SI President’s Annual December 10 Appeal

Every year, on Human Rights Day (December 10) the President of Soroptimist International selects a project that provides direct assistance to women in extreme need. Past projects have provided: aid for refugees in camps in Malaysia; protection and help for women AIDS sufferers in Uganda and the Ukraine; scholarships for girls in Mongolia and Rwanda; vocational training programmes and shelter for vulnerable women and children in Paraguay; education and nutrition for abandoned children in Vietnam; malaria protection for pregnant women and young children in Benin, West Africa; enhanced access to education for girls in impoverished areas of Pakistan and support for long term patients at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.

For the 2009 Appeal, Soroptimist International President Hanne Jensbo has chosen to adopt a highly successful anti-trafficking project run by the Soroptimist International Union of Norway with Soroptimist International clubs in Moldova for the last 4 years. Further funding is urgently needed for the project to continue.

Young girls living in boarding schools are particularly exposed to the dangers of trafficking. Some are there because their parents are among the half milling Moldavians who have gone abroad to find work. By the age of 16 they have left school, have no support and often, nowhere to live. Learn more at www.soroptimistinternational.org

Fort Collins Soroptimist is accepting donations for the appeal. If you care to join us in support of this project, email sifortcolins@hotmail.com.

December 2--International Day for Abolition of Slavery

December 2, is the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. It commemorates the date, in December 1949 that the UN General Assembly adopted a convention to suppress trafficking, exploitation and prostitution of persons. Think slavery is dead?Unfortunately trafficking of persons is estimated to be the second largest “business” of organized crime. Slavery is alive and well.

It’s been 61 years since the UN took a stand opposing slavery in all its forms, including the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls. Soroptimists STOP Trafficking is a campaign to end human trafficking, a form of modern day slavery. Join Soroptimist in speaking out against trafficking. Soroptimist International joined the 'Stop the Traffik' Global Coalition. Learn more at www.soroptimistinternational.org.

November 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Every Thanksgiving I'm reminded that I'm truly thankful to have a family free from domestic violence. You see, Thanksgiving coincides very closely with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. And, I want my children's daughters, and girls around the world, to grow up to be healthy, happy, respected women. That's part of the reason I'm committed to Soroptimist.

Soroptimist actively supports programs that educate, protect, and support women and girls with the hope that domestic violence will become a thing of the past. The archaic phrase, "what happens in our family stays in our family" is just that--archaic. It's not OK to overlook abuse, simply because the abuser is a family member and undoubtedly loves the survivor. And, it's not OK to witness domestic violence and write it off as a family matter. (33% of Americans have witnessed domestic violence.) It's critical that we as parents, friends, co-workers and neighbors open our eyes and ears to reports of domestic violence in our community. It is not enough to say "they are always like that after an argument", "they're married--it's none of my business", or "she/he must have had it coming".

"On 17 December 1999 by resolution 54/134, the General Assembly designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and invited governments, international organizations and NGOs to raise public awareness of the problem of violence against women. We renew our commitment to fight for the right to a life free from brutal attacks on women's physical and emotional well-being. Step by step, every day of the year, we will continue to work towards our goal: the complete elimination of violence against women. At the end of the day, to eliminate violence against women we desperately need to ensure that women have the voice, influence and resources to assert their priorities for achieving peace and security in an increasingly violent world." -- Noeleen Heyzer, 2003 Executive Director, UNIFEM

Don't write off domestic violence; help eliminate it.

Apply! Apply! Apply! Apply!

At left, SIFC member Judy Weaver presents Lauren with one of the 2009 Soroptimist checks.

Soroptimist of Fort Collins is currently accepting nominations / applications of outstanding women and girls in northern Colorado and invites you to help us spread the word. Email sifortcollins@hotmail.com to request specific nomination / application forms. Deadlines are between Dec. 15 and Jan. 1 -- see specifics below. Local awards will be presented Feb. 16, 2010.

