Soroptimist History

On October 3, 1921, just after women won the right to vote...before women were offered business opportunities, before they could own property, before women were accepted as equals, Soroptimist International was founded in Oakland, California. They chose their name from two Latin words meaning "best for women."

A group of 80 working women representing such professions as medicine, laboratory technology, printing and clothing industry, joined together to "foster the ideal of service." From that small beginning the world's largest classified service organization for business and professional women has grown to approximately 100,000 Soroptimist members residing in 120 countries/territories throughout the world. Members work within their communities, nations, and the world to:

Maintain high ethical standards in business and professional life

Strive for human rights for all people and, in particular, to advance the status of women.

Develop a spirit of friendship and unity among Soroptimists of all countries.

Develop interest in community, national and international affairs.

Contribute to international understanding and universal friendship.

Develop the highest concept of patriotism.

Soroptimist International of Fremont was Chartered on March 1, 2002. Although just beginning, the Fremont Club has already begun to "Make A Difference For Women." In the first year Fremont participated in the Women's Opportunity Award Program sponsored by the S.I. of the America, the Founder Region Fellowship Grant Program, as well as a District I project called S.O.S. for Kids, which helps children entering protective services in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.