Who exactly are we?

Soroptimist International is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. We currently have over 90,000 members in more than 3,000 clubs in 126 countries and territories. Soroptimists are women who use the special expertise and management skills developed in their working life to advance the status of women and make the world a better place. Membership offers the opportunity to work with like-minded women throughout the world for human rights for all, equality, development and peace.

The Soroptimist name

The name Soroptimist was coined from the Latin soror meaning sister, and optima meaning best. Soroptimist is perhaps best interpreted as 'the best for women'. From the founding of the first Soroptimist club in Oakland, California, in 1921, through to the present day where over 3000 clubs are flourishing throughout the world, Soroptimists have continued to strive to achieve 'the best for women' in every sphere of their lives.

from http://www.soroptimistinternational.org/html/history.html

Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg was born June 28, 1975. 

The first women met for a luncheon at the Noyo River Inn and then moved on through several other restaurants before settling at the Senior Center Activity Room.

Charter members:

Barbara MacGrath, Betty Humphrey**, Betty Seagraves, Bobbie Hall

Carol Steele**, Dora Branesky**, Edith Goble**, Eileen Menzie,

Gail Vollmer, Hilda Boeck, Jeanne Koski, Jolen Hervilla, Julia Tidwell

June Bartow, Kay Lowrie, Lonne Mitchell**, Lorraine Dixon,

Norma Rhoads, Pamela Hudson, Pat Walker, Sandra Sorensen

Sharon Handelin, Sheila Lamb

**present members