Soroptimist's Violet Richardson Award honors teen girls (ages of 14 thru 17) for volunteer action benefitting women and girls. SIFC awards outstanding volunteers and their organizations. Local winners advance to regional competition for a $1000 contribution (in honor of the winner) to her volunteer organization. Region awards include a $2500 award to the finalist's volunteer organization. Applications must be received on or before December 10, 2009.

Soroptimist's Women's Opportunity Awards offer women heads of household, who provide the primary source of financial support for their families, the opportunity to achieve their career goals.

Women's Opportunity Awards are for women who are attending, or have been accepted to, a vocational/skills training program, or an undergraduate degree program for a first degree. These awards are not tied to scholarship and may be used for any expenses related to educational pursuits. SIFC will present one $1000 award and one $500 award. Local winners advance to region competition for two $3000 and one $5000 award. Region awardees compete for three $10,000 federation awards. Applications must be received on or before December 15, 2009.

SIFC's Living Her Dream Award was established by SIFC to help a local woman obtain education and live her dreams. Any woman may apply when she:

1) is age 21 (or greater) at application

2) has earned a high school diploma / G.E.D.

3) is presently enrolled in a community college, 4-year college or university

4) has completed at least two semesters of education beyond high school, and

5) exemplifies a good student--receiving above-average grades.

SIFC's Living Her Dream Award recipient will receive $1000. This monetary award may be used for any expenses related to educational pursuits. Applications must be received on or before January 1, 2010.

The Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women, (formerly the Soroptimist Making a Difference for Women Award) honors women who, through their professional or personal efforts, are making extraordinary differences in the lives of women or girls. Honorees' work has had a significant impact, and also inspires and encourages other women.

SIFC has recognized numerous outstanding women in the past, including (but not limited to) Sue Ellen Charlton, Wendy Cohen, Julie Kunce-Field, Sheryl Harrell, Cathie Waugh, Mary Carraher, binh rybacki Peggy Reeves, Mabel Preble, and Past Fort Collins Mayor Nancy Gray.

Nomination centers on an essay explaining how the nominee makes a difference to women. Soroptimist of Fort Collins recognizes the honoree in February and forwards the name for possible recognition at other levels of the Soroptimist organization. The northern Colorado honoree will receive recognition and $1,000 will be given to SIA Club Campaign in her honor. The winner of Soroptimist International of the Americas award currently receives a $5,000 donation to the charitable organization of her choice. This year Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, financial advisor, is a proud sponsor of the Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women.

We look forward to your "Ruby" nomination and wish your “candidate” well in the competition. The nomination form is available on our Soroptimist International of Fort Collins web site: www.fortnet.org/sifc. Email your nomination to judyannw_6@msn.com or mail the nomination to SIFC, PO Box 270816, Fort Collins, CO 80527-0816.

Applications must be received on or before December 10, 2009.

Community Embraces Cups de Ville--Donates Nearly $5000 to Navigator Program

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In the United States, one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Beyond that staggering statistic, breast cancer takes an immeasurable toll on families around the world who depend on their grandmothers, wives, sisters, aunts, daughters, friends and mothers.

Breast cancer needlessly claims the lives of thousands of women in low- and high-income countries alike. More than 1.1 million women worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, with the disease claiming at least 500,000 lives and disrupting even more.

Recent articles in the Fort Collins Coloradoan highlight issues related to poverty. Women make up a significant percentage of people living in poverty throughout the world and are particularly vulnerable to health disparities. Hardest hit are low-income. Low-income women in both developing nations and wealthier countries such as ours are most likely to be diagnosed with or die from breast cancer. Women who aren’t fortunate to have good health insurance and access to quality medical care often struggle. Those effected (diagnosed and loved ones alike) may need a caring guide as they make the journey from diagnosis through treatment.

