Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc.

SIERRA PACIFIC REGION 41st Annual Region Conference

“The Soroptimist Story: What if….?”

June 2nd to 4th, 2017 Visalia Marriott

Convention Center Visalia, CA

Governor Tana Elizondo 2016-2018

Hosted by Soroptimist International of Hanford

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

Spring Conference of the Sierra Pacific Region

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Americas, Inc. is hereby called to meet in

Table of Contents

CONFERENCE INFORMATION PAGE

Invitation from Governor 3 Official Call and General Information including Hotel information 4 - 5 Tentative Conference/Leadership Agenda Friday 6 Saturday Business 7 Saturday Workshops 8 Saturday Evening/Dinner 9 Sunday 9 Checklist for Club Presidents 10 Responsibilities of Club Delegates 11 Nominating Committee Report Candidates for the 2017-2019 Nominating Committee 12 Proposed 2017-2018 SPR Operating Budget 13

Proposed 2017-2018 SPR Service Budget 14

ATTACHMENTS AND FORMS

Credentials Form 15 Registration & Meal Form 16 Conference Menu 17 Dietary Restriction Form 17 Club Sales Information 18 Club Sales Form 19 Celebration of Life Form 20 Lip Sync Battle Royal 21 Laurel Society Party 22 Amanda’s House 23 Speakers Flyer 24

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Dear Soroptimists and Guests,

Conference time is here, have you saved the date? The Sierra Pacific Region Board and

members of our host club, Soroptimist International of Hanford readily await your arrival on

June 2-4, 2017 at the Marriott located in Visalia.

Please be sure to review the call at your next club meeting, we have a few new things

planned. Starting with a volunteer donation request for Amanda’s house. It is a nonprofit

transitional housing program for women and their children that Soroptimist of Hanford, our

host club has been instrumental in providing services.

We are pleased to bring a keynote speaker during the Live Your Dreams Luncheon, Carissa

Phelps. She is an author, attorney, and advocate for sexually exploited runaway children and

homeless youth. She is known as the subject of the award-winning documentary, Carissa.

Many of you may have read her book, Runaway Girl. I expect she will be an inspiration to our

award recipients and their families. I have provided narratives on our guests and their

workshops. The full descriptions will be in the conference program.

Over the entire week end we will honor our Presidents and our clubs for all you achieve.

Your efforts, dedication, service and time do not go unrecognized and we cannot Thank YOU

enough. Without YOU we don’t exists.

Let’s gather, meet our old friends, make new ones, share ideas and have some fun while we

enjoy the spirit of Soroptimist together.

In Service,

Governor Tana

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs

leading to social and economic empowerment.

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OFFICIAL CALL TO SIERRA PACIFIC REGION CONFERENCE 2017

Where: Visalia Marriott Hotel and Convention Center

300 South Court Street Visalia, CA 93291 Telephone: 559-636-1111 or 1-800-798-6506

Host Club: Soroptimist International of Hanford Hotel Reservation: Deadline: May 9, 2017

Individual members are to call in reservations directly to the Marriott. Please state that you are reserving a room in connection with the Soroptimist conference. STATE: “Soroptimist International of the Americas Sierra Pacific Region.” PLEASE ONLY RESERVE ROOMS YOU ARE SURE YOU WILL ACTUALLY USE. Please use this link:

Book your group rate for Soroptimist International of the Americas (Click here)

Single and double occupancy $115.00 per night, plus tax. Hotel Parking: There is a self-parking lot. Conference Registration: List names of all conference delegates, members and/or guests on

the Club Registration Form. Meal Package: The total meal package is $172.00 (please see the meal reservation form.)

Soroptimists and guests are welcome to attend individual meal functions. The costs are:

Friday box lunch $22.00 Friday dinner $45.00 Saturday lunch $25.00 Saturday dinner $50.00 Sunday Brunch $30.00

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OFFICIAL CALL

Registration: Friday, June 2, 2017 11:00 a.m. to 11:45a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 3, 2017 8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. (Registration/Credentials will be closed during business session) Saturday, June 3, 2017 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 Final registration Delegates to Conference are: President and two elected delegates. If the club President is unable to attend, the President elect or Vice President shall

be her alternate. Any alternate elected by the club or appointed by the club Board of Directors to fill a vacancy in the club’s representation shall present a statement signed by the Club Secretary stating that this person was so selected.

