Soroptimist is a term meaning "best for women." We are part of a global organization, focusing on helping women achieve their education and training goals, and working to alleviate barriers to achieving those goals.
The Albany club was formed in 1987. Soroptimist International of Albany has more than 30 members, two of whom are founding members. We are dedicated to improving the lives of women and children here in our local area.
In the early years our club sent funds to help women in Central and South America bring clean water to their villages and build ovens to bake bread to feed their families as well as earn a small income. By the late 90’s we helped women in Uganda build blocks for housing. With the income from the sale of these blocks and further financial support from our club, the girls from the village were able to attend school and receive the same education the boys were receiving. Today, we fund women’s projects through Kiva, an international loan program for small entrepreneurs in developing countries.
Live Your Dream Award
The Live Your Dream Award assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. It’s meant to remove barriers to achieving those goals.
Congratulations to Kassy, from Jefferson, and Bree, from Albany, our 2019 Live Your Dream Award Winners!
Student of the Year
The Student of the Year Community Service Scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior from Albany Options School, South Albany High School or West Albany High School each Spring. The recipient receives a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to a post secondary institution: four year college or university, community college, junior college, or business or trade school, paid directly to the institution.
Every year we hold an event called "Walk for the Cause" that benefits women. The mission of the Walk began as a focus on breast cancer, but our mission has also expanded to: benefit the detection and treatment of breast cancer and provide support services for other diseases affecting women. Over the past 26 years, we have raised over $900,000 that goes to benefit the detection and treatment of breast cancer and provide support services for other diseases affecting women in the local Albany area.
Our most recent walk beneficiaries include:
- Albany General Hospital Foundation
- Samaritan Albany InReach Services
- Samaritan Evergreen Hospice
- Volunteer Caregivers
- 10 Walk scholarships
See's Candy Yumraiser
Our newest Holiday Fundraising Sale benefits:
- Student Assistance
- Live Your Dream Award, and
- High School Student/Volunteer of the Year
Spring Flower Sale
Our annual Spring Flower Sale raises funds that benefit:
- Club Operations
- Student Assistance, and
- Live Your Dream Award, and
- High School Student/Volunteer of the Year
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a part of an organization of professional women who are working together, helping other women, and children, in our community?
Now is your chance
Soroptimist International of Albany is accepting prospective members now. If you would like an invitation, please use the link below to send us an email with your contact information, and tell us why you would like to join Soroptimist International of Albany.