SIGS News - Soroptimist International of Greater Sacramento

Volume 17, Issue 8
April 2014
Soroptimist International of Greater Sacramento
SIGS News
www.sacramentosoroptimists.org
April Highlights
April 1, Luncheon Meeting, Fun (provided by all) and Committees
Inside this issue:
President’s Message and Club
Business
2
Annual Meeting & Finances
3
SIGS Committees
4
New Member, WOA Vicky, & Gift Bag
Needs
5
Stop Trafficking May 6, Olive Oil,
Superstars, & Readers
6
Winter Meeting, April Conference,
SIA’s New Girl Program
7
Meeting Info, Calendar, Links
8
SIGS Meets
First & Third Tuesdays
Lunch Meetings
12:00 noon – 1:15 pm
Program VP Carolyn Walters writes: A SIGS luncheon meeting on April 1st? You are foolin’ me
aren’t you? No. Yes, we are a serious bunch of ladies – and you can imagine my
dilemma in approaching a potential speaker who is likely even more
serious about their mission to appear on April 1st of all days.
Therefore, ladies, this meeting is up to you. This is the day you can
select that something special you did, that crazy moment you witnessed,
that really great joke that deserves retelling – whatever it is that really
tickles your funny bone – and, yes, share it with us all. Feel free to bring props! I’m hoping
for some surprises! I used to hang the singing “Billy Bass” in my dining room after cocktails,
of course. Unfortunately, can’t remember what I did with it, or maybe it’s fortunate.
And, to prepare for signing up for committees at the Annual , we’ll have time to talk with
each current chairperson about activities and responsibilities in her committee to help
newer and even veteran members learn more!
April 15, Annual Meeting and Retreat
4:30- 8:30pm, Piatti’s
The meal fee of $30 is included in your annual dues. This is the most
important meeting of the year: we’ll review what we’ve done, plan for
next year, vote on Membership dues and Service Commitment amount,
elect next year’s Board, and even have an auction fundraiser, where you
supply the items. Everyone should be there. See page 3 for more info.
(Sign-in begins at 11:30)
Piatti’s
571 The Pavilions
Fair Oaks Blvd
Evening Meetings
As Announced
Soroptimist
International is a global
volunteer organization
working to improve the
lives of women and girls
through programs
leading to social and
economic empowerment.
April 25-27, Sierra Nevada Region Annual Conference
Atlantis Hotel, Reno. See page 7. The program and registration info is in SNR EBlasts.
May 6, Luncheon Meeting, Human Trafficking in the
Sacramento Region
See page 6 for more information. Please invite spouses and guests…we are
publicizing this event to other clubs & friends. There is a different
reservation process for this meeting, so be sure to reserve and pay ahead of
time.
May 8, District 5 Wine Tasting, A Fun Filled Fund Raiser
Thursday, May 8th from 5:30 to 8:00, Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg.
This is a fun fund raiser and wine tasting and food nibbling party, sponsored by SI of
Woodland. They are sharing this fundraiser with other clubs; $1 per ticket goes to My
Sister’s House. The tickets are $25.00, and our club gets to keep $12.00, so we will have fun
and raise money with no additional work on our part. Invite your friends, make your checks
out to SIGS and give them to Faye Holliman for your tickets. See you there.
SIGS New s
Page 2
President’s Message
2013 - 2014
Board of Directors
President Marilyn
Goodfellow
President-Elect Susan
Gower
VP Service Sally Johnson
By President Marilyn Goodfellow
The Board welcomes Melina Rodezno as an Honorary Member of
Soroptimist International of Greater Sacramento. She is our
guest at the April SNR Conference in Reno as part of the Women
Honoring Women Who Serve program introduced by Governor
Janice Labadie. Melina's Grandmother, Connie Macias, will
attend the evening program with us.
Melanie served in the Army as a mechanic for three years and had a special duty assignment
assisting a Chaplain. She was deployed with her husband, Eddie, to Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Both are now home and Melanie is currently enrolled in a three year Bible College program
while they look forward to the birth of their first child. We thank them for their service and
sacrifices they and their families have made for our country. They have our very
best wishes for their lives at home as veterans and with their new family.
In addition we honor our own military veterans, Laurie Bowling and Penny
Brown. Their names will be listed in the program honoring veterans at the
Conference.
VP Program Carolyn Walters
VP Membership
Lori Edwards
VP Ways and Means
Kathy Stassi
VP Communications
Paula Maw
Board Highlights
The March meeting was full of discussion and planning. The Board:
 Approved our club’s ranking of the 5 candidates for SIA PresidentElect; we selected Rosemary Reid as our first choice for the position.