Complete the enclosed Delegates CREDENTIALS form, Page 15 and mail to Treasurer Charlie before May 9, 2017

You will receive your credentials card at the credentials desk when you register

for conference. Your credentials card entitles you to vote.

Delegates must be seated in reserved section prior to the start of the business meeting.

Conference Packets containing the official program and other materials will be available at the Registration Desk located in the Marriott Ballroom Foyer or after Leadership in the Marriott Ballroom. Please print and bring a copy of this call with you as the information on the candidates and copy of the budgets are in this call only.

Club Sales: Please complete the Club Sales Form and return it to Conference Coordinator

Nancy before May 9, 2017. Spaces are available on a first reserved basis. Please observe the posted times for sales as follows:

Sales Hours: Friday – 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday – 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Saturday – 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Deceased Members: For members who have passed away since April 2016 or have not been previously

honored, please email form along with a picture before May 1st to the Region Secretary, Laura Cross.

Suggested Attire: Friday evening: Soroptimist Logo Attire Saturday day: Business Attire Saturday evening: Evening Attire Sunday morning: Business/Casual Attire

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LEADERSHIP DEvELoPmEnt FRIDAy, JunE 2, 2017

Conference will begin at noon on Friday with Leadership Development.

Registration and lunch 11:00-11:45 Ballroom Foyer

Pre-register using the Conference Registration form. There is no cost to attend, but a box lunch may be ordered for $22. (You must register and get your lunch ticket in order to pick up your box lunch, so plan to be there before 11:45)

12:15 Session One: Changing beliefs, behaviors & outcomes – For Soroptimist Advantage: Why support our organizational change of increasing collective impact by focusing on empowering more women and girls through access to education and much more….Presented by Executive Director and CEO, Elizabeth (Liz) Lucas. 1:15 Session Two: “Why didn't I say that!" Tips and techniques on how to say the right thing at the right time in difficult or not so difficult situations. Presented by Soroptimist International of the Americas Past President, Pat Donohue. 2:15 Session Three: Plenary Panel: This section allows you, the member, to ask questions about Soroptimist and our Global Organization. Our panelists will be Karen Cromer Johnson, Federation Director, Elizabeth Lucas, Soroptimist International of the Americas Executive Director and CEO, Sherry Pearson, Incoming Federation Director, Sierra Pacific Region Treasurer Charlie Rodgers and Sierra Pacific Region Parliamentarian Debbie Jensen.

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” -- Dolly Parton

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TENTATIVE CONFERENCE AGENDA Thursday, June 1, 2017 2:00 p.m. Board and guests arrive 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sierra Pacific Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner – TBD Friday, June 2, 2017 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sierra Pacific Region Board Meeting/working breakfast. Mountain View Room Soroptimist members are welcome as silent observers with prior notification to Governor. 11:00 to 11:45 p.m. Registration 12:00 to 3:15 p.m. Leadership Development Marriott Ballroom 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. Conference Registration/Credentials Desks Open in Marriott Ballroom Foyer 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Welcome Reception Marriott Ballroom 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. No Host Social Hour Charter Oak Ballroom Lobby 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Opening – Governor Tana Elizondo Charter Oak Ballroom ABE Host Club – Soroptimist International of Hanford Dinner and Program District Directors’ Report

Lip Sync Battle Royal Announcements Recess Saturday, June 3, 2017 6:30 to 7:00 Walk about with Governor Tana Breakfast: On your own 8:00 to 8:50 a.m. Registration in Marriott Ballroom 9:00 to11:00 a.m. Sierra Pacific Region Annual Business Session Charter Oak Ballroom ABE

Call to Order Presentation of Colors and Pledge of Allegiance Credentials Report Official Greetings Parliamentary Review Adoption of the 2017 Conference Program Adoption of Conference Standing Rules Conference Appointments Nominating Committee Report Nominations from the Floor Statements from Nominees Treasurer’s Report Finance Committee 2017-2018 Proposed Budget 2017-2018 Proposed Service Budget

Recognition of First Time Attendees What If? – Karen Cromer Johnson Official Visitors Report Federation Board Member Election, if necessary

