Soroptimist, << suh ROP tuh mihst, >> International is a service organization for business, executive, and professional women. Membership is by invitation. The clubs support programs that advance the status and human rights of women and girls. The programs include cash awards to improve education and training, measures to prevent domestic violence, and recognition of young women for volunteer actions to improve their communities. The organization consists of four federations—Soroptimist International of the Americas, Soroptimist International of Europe, Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, and Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific. The first club was chartered in 1921 in Oakland, California. The headquarters of Soroptimist International are in Cambridge, England. The American federation has its headquarters in Philadelphia.
