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.