Election Procedures

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TENTATIVE CONFERENCE AGENDA (cont’d) Saturday, June 3, 2017 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Polls Open / Polls Close 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Final Registration 11:45 to 2:00 p.m. “Live Your Dream” Luncheon Grand Ballroom Welcome Breaking Through Barriers Carissa Phelps, JD/MBA, Esq. Soroptimist International of the Americas “Live Your Dream” Award Recipients

Mary Ellen George Award Announcements Recess

2:15 to 4:00 p.m. Workshops 2:15 AND 3:15 p.m. Workshop #1 Membership – Thinking outside the box: Karen Cromer Johnson , Federation Board Member, and Amory Elizondo SPR Membership Pillar.

Discuss new and different ways of recruiting new members from student memberships, pathways to membership, online members, non-member/guest databases, and more. 2:15 AND 3:15 p.m. Workshop #2 All Things Status Quo: Michelle Donohue, EdD "Status quo" is a Latin phrase meaning the existing state of affairs and in the case of Soroptimist, it refers to the state of the climate in our region's clubs. How do we keep our clubs moving forward and regenerating energy and enthusiasm for our mission with our multi-generational membership? 2:15 TO 3:00 p.m. Workshop #3 Funding the Dream: Barbara Giambastini, Fundraising Pillar Chair Join with fellow Soroptimists to learn more about successful fundraisers to help you support your club projects along with our mission of helping women and girls. 2:15 TO 3:00 p.m. Workshop #4 Presidents and Treasurers “Meet Up”: District Directors & Treasurer Incoming Club Presidents and Treasures are cordially invited to a private session with their District Director’s and Region Treasurer. You will be given updates on the calendar, deadlines and much more. 3:15 TO 4:00 p.m. Workshop #5 “Funding ideas into Reality”: Crystal Hernandez Psy.D., MBA Executive Director of Champions Understanding the basics of grant research, grant formulation, writing and grant management. 3:15 to 4:00 p.m. Workshop #6 “Human Trafficking: Survivor Dynamics and Needs”: Jennifer Noelani Boteilho Program Manager Family Services of Tulare County

This interactive workshop is designed for those who already have a basic understanding of human trafficking terms and definitions. We will examine victim/survivor characteristics, risk factors, tactics traffickers use to recruit and enslave victims, and the unique/extensive needs of survivors.

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TENTATIVE CONFERENCE AGENDA (cont’d) Saturday, June 3, 2017 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Free time 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Laurel Society Member Mixer 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. No Host Social - Charter Oak ABE Lobby 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Charter Oak Ballroom ABE Welcome Dinner and Program Working as One - Elizabeth Lucas, SIA CEO and Executive Director Announcements Recess Sunday, June 4, 2017 6:30 to 7:00 Walk about with Governor Tana 8:30 a.m. Buffet Breakfast - Charter Oak Ballroom ABE Celebration of Life 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Region Awards Brunch Welcome and Inspiration Sierra Pacific Region Awards, Recognition and Reports

Soroptimists Celebrating Success Award Shaping the Future Region Contest

Fundraising Membership Program Public Awareness

Attendance Report Invitation to the 2018 Conference in Paso Robles hosted by SI San Francisco Club Drawings

Soroptimist Pledge Adjournment

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CHECKLIST FOR CLUB PRESIDENTS

THIS PACKET CONTAINS FORMS THAT MUST BE REVIEWED AND SUBMITTED BY YOUR CLUB.

CHECK ALL FORMS FOR DETAILS, DEADLINES AND MAILING ADDRESS

Remind club members to make hotel reservations. Complete and mail Conference Registration and Meal form along with one club check. Complete and return Club Sales form. Submit official form for Celebration of Life. Encourage members to attend. Bring your club’s “new” retractable banners (if your club has one). We will have a

place for them to be displayed, but each club will be responsible for setting up its banner and taking it down at the end of conference.

