NEWS...

Catch all the latest Soroptimist International of Elko news!

 

Girls and Gaming Program Conducted!

In September 2009 The Elko Lander Eureka County Library System provided a program showing the benefits of girls and gaming - As in game systems such as Wii and X-box etc....Speaker Jeanette Hammonds provided information that proved that the educational benefits can aide in the success of college level computer science classes - as well as increased computer proficiency, interest in technical careers and an expansion of the role of digital media in women's lives.

Social benefits include: collaboration, self esteem and incrase in civic engagement. Soroptimist Intl of Elko voted to donate $400 to the Library to purchase a Wii game system and games. Pictured is SIE President Stacey Sawyer and Elko County Library Director Jeanette Hammonds. They system will feature a name plate featuring the SIE name. Hammonds also invited SIE members to join them for a girls game night and mentor program at the Elko Co Library.

Meeting Place Changes for Spring 2010!

Soroptimist International of Elko wants everyone to know that Soroptimist International of Elko has officially moved their weekly meetings to a new location. Starting April 1st, 2010 Soroptimist International of Elko will meet the first three Wednesdays of each month at 12 noon at the Commercial Hotel and Casino in downtown Elko. If you would like more information about Soroptimist International of Elko and upcoming projects please contact President Stacey or check our web site at www.sielko.org. We are currently working to update all media and web sites to reflect this change.

Soroptimist International of Elko Celebrates 60th Anniversary!

Soroptimist International of Elko is celebrating its 60th anniversary and we want you to join us in the festivities. It's six decades of service in Elko and we want you to be a part of it! For more information about becoming a member e-mail President Stacey at Elko
sskrjc66@gmail.com, contact her by phone at her office 775-738-9895 or on her cell at 775-340-3514!

Soroptimist International of Elko Presents the 35th Food, Wine & Spirits 2010 Extravaganza!

Join us for a Blue Carpet Affair! It's wine tasting, Soroptimist style! Friday April 16, 2010 at the Hilton Garden from 6 to 9 PM. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple. Featuring wines from Southern Wine and Spirits, and Khoury’s Marketplace, the wine tasting includes a raffle and entertainment provided by Northern Reins. Tickets are available from the Elko Chamber of Commerce, Actax, J.M. Capriola, Good Morning Furniture, any Soroptimist member, and at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Magic School Supply Bus Program and Communities in Schools.

By bringing caring adults and community resources into the schools to address children's unmet needs, Communities In Schools provides the link between educators and the community. The result: teachers are free to teach, and students—many in jeopardy of dropping out—have the opportunity to focus on learning.

The Magic School Supply Bus supplies basic items such as: pencil, paper, rulers, ink pens etc. along with a back pack at the beginning of the school year to children who request it.For more information please contact Denise Callaway at (775) 397-3814 or Stacey Sawyer at (775) 340-3514. We hope to see you there!

President's Retreat held at the Red Lion Hotel and Casino!

The President's Retreat was held at the Red Lion Hotel and Casino. A great time was had by all. Items covered at the retreat included Treasurer's report and audit,Strategic planning, S.O.L.T. - Soroptimist Orientation Leadership Training, Protocol, Federation Board Focus: water, climate change, war, Six areas of Service, Review Calendar for 2009-2010, Policy and Procedure - proposed changes, By-laws - proposed changes, and the Host Fall District III meeting Oct 2009.

Revitalizing Your Club!

Each year we want to build a team of people who will help launch our club revitalizing efforts. In the old days, these folks were your "worker bees" -- you know, the people to whom to you as queen of the club gave the vision to and had them work your dream. Now days, today's volunteers want to have more say in the matters at hand. They don't want to be just worker bees - they want to be thinking bees! So how do you bring a group of people to start to build the momentum for a revitalized club?

1. Focus on your mission.
What is your reason for existing? Weave the passion of the mission into your plans to move forward. People want to do meaningful work these days -- your mission can help guide you to success.

2. Create meaningful connections for members.
Find ways to help members build relationships with each other. People need to know each other so they can trust each other. Also, finding common interests, backgrounds and passion fuels the relationships that are at the heart of your club.An easy way to help folks bond is to have a kick-off planning meeting where you have attendees answer a question or two that gives insight into who they are as an icebreaker. One of my favorite questions to ask is "What was your first job?" The answers are a lot of fun - and create a sense of sharing.

3. Do enough meaningful work.
When you are planning your calendar together, identify a project that gets people excited. What can you achieve together that moves your mission forward? There are many ways to express most missions - what manifestation speaks to those who have shown up for the party?

4. Don't try to do too much.
It may be tempting to try and plan for your fledgling revitalized club to go full steam ahead all at once. If it means stretching members extremely thin - all for the good of the club - you are hurting your club more than helping it.

5. Have fun in the process.
Sure, revitalizing a club takes some energy to build the momentum and enthusiasm of new and recommitted members.Find ways to enjoy the process and to turn your work into parties, adventures and eating fests. Everyone has too much work to do. When you can make revitalizing your club a lot of fun combined with meaningful work, people will flock to your opportunities. We now have the right people attracted and have you on the path leading a team in joyful and meaningful work.

© 2006 Cynthia D'Amour

President's Message!

“Education & Service- A Class Act!”

My year as president took off with style and flair with Installation on June 17, 2009. Outgoing SIE President Barbara Maple put together a fabulous program with a gardening theme. Barbara played the role of Master of Ceremonies and kept us all laughing while still managing to get through the business of the meeting. As I start my year, I can’t help but look back with admiration and awe at President Barbara’s year. Talk about a class act, and what an act to follow. She not only kept us on track with all of our deadlines and projects. She did it all with your help, and always with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. Thanks, Barb! The year ahead promises to be just as amazing. I believe Sorptimists of Elko already do an incredible job at everything we are involved. I only hope to add to our amazing resume of accomplishments and continue with the successes for which we are well known throughout the region. On the next page I have expressed my goals for the year. I look forward to the year ahead and thank you all in advance for helping me through this journey. I know that by working together with our common Soroptimist goals in mind we will have a successful, interesting, educational year filled with opportunities for growth- and of course, fun!
President Stacey Sawyer