Approved honorary membership to Melina Rodezno, a military veteran, for the
2014/15 fiscal year. She will not be charged for meals but will be requested to pay for
any activities she attends. She is invited to attend the Sierra Nevada Region
conference in Reno.

Approved the membership of Josie Andre to the club.

Confirmed that the budget allows for $1,000 to be split evenly among all members
attending the Conference in April.

Discussed the May 6th program on Human Trafficking, to which other clubs and guests
are invited. Joanne Tremmeling, SNR’s Trafficking Czar, will be attending. We are
hoping for press coverage and an impressive showing.

Discussed the Annual Survey in preparation of the Annual meeting. Among other
ideas, the Board was interested gathering input on fundraising efforts, frequency of
speakers, social, business meetings, and external social events.

Discussed the Annual Meeting agenda and the need to encourage committee
participation.

Discussed SIA’s New Soroptimist Girl program that will focus on career mentoring.

Susan to choose her nomination committee for 2014/15 officers.

Upcoming service projects were presented as well as upcoming programs. Kathy Stassi
purchased another case of olive oil due to more requests.
Secretary Jean Foster
Treasurer Stephanie Paia
Director, First Year
Cynthia Hennesey
Director, Second Year
Janet Garland
Director and Immediate
Past President
Yolanda Cuesta
Next Board Meeting
April 8
6 – 8 pm
Kathy Stassi’s Office
SIGS New s
Page 3
Annual Meeting Involves Everyone in Important Decisions
The Annual Retreat on April 15 is the most important of the year and involves everyone. The agenda includes:
 A discussion and vote on raising our dues and/or reducing the club subsidy for the Annual Retreat (see article below)
 A discussion and vote on the amount, up to $100, to charge for the Service Commitment for next year (see below)
 Signing up for Committees (see the description on the next page). Committees are how the work of our club gets done,
and everyone is expected to sign up for two (or more if you like). Depending on the outcome of our discussion on
fundraising, dues and service commitment, it is particularly important that Ways and Means has a good number.
 An SIA presentation on Soroptimism – you’ll be proud of what we do.
 A discussion of the survey results and Identifying goals for next year
 Learning about our new “members only” pages on the website, including our roster
 Electing next year’s Board of Directors and learning who will serve as committee chairs
 Participating in a club fundraiser by bringing a household item to auction off to the group. Watch your email for more
info.
How Do We Fund What We Do?
Our dues and our service commitment are the basis for funding what we do. In addition, we spend
time raising additional funds to support our service projects and the business of our club. This year,
Kathy Stassi and her small committee spearheaded a successful olive oil fundraiser, which helped
both budgets. And, we used service reserves to augment what we raised to provide grants, awards
and support our other service projects.
But it’s up to you. How much do you want to be involved in fundraising? How much are you willing to
contribute from your own pocket to support what we do? Who should we tap for additional funds? What
should be the balance between these fund-raising approaches? Some background to help you think:
Service Commitment
There are essentially two ways that we, as individuals, ensure that SIGS has the funds to do its service work. One, we support
fundraisers when we, as a club, decide to do them. And, we each are responsible for the “Service Commitment”. Each year at the
Annual Retreat, we vote on how much we will be asked to contribute to the service fund the following year, up to $100.
Members can simply write a check for that amount. Or, they can solicit donations from others. Or, they can do a personal
fundraiser, such as selling items at SIGS Boutique in December, sales parties or some other event: the possibilities are endless.
The service commitment ensures that there is a basic level of funds going into our service funds, so that we don’t draw down our
reserves from our large fundraisers too quickly (the last one was the Calendar). For instance, this year’s budget calls for us to
spend $17,165 for service projects and grants. That included $1600 in service commitment, $2000 from SNR Grants, $6000 from
Olive Oil sales, and $7200 transferred from service reserves. In addition, our endowment fund enables us to contribute around
$2000 a year to a worthy organization on top of these funds.
Dues and Funding Club Operations