DEADLINE FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS May 9, 2017 DEADLINE FOR MEAL RESERVATIONS & FORMS May 9, 2017

~ No Penalty for early registration ~ REMINDER: ALL forms are due on or BEFORE May 9, 2017 NO REFUNDS AFTER: May 9, 2017 MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Sierra Pacific Region All forms and checks are mailed to: Treasurer Charlie Rodgers

1918 Berkeley Ave Hughson, CA 95326

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RESPONSIBILITIES OF CLUB DELEGATES

Designated club delegates should have a working knowledge of Soroptimist laws, Region Bylaws, the objectives and ideals of the organization, and experience as a member of a club board or committee. An understanding of parliamentary procedure and a spirit of goodwill and understanding will help the delegate, the club, and the conference body. The Club President, who serves as a delegate and the leader of the club delegation, should:

• Allocate time at a business meeting to discuss proposed indices/resolutions and solicit club opinion or direction.

• Arrange with the other delegates for assigning sections of the report on Conference to be given to non-attending club members.

• As soon as possible after Conference, schedule time at a club meeting for delegates to present their reports.

Prior to Conference Delegates should:

• Study the Invitation (Call) that indicates the tentative agenda listing business to be transacted, forms, workshops, and social events.

• Verify with Club President or Treasurer that Registration Forms and payment have been submitted for all attending members in a timely manner.

• Check in at the Delegates Registration to receive conference materials and delegate credentials.

• Determine which delegate will attend which workshop, etc. • Bring Invitation (Call) to Conference, Region Bylaws & Soroptimist pin.

During Conference Delegates should:

• Register promptly. Wear your name badge so others can identify you and your club. • Be on time. Time schedules at Conference are important. Don’t leave early. Guests

invited to address the Conference body deserve consideration. • Attend all sessions and take notes for precise reporting back to club. • Vote with the club viewpoint in mind.

After Conference Delegates should:

• Prepare a report to their club that may include action taken during the business meeting and the reason for each action.

• Discussion of awards - who won them and why? • How can your club participate next year? • Present their personal evaluation of the Conference and encourage increased club

attendance at future meetings and conferences.

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REPORT OF THE SIERRA PACIFIC NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The nominations for the 2017-2019 Nomination Committee for Sierra Pacific Region

District I: Loretta Fornaciari, SI North San Mateo County District II: Ecco Stotts, SI Modesto North District III: Sue Harris, SI Madera The report of the nominating committee will be read during the Saturday morning business session. After the report is read, nominations will then be open and nominations may be made from the floor. Candidates nominated from the floor must have given their consent to serve, if elected, and the nominator (a delegate) must have on hand the candidate’s resume using the same format as those in the Call to Conference for distribution to the voting delegates. Nominee for Office of Nominating Committee for District I Name: Loretta Fornaciari Member in Good Standing of SI North San Mateo County Qualifications: Served two terms as Club President and Club Secretary Served two terms SPR District Director Sierra Pacific Region Secretary 2008-2010 MEG Award Chair Nominee for Office of Nominating Committee for District II Name: Ecco Stotts Member in Good Standing of SI Modesto North Qualifications: Ecco has served in every Club Board Position Chair of Major Fund Raiser and Live Your Dream Conference Women’s Opportunity Award Committee at Region Level Nominee for Office of Nominating Committee for District III Name: Sue Harris Member in Good Standing of SI of Madera Qualifications: Sue has held many leadership positions in her club and has been a loyal attendee of district meetings and SPR Conferences. She understands our Soroptimist Mission and is a loyal member.

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Sierra Pacific Region

Proposed Sierra Pacific Region Budget 2017-2018 Membership $11 each 966 $10,626 Interest Income $50 Total Income 2017-2018 $10,676 Balance Forward $17,729 Total Income Needed to Balance Budget $28,405 General Fund Expenses Officers & District Directors Governor $2,125 Governor-Elect $1,625 Secretary $500 Treasurer $500 District I Director $950 District II Director $750 District III Director $1,200 Parliamentarian $350 Subtotal $8000 Region Expenses Tax Return $4,500 Bond/Insurance $905 International Convention Delegate (1/4 - every 4 years) $1,500 Federation Biennial Convention $3,000 Federation Governors Roundtable $2,900 Past Governors Pin $300 Region Board Meetings $1,500 Region Operating $3000 Subtotal $17,605 Committee Expenses SIA Committees (Program, Public Awareness, Fundraising, Membership) $2,000 Region Program Committees (Meg/S Clubs, Fellowship) $500 Subtotal $2,500 Technical Committees Web Site $250 Region Tech Committees (Laws & Resolutions, Nominating & Finance) $50 Subtotal $300 Total Expenses $28,405

