About Us
Who Are Soroptimists?
Soroptimist is an international volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.
The word “Soroptimist” is a coined term meaning “the best for women.” Soroptimist was founded in 1921 in Oakland, California, by a group of businesswomen who wanted to have a service club similar to those already in existence for men. It has grown from one club to 100,000 members in 120 countries throughout the world.
Soroptimist focuses on helping to improve the lives of women and girls, helps women achieve economic and political equality, serves as a global voice for women, provides leadership development opportunities for women, and works toward world peace and understanding.
This is accomplished through education, scholarships and involvement in community and international service projects.
Our Local Club
Soroptimist Capitola by the Sea has supported many local causes and provided seed money for community services and resources. Among the club’s service projects are Walnut Avenue Women’s Center, Jacob’s Heart, WomenCARE, Boys & Girls Club, Dientes, Capacitar, Santa Paws/Canine Companions for Independence, Doran Center for the Blind, Gemma, and support for area school libraries. Awards are given annually for students who are outstanding in their schools and in community service, to further our mission.
See our Service Projects page for detailed information about the projects we are currently involved in.
Soroptimist International & the four Federations
- Soroptimist International
- Soroptimist International of the Americas
- Soroptimist International of Europe
- Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland
- Soroptimist International of Southwest Pacific
Regions within Soroptimist International of the Americas
- America del Sur Region
- Brazil Region
- Camino Real Region
- Desert Coast Region
- Eastern Canada Region
- Founder Region
- Golden West Region
- Japan Chuo Region
- Japan Higashi Region
- Japan Kita Region
- Japan Minami Region
- Japan Nishi Region
- Korea Region
- Mexico Region
- Midwestern Region
- North Atlantic Region
- North Central Region
- Northeastern Region
- Northwestern Region
- Philippines Region
- Rocky Mountain Region
- Sierra Nevada Region
- Sierra Pacific Region
- South Atlantic Region
- South Central Region
- Southern Region
- Taiwan Region
- Western Canada Region
Clubs within the Sierra Pacific Region
District 1
- Capitola-By-The-Sea
- Carmel Bay
- Salinas
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Cruz
- Watsonville
District 2
- Burlingame-San Mateo/Mid-Peninsula
- Los Gatos-Saratoga
- Millbrae-San Bruno
- North San Mateo County
- San Francisco
- Santa Clara
- Silicon Valley
- South Peninsula
District 3
- Amador County
- Calaveras County
- Groveland
- Lodi
- Lodi Sunrise
- Manteca
- Oakdale
- Ripon
- Sonora
- Tracy-Daybreak
- Twain Harte
District 4
- Atwater
- Ceres
- Chowchilla
- Gustine-Newman
- Los Banos
- Madera
- Mariposa
- Merced
- Modesto
- Modesto-North
- Patterson
- The Sierras
District 5
- Clovis
- Delano
- Hanford
- Kerman
- Taft
- Tulare
- Visalia