Of the $150 in dues we each pay, approximately $90 goes to Federation and Region, leaving $60 for SIGS. $30 of that
supports the Annual Retreat, leaving $30 per person for club operations.
We have not raised our dues for well over a decade, although our costs have
increased. We’ve made up the difference through fundraising.
Your $150 Dues
The $30 per person covers about 1/3 of our ongoing club operation expenses
to SIA
(excluding lunches and special events). The other 2/3 is raised through
fundraisers such as the grocery cards and garage sales.
Many clubs support club operations through a “fine” program, including Happy
to SN
Dollars. Each year, the Board decides whether Superstar funds should be used
Region
for club operations or service.
SIGS
Our service reserves are governed by our finance policy (see your roster).
When service reserves are low, we need a big fundraiser to replenish them
(e.g. the calendar).
Once we put money into the accounts designated as service, we need to spend it on service.
SIGS New s
Page 4
SIGS “Gets It Done” Through Committees
The Board hopes everyone will sign up for at least two committees next year. Many only meet once and
delegate duties, to make the work easy. Ways and Means and Service in particular need lots of dedicated
members to ensure no one volunteer is overburdened. Here’s a brief description of each
Service



Research, recommend and coordinate hands-on projects for member participation.
Make recommendations regarding club grants to qualified charities.
Ensure that receipts/thank you are provided to all cash and non-cash donors (coordinate with Treasurer).
Women Empowerment Craft Faire (Service subcommittee)

Plan and coordinate the Women’s Empowerment event, which involves everyone in the club.
Ways and Means



Coordinating collecting the annual Service Commitment
Recommend and coordinate other approved fundraising strategies to support service and club
operations
Coordinate and promote the Superstar program, and any other fine program approved by the Board
Program


Identify topics for, secure, and publicize luncheon program speakers.
Plan activities for social events (work with the activities and events subcommittee)
Activities and Events (Program subcommittee)

Plan, organize and coordinate the club's social events: summer mixer, holiday mixer, and installation dinner
Membership
 Recruit new members including prepare recruitment materials, recommending and implementing approved
strategies for members to recruit new members, and providing members with rosters, name tags and badges.
 Orientation and retention, including recommending and implementing approved strategies for membership
retention and surveying non-renewing members concerning their membership termination
 Work with sub-committees of Luncheon/Hospitality and Personal Connections.
Personal Connections (Membership subcommittee)

Provide support to members as needed by observing birthdays and other special events and keeping in touch with
members who may be ill or experiencing unexpected events
Hospitality/Lunch (Membership subcommittee)


Work with the restaurant
Gather reservations, Greet and sign-in members and guests, collect funds and give to treasurer
Communications

Coordinates club communications including newsletter, website, Facebook, and roster. Maintains an historical
record of club activities.

Conducts public relations and does publicity for events. Updates address and e-mail lists and notify
membership of changes.
Endowment

Oversee the SIGS Endowment fund managed by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and recommend the
distribution of funds to the Board of Directors
International Understanding

Educate members about international issues pertaining to women and girls, particularly related to SI and SIA.
Laws and Resolutions

Annually review bylaws and standing rules and make recommendations for change as needed.
In addition, we may have a study group to look at how we might implement SIA’s new program, Soroptimist Girl on career
mentoring. More on that at the Retreat and SNR Conference
SIGS New s
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Welcome New Member Josie André
Josie André is rejoining Soroptimist after a seven year break. She was an active member of the West
Sacramento club for 14 or so years, when she was working for the Washington Unified School District
as the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent. She was with the District for 35 years and
retired in 2000, and received a California Assembly Resolution recognizing her service.
Her old club is sad that she’s not rejoining them, but now that she is retired and is seeking new ways to
be involved in the community, she has opted for a club that meets near her home. Her husband
passed away after a long illness, during which she was a primary caregiver.
She is looking forward to once again being involved in Soroptimism. She is also a member of the Los
Ninos Service League for Casa de Los Ninos, and is a volunteer at Mercy Hospital.
SNR Selects “Our” Vicky Pathammavong for the Region Women’s
Opportunity Award
Clubs from all over the Sierra Nevada Region forward the information on
their honorees to be considered for the Regional Women’s Opportunity
Award. And this year, our honoree was selected to receive an award at the
Annual Conference in Reno.
Vicky and her son were our guests at the March 4 meeting, and received
our check and the certificate from us (pictured with Susan Gower). We
learned that she was born in Laos. She had a happy childhood learning
about nature from her grandmother until she went to a refugee camp in
Thailand, and then a few years later to the U. S. She has dealt with many
challenges and “bad decisions” as she said, and finally ended up in a
Women’s Empowerment course in 2011. She has been enrolled in
American River College since 2010 and plans to get her diploma this May
in environmental conservation. She is hoping to transfer to CSU, Humboldt to pursue a bachelor’s in hydrology. She stays busy as
a student and a single mom raising an 18 year old son, and she volunteers for Women’s Empowerment and Sacramento Weed
Warriors fighting invasive species around our rivers.
We wish her the very best, and are most pleased that she will receive the Regional Scholarship. She is very grateful for the
support as it enables her to achieve her goals with a lot less stress.
Filling Our Gift Bag for Melina
We will enjoy having Melina Rodezno at the Sierra Nevada Region Annual Conference on Friday, April 25,
when she and honorees from throughout the region will be recognized for their service. Each club is
sponsoring one woman veteran.
The Women Honoring Women Who Serve event promises to be very inspiring and special. The keynote
speaker at the dinner is Air Force Major General (Retired) Mary J. Kight.
Each veteran receives a gift bag (which our own seamstresses helped to create). Now Kathy Stassi really needs your help. Do you
have any gift cards or certificates you can contribute? Let’s show our support for our “adopted” woman veteran, a student and
soon-to be mom.
Happy Birthday to Faye Holliman on April 6, Mary Ellen Ferguson on April 19, Cherie Fields on April 22, and Yolanda
Cuesta on April 24.
Birthdays Are Nature’s Way of Telling Us to Eat More Cake..
SIGS New s
Page 6
SIGS on May 6: STOP Human Trafficking
11:30 – 1:30 at Piatti Restaurant, $22.00 includes program and lunch
You are invited to a special luncheon which will increase your understanding of the organizations, tools,
successes and needs related to the fight against the scourge of human trafficking. Soroptimist International
of the Americas is involved in this effort on a global scale through STOP Human Trafficking: this is a unique
opportunity to understand what is going on in our own backyard. Our speakers are:
 Mary Jennings, Director, Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking, Sacramento Employment and