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Proposed Sierra Pacific Region Service Budget 2017-2018 Income 2017-2018 Members 966 @ $5 $4,830 Region Service Fund $3,500 Total Income $8,330 Expenses Estimate Fellowship from Income $4,830 $2,000 from Service Fund for Fellowship $2,000 "New Girls Program" 1,500 Total Expense $8,330

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DELEGATES’ CREDENTIALS FORM Each club in good standing is entitled to three (3) votes. Delegates MUST register with the Credentials Committee upon arrival at Conference. Their credentials card will be issued at that time. Please print or type the information. List the three delegates who will be representing your club at the 2017 Conference. Club: _____________________________________________ District: ____________ President: _____________________________________________ (If this is not the President, but a 3rd delegate, then please indicate by checking here

Delegate: _____________________________________________ Delegate: _____________________________________________ I hereby certify that the above named delegates are members in good standing of this club. _____________________________________________ Signature of President or Secretary ________________________ Date One copy to be mailed no later than May 9, 2017 to:

Treasurer Charlie Rodgers 1918 Berkeley Ave Hughson, CA 95326

Retain one copy for club files. Proper completion of this form will simplify and facilitate the credentials verification process at conference.

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REGISTRATION AND MEAL FORM

SIERRA PACIFIC REGION CONFERENCE JUNE 2 - 4, 2017

Soroptimist International of

District:

Club Email address:

Contact Person: Phone:

In meal boxes mark "R" for Regular or "V" Vegetarian NAME

Pres

iden

t

Dele

gate

Mem

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Gues

t

Frid

ay B

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unch

$22

Frid

ay d

inne

r $45

Satu

rday

Lun

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25

Satu

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Din

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50

Sund

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Tota

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Type or Print Clearly name as it is to appear on

name badge

Check all boxes that apply to member.

(if postmarked after May 9th deadline) + $25 LATE FEE

$

TOTAL $

Treasurer Charlie Rodgers 1918 Berkeley Ave

Hughson, CA 95326

By May 9, 2017 or BEFORE NO REFUNDS AFTER May 9, 2017

Conference Menu on next page

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CONFERENCE MENU

Friday June 2, 2017

Box Lunch Turkey Croissant Vegetarian Option Vegetarian Sandwich

Dinner Grilled Chicken with Asiago Sauce Vegetarian Option Vegetarian Pasta Alfresco

Saturday June 3, 2017

Lunch Flatbread Club Vegetarian Option Grilled vegetarian wrap Dinner New York Strip Vegetarian Option Portabella Mushroom

Sunday June 4, 2017

Brunch All American Buffet

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS FORM

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies that cannot be met by the Vegetarian choices at each meal, please complete this form and submit with your REGISTRATION AND MEAL FORM by May 9, 2017 Name: ________________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________________________ Club: _________________________________________________________________________ Dietary Restrictions: _____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________

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CLUB SALES INFORMATION Clubs are permitted to have promotional items and sales benefiting Club fundraising efforts at the 2017 Region Conference. All spaces are on a first reserved basis. Must have raffle permit for raffle ticket sales.* All ticket sales must be completed by Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Tickets for drawings are considered sales and must be sold only in the sales area. NO selling by going table to table during business meetings and meal functions. To expedite the various drawings at the conclusion of Sunday’s Brunch, please have tickets and items easily accessible for distribution. It is recommended that ticket purchasers write their names on the back of the tickets due to time constraints, or bring a supply of small preprinted labels. Permission to participate will be granted ONLY to those clubs who return form to Conference Coordinator Nancy Prather Cardwell by the deadline of May 9, 2017. Sales will be permitted only during the following times: Friday, June 2nd 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 3rd 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Saturday, June 3rd 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. NO sales on Sunday. Each club is entitled to one table for club sales items at no charge on a first reserved basis. Commercial sales booths are available on a first reserved basis for $50.00 per space. Commercial sales booths shall not occupy more than 30% of the total booth space area. Return CLUB SALES TABLE REQUEST FORM by May 9, 2017 to: Conference Coordinator Nancy Prather Cardwell P O Box 323 Oakdale, CA 95361 *For more information about Raffle Permits for Non Profits visit the Attorney General of California website: http://ag.ca.gov/charities/raffles.htm For forms and reports: http://ag.ca.gov/charities/forms.php#raffles