Soroptimist of Fort Collins became aware of services that the PVH Navigator program offers and believes that navigators are vital resources toward survival. As a result, our club recently established the PVH Soroptimist Navigator Fund, helping to pay for basic needs and medical bills for women in our community who are diagnosed with breast cancer and who show a financial need. Last week we sponsored Cups de Ville, a Bras...for a Cause event, to increase public awareness of breast cancer and raise funds for the PVH Soroptimist Navigator Fund.

Local businesses and individuals creatively decorated 32 bras. The amazing works of art were displayed and auctioned off at the Gala, Thursday October 8th at the Fort Collins Hilton. Soroptimist members donned the bras over their clothing and walked amongst prospective donors. Dusty Kruse, a local auctioneer from Centennial Livestock Auction coaxed donations. Because of the generosity of those in attendance, nearly $5000 was raised for the PVH Soroptimist Navigator Fund.

Our sincere appreciation to all of the fantastic people in this community who collaborated with Soroptimist to make Cups de Ville a success.

Soroptimist sincerely thanks: Centennial Livestock Auctions’ Dusty Kruse, Fort Collins Macy's and Hilton, and Hooters Loveland, for Cups de Ville’ huge success! Thumbs up also to: 32 bra artisans, Ann Rutledge, Avalanche Hockey, Bisetti's, Chicos, Colorado Baggage Company, Cost Cutters (Drake & Timberline & Foothills Mall), Frisens Auto Center, Las Tres Margaritas, Laurels Salon-of-Distinction, Mary Carwile, Menopause the Musical, Merle Norman, Mountain Woods Furniture, Nancy Ruegsegger, Nepal Tibet Imports, O2 Market Lounge, Party America, Prizma Enterprises, RBE Treasures, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Rocky Mountain Salsa, The Cupboard, Satin Camisole, Wagz of Colorado, and Wilbur’s Total Beverages, for generous contributions!

Let your imagination be your guide

Soroptimist Extends Hands-Up!

What a fantastic year!
It's definitely time to celebrate last year's accomplishments as we look forward to our 2009-2010 club year. Our local Soroptimist group successfully raised funds to donate over $12,000 to efforts improving the lives of women and girls. We proudly donated $9600 to local efforts and individual. And, we did out part on the global scene by donating $2400 to efforts beyond Colorado.

Locally:
$3900 was distributed to northern Colorado women and girls in the form of Women's Opportunity Awards, Living Her Dream Awards, and Violet Richardson Awards, AND

$5700 was distributed between

1. Lentz Hearing Project for Women and Girls,
2. Project Self-Sufficiency (PS-S),
3. PVH Health Systems Soroptimist Navigator Program for women dealing with cancer,
4. Women's Center of Larimer County for their Dental Assistance Program,
5. Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center (SAVA) for their SuperGirls program, and
6. Crossroads SafeHouse for their new facility.

Globally:
$1000 went to the SIA Club Campaign in honor of Wendy Stine, SIFC's 2009 Making a Difference for Women recipient, AND

$1400 was distributed between

1. SI Project SIerra, Hands of Hope Scholarships for girls in Uganda,
2. Little Rose Project with Children of Peace,
3. Trees Water & People for Justa Stoves in Central America and Haiti, and
4. Children of Peace International for Remaking a Life--Capacity Building Workshops.

What an impact we had! What a hard act to follow!

"A Necessary Journey" Premieres at 2009 Breckenridge Film Festival

A compelling look at post war, modern day Vietnam. Join the Children of Peace medical team (health care professionals, Vietnam War Veterans and just "plain people") as they travel the length of Vietnam, treating children, orphans, families and survivors of the Vietnam War. From the indigenous tribes in the northern mountainous region to the bustling, cyclo-choked streets of a very cosmopolitan Saigon, it is "A Necessary Journey" for any person interested in the aftermath of war.

