the NAR Face Book page.
It seems unreal that in a week many of us will be traveling for our Thanksgiving weekend or we will be preparing for our tables filled with family and friends. Let us take time to remember those who are not fortunate to have a place at a table for Thanksgiving dinner. Perhaps you will donate to a local food bank, a church or community center to help make a Thanksgiving Dinner a reality for someone.
I wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels. I am thankful for all you do to support Soroptimist, and mostly I am thankful for our friendships.
Fondly,
Governor Peggy
It is such an honor to be the NAR Governor for 2018-2020. I promise to always have an open mind and to listen to your ideas, comments and suggestions. The Board is anticipating a very productive term and we are always working to give you the best meetings and conferences.
Our SIA Convention in Japan was indeed a very exciting experience for me as well as our NAR Treasurer, Karen. I will be posting news from Headquarters as well as ideas and strategies that have been suggested by SIA.
SOAR Leadership Seminar will no doubt be another exciting event and items will be posted here as well as on Face Book. As we move from Summer into Fall I look forward to seeing many of you at our Fall District Meetings!
Fondly,
Governor Peggy
PS: Remember to utilize Facebook, this website (please send items to your District Directors for posting), and please send your news letters to your directors and to me. If you have not already done so, please consider setting up a Club website and a club Face Book page. Please be sure to check your club email at the club email address that each club has been given.
Words can not describe the awesome feeling as Diane Thompson made her “Big Announcement” at our SOAR Leadership Seminar. The outpouring of donations to the Laurel Society that are being matched is over $30,000.00. There is still time for members to take advantage of such a generous gift. The North Atlantic Region has placed ourselves in a first of its’ kind recognition. THANK YOU!
I hope to see many of you at our Fall District Meetings. Once again we are combining districts so that more members can be together. We have designed this meeting based on YOUR recommendations made on evaluations. Please consider attending these very informative and fun Fall District Meetings!
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
—Governor Tammy
Summer 2017 Governor’s Message:
Dear Soroptimist Sisters,
Thank you to everyone who helped plan and organize a terrific Spring Conference! A special thank you to past Governor Butsy McElroy and Pottstown chair President Heather Wanner. It was a pleasure having our Federation visitor, Karen Johnson attend our conference and giving a very energetic presentation about Soroptimist goals. Also a special thank you to Shea Rhodes for her dynamic presentation on Human Trafficking. Without the support and dedication of our membership, a successful event such as this would not be possible.
As always, The Best for Women & Girls.
—Governor Tammy