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CLUB SALES TABLE REQUEST FORM FROM: Soroptimist International of ______________________________________________ Our Club/Individual/Commercial Vendor would like to reserve a table in the Sales Room and sell the following items: ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Club Representative: _______________________________________________________ or Name of Individual Representative: ____________________________________________________ Address of Representative: _________________________________________________________________________________ Daytime phone: _______________________________________________________________ Daytime fax: ________________________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________________________ State Raffle Permit #: ________________________________________________________________ (Required if you are selling raffle tickets) Items sold with Soroptimist Trademark have been approved by Soroptimist International of the Americas $50.00 Commercial Vendor Fee enclosed. $50.00 Fee enclosed for Soroptimist Member selling item for non-club benefit. -$0- fee for Soroptimist Club Fundraising Return by May 9, 2017 to: Conference Coordinator Nancy Prather Cardwell P O Box 323 Oakdale, CA 95361

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Celebration of Soroptimist Service Form

Each year the “Celebration of Life” honors the lives of Soroptimists in the Sierra Pacific Region who have passed away between April 2016 and May 1, 2017.

The name and date of death of each deceased member with their picture will be announced and printed in a program. A picture of each member along with a brief description of how the member contributed to your club or region should be sent to Secretary Laura Cross @ spsecretary@soroptimist.net

PLEASE USE A SEPARATE FORM FOR EACH DECEASED MEMBER

Please type or print the name and information clearly. If you have a copy of the obituary please submit it.

Name: ____________________________________Date of Death: __________________

Member of S.I._____________________________ Joined: ________________________

Brief description of how this member contributed to your club/region (please limit to 100 words).

Submitted by Soroptimist International of _______________________________

By___________________________________

Please email this form and a “jpeg” picture of each deceased member to Laura Cross before May 1, 2017 for inclusion in this year’s presentation.

Laura Cross Sierra Pacific Region Secretary spsecretary@soroptimist.net

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Lip Sync Battle Entry Form

Sierra Pacific Region will be hosting a Lip Sync Battle Royal during Friday evening’s entertainment. We encourage you to choose a song with a strong female theme. All members of your club attending conference may participate. Submit the following form by May 9th to Nancy Cardwell at nancyscardwell@gmail.com

Club Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Club Contact Info

Name: ________________________________ Number: ______________________________

Email: ________________________________________________________________________

Song Selection Info

Song Artist ____________________________________________________________________

Song Title: ____________________________________________________________________

Song/Performance Length: _________________

All song MP3s must be emailed or given to Nancy on a CD by no later than June 2nd before 5:00 pm. Please feel free to contact her for any other questions pertaining the Lip Sync Battle or Song Selection. *Song selection is first come first served so please submit your entry as soon as possible. This form may be submitted to Nancy prior to your conference registration.

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LAUREL SOCIETY PARTY JUNE 3, 2017

Calling all Laurel Society Members to join us at Conference to celebrate your continued support of women and girls and for making Soroptimist your charity

of choice. By supporting our Soroptimist Dream Programs you are sharing Kimberly’s dream. Look for more details in your Conference program.

*

Amanda’s Home

Soroptimist International of Hanford request your donations to help support a new transitional home for women and their children located in Hanford.

The women entering Amanda’s Home may be transitioning from a variety of struggles including homelessness, abuse, drug or alcohol treatment. Together with your help it is hoped that these women will secure permanent housing and employment while engaging in counseling, life skills and parenting classes. It is estimated that the program will benefit 70 families annually.

The following is a wish list of items requested. It will assist in maintaining the daily living needs of the residents.

Children’s books

Toiletries

Inspirational books

Stationary

Feminine Hygiene products

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization improving the lives of women and girls through

programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

As Board member Karen Johnson participates in the strategic planning

and program development to increase the organization’s collective im-

pact on women and girls around the world.