Soroptimist members and their guests traveled to Breckenridge, CO, for the Jun 13th premiere of "A Necessary Journey". RMR Governor Barb, and Governor-elect Jan joined eight members and friends from the Fort Collins Club in celebrating this fantastic accomplishment. The 97 minute film focuses on post war Vietnam and the nonprofit efforts of Binh Yybacki, founder and Executive Director of Children of Peace International, and valued member of Soroptimist International of Fort Collins. Rybacki is inspiring; Director Alfonse Ruggiero and Executive Producer Tami Bradshaw weave a magnificent story of binh's life and her humanitarian service to the beautiful yet war-torn people of her home land. The cinematography is fantastic; viewing is a must. http://www.anecessaryjourneymovie.com

More about Binh, Children of Peace, and Soroptimist:
Northern Colorado volunteer, Binh Rybacki is “Mother” to over 6000 Vietnamese children. COPI provides shelter, food, health care and schooling for those children. Rybacki fled Vietnam with her family in 1975 before Saigon fell to communist troops. She returned to Ho Chi Minh City in 1993 to translate for a group of doctors and witnessed children working the streets as peddlers, beggars, and prostitutes. They were called bui doi—“dust of life” – of no value whatever. Unable to accept such conditions, she founded COPI, which now operates orphanages, facilitates international adoptions, organizes medical missions, educates thousands of children, and provides micro-loans for cottage industries.

Rybacki was awarded an unprecedented honor by the Vietnamese government. She received Vietnam’s annual Children of the Founder Award, in Vietnam, March 2003 . The award is given to someone who has worked to improve the lives of Vietnamese people. Binh is the first woman and the first non-Vietnamese citizen to receive the award.

Soroptimist International—Fort Collins Club spearheaded fundraising and public recognition efforts for Rybacki’s nonprofit organization with its 1998-99 Women Helping Women Award. Since then, Soroptimist clubs in the Rocky Mountain Region have raised over $18,000 for COPI to use in constructing a school and purchasing sewing machines, playground equipment, computers, automotive parts and tools, reflective vests and market kiosks.

Female Heads of Households Receive Soroptimist Funding For Education

Two northern Colorado women have been honored with Soroptimist Women's Opportunities Awards to help them improve their economic situations through education and training.

Lauren, a student at Front Range Community College, receives Soroptimist of Fort Collins' first place honor. She has been attending school while raising three children on the money she earns as a paraprofessional in the Early Childhood Program at Bauder Elementary. She was chosen because of her resilience, the excellent recommendations she received, and her passion to help others reach their full potential. The Soroptimist award allows Lauren to continue her education with the goal of attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado.

Michele, a student at the University of Northern Colorado, receives Soroptimist's second place honor. Michele attends school while supporting her family as a Certified Nursing Assistant for a staffing agency. Michele's cash award will help her earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in UNC's Nursing program, and then work in emergency or intensive care.

Thanks for a Great Booksale!

The American Association of University Women and Soroptimist of Fort Collins extend sincere thanks for a great fundraiser. Our 2009 booksale brought in over $20,000 to help support programs for women and families. Thanks especially to:

• Area readers for donating books to make the sale a reality
• Foothills Mall for the location
• Book Rack for ongoing donations
• Local fraternity gentlemen and sorority ladies for processing truck-loads of books, and most importantly 
• Shoppers for supporting us!

Our nonprofit groups, and the individuals we serve, sincerely thank you!

Mary Robinson, SIFC Co-Chair

Margaret Grant, AAUW Co-Chair

Women Recognized for Making a Difference

Nicole Gawronski and Wendy Stine were honored with making a difference for women recognitions Tuesday evening, February 17th. Soroptimist' Making a Difference for Women Award honors ordinary women, who through their professional and personal efforts are making extraordinary differences in the lives of women and girls. Their work has had a significant impact, and inspires and encourages other women. Nominations for the annual award come from community members to honor non-Soroptimist women. "Our judges had a difficult decision ranking the top two finalists. Both women have touched the lives of thousands of women. We are honored to recognize both for unselfishly making a difference," says Christine Hutchinson, President of SIFC.

Nicole Gawronski's nomination highlights her "relentless passion for guiding single parents, most of whom are women, in their efforts to succeed". Gawronski has been advising women through northern Colorado's Project Self-Sufficiency for the past 16 years and is a wonderfully positive role model. she follows advisees through the process, guiding and informing, supporting and redirecting. "Nicole is a mysterious mix of passionate, pragmatic, caring and wise--a strong intuition paired with a burning desire to be fair," writes Kathy Miner, Assistant Director of Project Self-Sufficiency.

Wendy Stine, an interventionist, is recognized for giving her time and heart to anyone who asks. "Serving others is at the core of who she is, it's in her DNA. It doesn't get much better than that", adds Harmony Foundation's Mara Lehnert in Stine's nomination. Evidence o Stine's efforts to make a difference for women span a side variety of areas. She contributes through the women's program at Larimer County Detention Center, mentors through Turning Point in Fort Collins, and develops curriculum for women struggling with addiction.

As first place local recipient Gawronski now competes for additional recognition at other levels of the Soroptimist organization. The winner of the Soroptimist of the Americas award will receive a $5,000 donation to a charitable organization of her choice. 

Congratulations and best wishes, ladies!

Recycling "trash" for Vietnamese girls

Did you know that approximately 850,000 used ink cartridges reach landfills around the world every day? And, the number is steadily climbing as more and more people print their own documents in the convenience of their offices and homes.  

One of Soroptimist's 6 program-focus areas is the environment. Soroptimist members, worldwide, are actively involved in efforts to reduce, re-use, and recycle. With the convenience of personal printing, comes the tendency to use more paper (and, as a result--more ink) than we might have a few years ago. We are creating more trash, and frequently sending hazardous but recyclable items to local landfills. SIFC has a local project to help in a small way.

May we suggest a New Year's Resolution? 

Consider recycling trash electronics and printing supplies for Vietnamese girls. SIFC collects donations of empty laser, fax, copier, and inkjet cartridges (and used cell phones) and recycles them to help girls in Vietnam. Cartridges for Kids pays SIFC for the collected items. The funds are then forwarded to Loveland-based Children of Peace International, and are ear-marked for vocational programs that help young Vietnamese girls achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.

Why Children of Peace?

As you've learned in other articles, the Soroptimist mission is to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and around the world. SIFC knows of a special program that helps girls in Vietnam. Read on....

• Northern Colorado volunteer and Soroptimist, Binh Rybacki is "Mother" to over 6000 Vietnamese children. COPI provides shelter, food, health care and schooling for those children. We know first-hand of the needs of these children and the results of funds donated to COPI.

• Rybacki fled Vietnam with her family in 1975 before Saigon fell to communist troops. She returned to Ho Chi Minh City in 1993 to translate for a group of doctors and witnessed children working the streets as peddlers, beggars, and prostitutes. They were called bui doi--"dust of life"--of no value whatever. Unable to accept such conditions, Binh founded COPI, which now operates orphanages, facilitates international adoptions, organizes medical missions, educates thousands of children, and provides micro-loans for cottage industries.  http://www.childrenofpeace.org/index.html

• Soroptimist International--Fort Collins Club spearheaded fundraising and public recognition efforts for Rybacki's nonprofit organization with its 1998-99 Women Helping Women Award. Since then, Soroptimist clubs in the Rocky Mountain Region have raised funds for COPI to construct a vocational school, purchase sewing machines, protect women on their way to market, and care for the bui doi. 

• Soroptimist International collected President's Appeal (December 10th--Human Rights Day ) funds in 2005 to support COPI's Dust of Life? Project.
  

Please spread the word amongst your friends and associates! 

This project is ongoing--and protects the environment while raising funds for COPI's girls. Email sifortcollins@hotmail.com to donate.