PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS

The title to this post came from the 96th Northwest Region Conference (April 25-27, 2014 Portland, OR).  It characterizes what we are - volunteers practicing to improve the lives of others. Practice (keeping on with what we do) does make progress, acknowledging that we may never be "perfect" in that effort.

Nancy Hales, wife of the Mayor of Portland gave the opening “Welcome to Portland.”  Letters of welcome from Kathy King, Govenor of the NW Region, Cheri Fleming, SIA President, Elizabeth Lucas, SIA Executive Director & CEO, and Jeff Merkley, US Senator, were published in the conference booklet. 

The theme of the conference was “A Treasure To Remember!”  These included the Treasure of Friendship, the Treasure of Success, the Treasure of Soroptimists, and the Treasure of Service.  Within each of these were special presentations, workshops and activities.

Several major workshops were conducted including; “Heart of a Woman,” Reading the Treasure Map,” Success Strategies for Fighting Human Trafficking,” Polishing our Gemstones,” “Choosing to Live A Happy, Balanced, Vibrant Life,” and “Communication & Teamwork.”

Poco Davis & President Evie

The Conference recognized the official SIA Visitor, Margaret “Poco” Davis, SIA President Elect 2013-14 (see picture).  Poco has been a Soroptimist for 32 years, President of her clubs 3 times, Governor of the Sierra Nevada Region and Leadership Trainer for SIA 2005-08. Grant of Friendship visitors were from Australia, Kenya and India.

Donations were given to the Pettygrove Residential Program.  This is a 9 month program serving young women age 14-18 who are in the Oregon Youth Authority custody.  Since 1975 the program has been working to help them.  It operates out of a home in SE Portland and serves more than 25 girls each year.  Soroptimist members can assist them rebuild their lives by contributing clothing, shoes, household items, gift cards to Target or Super Cuts, art supplies and beading supplies. 

Standing: Rebecca (L) Evie (R), Seated: Sharon(L) Heidi (R) 

SIPN was well represented, and the Tell & Sell table did great with the microwave plate holders and Beanie Babies!  

A very busy three days concluded with the election of new officers for the NW Region:
GOVENOR - Carol Hansen
GOVENOR ELECT - Stephanie Smith
SECRETARY - Marti Crook
TREASURER - Carla Tucker
DIST 2 DIRECTOR - Dawn Christiansen Cuellar
DIST 2 SECRETARY - Teresa Heidt Vanderschoot

Evie