Training Agency (SETA).
 Special Agent Rebekah L. Bills, Civil Rights Investigator, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sacramento Division
They will discuss the Anti-Trafficking Network from Yuba City to Stockton, law enforcement efforts, and other
local and state strategies involved in this fight. They’ll also share inspiring survivor stories to highlight the process
from investigation to identification to success. You’ll learn how you can help identify, report, and support victims
of this modern-day slavery.
Please invite friends and spouses (and we know many men are interested in this topic). Due to the numbers involved and the
invitations to other clubs, we are asking for reservations and payment prior to this meeting. Laura Laskowski is doing the
reservations for this lunch through [email protected]. Payment is required to our PO Box 601504,
Sacramento, CA95860 or directly to Stephanie.
Olive Oil is Sold Out, But Can Be Re-Ordered
At the last meeting in March, Kathy sold our last two bottles of olive oil. But, she reports, requests for our
wonderful product have come in. If she receives orders for 12 bottles, she’ll order another case, so let her know
if you want some.
It has been a successful and healthy fundraiser, and many many thanks to Kathy for coordinating it and moving
all those boxes of oil!
Welcome New Superstars
Three new Superstars joined at the March 25 meeting, Cynthia Hennesey, Kathleen Kelleher, and Penny
Brown. Kathleen is especially pleased because she has no one running against her in the next election for
Assessor. What a compliment to her performance!
They join Carolyn Walters, Susan Gower, Corrine Hood, Sally Johnson, Stephanie Paia, Kathy Stassi, Laurel BellCahill, Faye Holliman, Marilyn Goodfellow, Carole Little, Cindra Smith, and Millie Stone.
Leslie to Host Ravishing Readers at Corrine’s
What a fun time readers had at Corrine’s last night to discuss a book we all liked-- The Light Between
Oceans by M. L. Stedman. This coming month, we read Mudbound, by Hillary Jordan, which won the
Bellwether Prize for Fiction. When a book starts out "Henry and I dug the hole seven feet deep. Any more
shallower and the corpse was liable to come rising up during the next big flood: Howdy Boys! Remember
Me?,” you do have to keep reading. All are welcome to the gathering—it’s not even necessary to have read
the book to enjoy the discussion.
Future reads and hostesses are:
 May 14, Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter at Sharon Gilbert’s
 June 11, Standoff by Sandra Brown, at Faye Holliman’s. Our June meeting will also include choosing books for
the next year.
SIGS New s
Page 7
Winter District Meeting Fun, Informative
Five SIGS, Faye, Susan, Marilyn, Hilda, and Kathy attended the District 5 Winter
Meeting. Kathy organized yet another sales table for the last of our olive oil,
accompanied by our beautiful gift bags. The program focused on advocacy and
services that address trafficking and the needs of victims. Marilyn reports on
the following speakers:
Joanne Tremelling, a member of SI Folsom/El Dorado Hills, is the Sierra Nevada
Region Trafficking Czar, and has been collecting information about the work
clubs do within the topic of Trafficking. She shared some statistics, including
that it is a $9 billion criminal industry and growing. Social media is a huge
influence. Gangs train 13 year old boys to pick-up girls in food courts. 90-95% of
young people who are involved have been in the foster system at some point.
Sacramento is ranked 2nd or 3rd in the USA as a hub for trafficking on LA, Vegas, Reno routes.
She encouraged all of us to help find response strategies rather than victimizing or not helping the girls. Trucking, labor
companies, alcohol sales stores could participate. Education is the key. There is a graphic movie made in Sacramento called
'Splashed' and recently shown at the Crest.
Nilda Valmores, Director of My Sister's House Director and an SI Sacramento member reported that they have opened a second
transitional home. The nonprofit agency provides a safe haven and opportunities to Asian and Pacific Islander women and
children trying to escape homes ruled by domestic violence Their major fundraising Gala is May 19, with reservations at $35.
They recently opened My Sister’s Cafe at455 Capitol Ave. as a revenue source. It will be primarily staff by volunteers. They’ve
received grants and support from Blue Shield Foundation, the Teichert Foundation and Soroptimist of Sacramento.