Karen is a member of Soroptimist International of Twin Cities where she

has been a member since 1987. She has held several leadership positions

including region governor; district director; and club president and treas-

urer.

She is a substitute teacher and Mary Kay beauty consultant. She holds a

master of business administration degree from the University of St.

Thomas, a master of science degree from North Carolina State University,

and a bachelor’s degree in food science from the University of Nebraska.

In addition to her Soroptimist activities, Karen also serves as board mem-

ber of the Global Women’s Network and also volunteers with the Spirit of

Life Presbyterian Church.

Elizabeth (Liz) Lucas is a Certified

Association Executive with 20+

years of senior level association management experience. She joined So-

roptimist International of the Americas as the Executive Director and CEO,

bringing a broad scope of strategic leadership experience and acumen.

At SIA, Liz oversees the direction setting and implementation of the organi-

zation. She champions efforts to expand support for the mission, identify

new programs, develop new resources, and expand recognition. Currently

she is guiding the organization's shift to reflect increased collective impact.

Earlier, as a small business owner, she assisted Fortune 500 companies

from consumer package goods, financial services, pharmaceuticals and

heavy equipment in their new product introduction and sales training.

Lucas holds an MBA in global business and organizational behavior from

Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in

business from Drake University.

Lucas is an active member of the America Society of Association Executives

(ASAE). In 2014 she successfully led her organization to receive an innova-

tion grant from ASAE. Currently she is Chair of ASAE’s Key Professional As-

sociation Committee.

KAREN JOHNSON

SIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ELIZABETH LUCAS

SIA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

LEADERSHIP O

FFIC

IAL

VISI

TOR

OFFICIAL GUEST

DEVELOPMENT

Spring Conference June 2—4, 2017

Friday June 2, 2017 (11:30—4:00)

Marriott Visalia California

SIA Past President Patricia (Pat) Donohue is a member of SI Watsonville, Califor-

nia. Pat served as SIA President from 2011-2012, and as Sierra Pacific Region

Governor from 1996-1998. She served as a voting

delegate at Soroptimist International Board Meetings

and currently serves as SI’s Governance Chair.

At home in Salinas, Pat is a member of the Board of

Trustees of the Hartnell Community College District.

Originally elected in 2007, Pat served as Board Presi-

dent from 2008 through 2010, is currently Vice Presi-

dent and was re-elected to her third four-year term.

A member of the Hartnell College Arts Council, Pat

advocates for the immersion of the arts with science;

and as a member of the Hartnell College’s Women’s

Education and Leadership Initiative, a college readiness program for both new

and re-entry women, supports Live Your Dream and other students as they pre-

pare for rewarding careers.

Pat’s professional background includes 34 years as the Director of Parks and

Community Services for the City of Watsonville.

Pat says, “Serving as SIA’s President was one of the most rewarding, gut-

wrenching, inspiring and just plain awesome year of my life. And, I am honored

to continue to be of service to this great organization that enables women and

girls to live their dreams”.

PAT DONOHUE

SI GOVERNANCE CHAIR

LEADERSHIP SPEAKER

Carissa is passionate about inspiring others to realize they are in charge of their

own narrative. In her first memoir, Runaway Girl: Escaping Life on the Streets,

One Helping Hand at a Time, she illustrates how negative labels and traumatic

experiences would not define how far she would go. Today Carissa holds a BA in

mathematics summa cum laude from Fresno State, a Juris Doctorate from UCLA

School of Law, and an MBA from UCLA Anderson. She is a li-

censed attorney, and lives on the Central Coast of California,

where she creates and contributes to positive impact socially

driven companies. Carissa continues to encourage women and

girls to, “write tomorrow like it is a story untold.”

Founder and CEO of Runaway Girl, Inc. a social purpose corpo-

ration that believes in freedom and self determination for all.

The socially driven company offers an empowering platform to

those who are working toward ending violence and oppression

in their own communities. Revenues from the company have

provided seed funding for innovative solutions, such as Ending

The Game ™, a psycho-educational intervention curriculum

developed for survivors of sex trafficking who are looking for new ways to under-

stand and define their experiences.

For more information visit: runawaygirl.org and carissaphelps.com.

CARISSA PHELPS

JD/MBA, ESQ.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER