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  

HELPING OUR AREA SENIORS

North Portland Neighborhood Clinic provides a range of services primarily for seniors living in N. Portland. 

Licensed staff offer blood pressure checking, flu vaccinations, health education, evaluation and referrals, special foot care and accupuncture – Wednesdays, 8:30am – 12:30pm.  

The clinic utilizes space provided by Northminster Presbyterian Church, and is supported by donations and a sliding scale payment arrangement for clients.

President Evie (l) presents RN Judy Hubbard with a check for $500 to help continue their services.

SIPN GIVES GRANT TO TLC / TNT

Twenty-five years ago, Faye Palmerton and Roy Pittman decided that at-risk youngsters in North and Northeast Portland could benefit from a program aimed just at them.

Tender Loving Care/Think N Try celebrates its 25th year later this summer. A part of the year-round program is a summer camp in which high school and college students mentor youngsters. 

Surrounded by TLC / TNT young adults, at a fund raiser for the 2014 summer camp, President Evie (left) presents SIPN member Faye (r) with a $500 check. 

ABOUT OUR MEETINGS . . . . .

We are fast approaching the end of our fiscal year.  With the election of a new board and new challenges for the next term, here is an excerpt from a meeting guide that could be helpful.

MEETING GUIDELINES

Whoever comes is the right person.

Whatever happens is the only thing that could.

Whenever it starts is the right time.

When it’s over, it’s over.

If you are learning or contributing, you will be inspired.

Conversation Guidelines

Open-mindedness: Listen to and respect all points of view.

Acceptance: Suspend judgment as best you can.

Curiosity: Seek to understand rather than persuade.

Sincerity: Speak what has personal heart and meaning.

Brevity: Go for honesty and depth but don’t go on and on.

VOLUTEER WEEK - APRIL 7 - 13

WOMAN OF OPPORTUNITY WINNER

SIPN members joined in congratulating our Woman of Opportunity Award Winner, Ryan at a dinner meeting at Christie's Restaurant.  The evening program also included a presentation from a former W.O.A winner Darlene Shaw who told members how her award had changed her life.

Ryan is a single mother who left an abusive partner with a then, 4 month old baby, moving from New York back to Portland. I was taking courses on line at the time, and knew I had to stick with it once I left to provide a better life for my daughter. Although living off college loans and food stamps has not been an easy task, my daughter and I are safe and happy. I am renting a room that my daughter and I share from a friend because the rent is cheap. 

Ryan (L) receives award from President Evie (R)

The process of receiving my education has made me strong, confident, and independent person which are attributes that women who are the primary financial supporters need. A better education is also teaching me how to navigate resources to find better job opportunities. With my education I plan to help and encourage throughout my life.

After completing an associates degree Ryan's next educational goal is to complete her Bachelor of Art in Community Health. She is within two terms of completing this goal. Ryan has found ways to manage life's many trials and tribulations and has continued with her studies and has been successful at school, parenting and is currently interning at The Northwest Indian Health Board. She is very determined, seasoned and disciplined to complete her educational goals

WINE TASTING SUCCESS !

  SIPN's Wine Tasting Event produced the taste of success for the club as nearly 70 people attended the event at St. Johns Cellars.  Cool weather and no rain until the last hour or so of the event helped bring folks to sample the many varieties of Oregon wines offered by SJC.   

      Margaret (at the desk) and Joe (white jacket in background) were tireless promoters, arrangers, facilitators, and organizers!  Thanks to both of them for their solid support of this fundraising event.





Member Rebecca brought the most family members to the event and also took the honor of guests travelling the furthest distance (Taiwan)!
     Pictured from left to right, Yu Yen, Rebecca, Yu-Chyong, Cheng-ho, Jennifer, and Jih-ling.  Not shown in the picture was Rebecca's sister Jih-ping and brother Ju-Junn.