Elisabet Medina, Lead Case Manager for Opening Doors talked about their program, which serves all ages, male and female.
They provide emergency response and provide longer-term case management. They also do outreach to and train law
enforcement and others involved in the fight against sex slavery.
April Conference Highlights
If you want to be inspired and awed by what Soroptimists accomplish in Northern California and Nevada,
attend the Annual Conference at the Atlantis Hotel in Reno, April 25 -27. Highlights include the Women
Honoring Women Who Serve dinner and program on Friday night, election and installation of the 20142016 Board of Directors, hearing from the Women’s Opportunity Awards recipients, a wide variety of
recognition and honors for club accomplishments, Celebration of Life, and the vote on the district
reorganization and other by-law changes. There are also many displays from clubs on their activities and
projects – a great place for new ideas for fundraising, service, and program.
Registration is on-line and can be accessed through links in the weekly E-Blasts. If you need help registering, contact Marilyn.
Soroptimist’s New Girl Program: Career Guidance
In just a few short months, SIA’s New Girl Program will launch, ensuring that girls will have the
resources and connections they need to pursue their career goals and live their dreams. Help build
this important program and make girls’ dreams come true! The program will be launched at the
Convention in Vancouver this summer.
Clubs will be asked to study how they might be involved and to plan to implement new activities in
Fall of 2015. The program will focus on career mentoring and support for girls. It replaces SIA’s
sponsorship of the Violet Richardson Award, which recognized girls involved in service.
SIGS will need to study if and how we might want to implement this, such as provide small group mentoring for girls, or use a
conference model to provide professional role models. Read more about the NEW Soroptimist Girl Program on the SIA website
and consider signing-up for our Study Group at our Annual Meeting to craft our response.
SIGS New s
Page 8
Lunch Reservations
ME E TING AGE NDA
11:30-12:00
Registration, Menu Selection & Visiting
Piatti Ristorante, The Pavilions, Fair Oaks Blvd.
Cost: $22
12:00 – 12:15
Announcements & Introductions
Judy Dean coordinates reservations for our lunch meetings at Piatti restaurant. Please
respond promptly to her reminders, and send your reservation to [email protected].
12:15 – 1:15
Lunch & Program
Please make your reservations by Friday before the meeting in order to assure an
accurate count to Piatti. We don’t want to discourage last minute attendance by you or
guests, but please have it be the exception and not the rule.
First Meeting of the Month
1:00 – 1:15 Business Meeting
PUBLISHED BY
S I OF GRE ATE R
S ACR AME NTO
www.sacramentosoroptimists.org
PO Box 601504
Sacramento, CA 95860
Marilyn Goodfellow, President
[email protected]
SIGS News Editor
Cindra Smith
[email protected]
The cost is $22 and will cover our own lunches as well as those of our speakers and
guests who are potential members. Thanks so much to everyone for checks and exact
change: it makes sign in so much easier.
Cancellations and No-Shows: notify Judy Dean as soon as possible and she will do what
she can to avoid the cost to the restaurant and to you. However, last minute
cancellations and no shows must pay for their lunch, as the restaurant will charge us for
those. Please send payments to Stephanie Paia.
Guests: Guests and potential members are always
welcome. Contact Lori Edwards, VP Membership, if
you would like her to send a letter inviting your
guest to membership.
Have Fun,
Get It Done
Name Badges & Pins: Please wear your name badge and
pins. Contact Lori Edwards if you need a new one.
2013-2014 Calendar & Links
May
6 Luncheon Meeting: Human Trafficking (bring friends to
hear this and a special invite will go out to other clubs)
20 Luncheon Meeting
June
3 Luncheon Meeting
10 Joint Board Meeting
17 Installation Dinner (Evening)
July 23-26 SI Biennial Convention, Vancouver, BC, Canada
July 26-27 SNR Development Retreat, Atlantis, Reno
Important Links
Sierra Nevada Region
www.soroptimistsnr.org,
ID = Soroptimist, Password = Synergy
Soroptimist International of the Americas
www.soroptimist.org, ID: your email address,
Password: your member number
Join us on Facebook
Reminder: Wear your badge and pin at
meetings, or be subject to a $3.00 fine.
(Superstars are fine free!
www.soroptimistinternational.org
ID = member Password = Cambridge