WAVE OF CHANGE

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Soroptimist International of the Americas:Membership

WAVE OF CHANGE

Governors Round TableJune 23-241How Collective Impact Adds Value to MembersSoroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipHow does collective impact add value to members? How does the collective work of Members, Clubs, Regions, Board, and Staff in program, fundraising, public awareness, and membership add value?

22012 GRT Key Points Leadership Hospitality Prospects Welcoming Atmosphere Moving us forward Healthy Club Atmosphere

How Collective Impact Adds Value to MembersSoroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipDuring the 2012 Governors Round Table, we talked about the importance of members. Because they execute our mission, its essential that we recruit and retain them in order to keep Soroptimist alive and to increase our collective impact. We talked about:LeadershipHospitalityProspectsWelcoming AtmosphereMoving us forwardHealthy Club AtmosphereThese are still key points in increasing our collective impact and adding value so I am going to reiterate them today and expand on them. Also, I want to introduce them to our Governor Elects.3Our collective impact adds value by Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipBuilding stronger and better leaders

Our collective impact adds value byBuilding stronger and better leadersSoroptimist needs leaders to chart the course among the waves! Leaders talk about what is important, where we are headed and what we stand for. Our collective impact creates leaders who can be positive, inspiring, and who can empower other members. Good leaders will help run the business of Soroptimist much more smoothly and result in higher member satisfaction so we can focus on the mission.

4Our collective impact adds value by Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipBuilding stronger and better leadersCreating civility among members

Our collective impact adds value byCreating civility among membersSociety has changed a lot in the past 20-30 years. Less personalized communication, escalating vulgarity, and sensationalized media are just some of the changes that have crept into our daily lives and have had some negative effects on our clubs. But we need to remember that our collective impact demonstrates the positive change we are making together in the lives of women and girls. Our efforts should be respectful, thoughtful, kind, and inclusive so the membership experience is more meaningful and enjoyable.

5Our collective impact adds value by Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipBuilding stronger and better leadersCreating civility among membersHelping to attract prospects

Our collective impact adds value byHelping to attract prospectsOur collective impact will hit on those 3 hot buttons about why people join. Ive talked about these before they are from our friend the leadership strategist Cynthia DAmour: Personal and professional development: They are looking for a place to learn some new skills.Contribution to a greater good: They want to make a difference. Involvement in the community: They want to meet new people, be part of the party and network.

6Our collective impact adds value by Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipBuilding stronger and better leadersCreating civility among membersHelping to attract prospectsCreating a welcoming atmospherefor members

Our collective impact adds value byCreating a welcoming atmosphere for membersWelcoming and orientating members inspires new members to become active, long-term members. They provide the opportunity for members to become acclimated and they ensure a smooth transition into clubs and all things Soroptimist. This is also an opportunity for current members, for seasoned members to shine and be the experts as they pass along their wisdom. Everyone benefits by seeing how they fit in and find value in their membership.

7Our collective impact adds value by Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipBuilding stronger and better leadersCreating civility among membersHelping to attract prospectsCreating a welcoming atmospherefor membersMoving us forward

Our collective impact adds value byMoving us forwardOur collective impact can help us break with outdated traditions and routines. It can also help us accept new ideas and changes. For example, you see how we are moving forward with restructuring our membership criteria that will help us with our recruitment and retention efforts and how weve successfully revamped and launched Live Your Dream to reach a broader audience.8Our collective impact adds value by Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipBuilding stronger and better leadersCreating civility among membersHelping to attract prospectsCreating a welcoming atmospherefor membersMoving us forwardEstablishing a healthy club atmosphere

Our collective impact adds value byEstablishing a healthy club atmosphereWhen you combine all of the above, it helps us develop and foster a healthy club atmosphere. When members are engaged in this way, their Soroptimist experience becomes fun, rewarding, and productive. They are empowered to be actively involved in their club. They feel a strong connection with Soroptimist, and they want to make a difference in its success.

9Strategic PlanningDecrease barriersDecrease disbanding clubs / increase membershipIncrease support of Live Your DreamEnhance value to members Collective Impact, Value, Governors, and Governor ElectsSoroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipHow do Governors and Governor Elects fit in? The ratio of collective impact and value to members in your regions can be increased by modeling the Engagement goal in our Strategic Plan. The Engagement goal states: Members and supporters will find value through engagement with the SIA mission.Some of the objectives under that goal tie into what weve been talking about today. For example:Decrease barriersDecrease disbanding clubs / increase membershipIncrease support of Live Your DreamEnhance value to members Think about these when you determine the focus of your regions objectives and strategies so they are in alignment with the key points weve discussed here today.

10Governors and Governor Elects can help bySoroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership Building stronger and better leadersBuilding stronger and better leadersLeaders are rarely born. People may have leadership traits but the right encouragement is a must for developing leadership skills. Developing leaders in your region will help run the business of Soroptimist much more smoothly and result in higher member satisfaction so we can focus on the mission. 11Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership Building stronger and better leaders Creating civility among membersGovernors and Governor Elects can help byCreating civility among membersOne of the top reasons members are unhappy or why they dont renew their membership is because of a lack of respect and the conflicts that arise because of that. Civility matters because treating one another with respect is necessary to communicating effectively, building community, and creating high-functioning teams.

12Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership Building stronger and better leaders Creating civility among members Helping to attract prospectsGovernors and Governor Elects can help byHelping to attract prospectsThere are a lot of choices for how women will spend their volunteer time and their extra dollars. Women are interested in Soroptimist. They like and identify with our mission. We need to make sure we are putting our best foot forward, follow-up with them and following through with them.13Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership Building stronger and better leaders Creating civility among members Helping to attract prospects Creating a welcoming atmosphere for membersGovernors and Governor Elects can help byCreating a welcoming atmosphere for membersWelcoming and orientating members inspires new members to become active, long-term members. They provide the opportunity for members to become acclimated and they ensure a smooth transition into clubs and all things Soroptimist. This is also an opportunity for current members, for seasoned members to shine and be the experts as they pass along their wisdom. Everyone benefits by seeing how they fit in and find value in their membership.14Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership Building stronger and better leaders Creating civility among members Helping to attract prospects Creating a welcoming atmosphere for members Moving us forwardGovernors and Governor Elects can help byMoving us forwardMany of our members have a tough time when it comes to breaking with outdated traditions, routines, and accepting new ideas. Unfortunately, change has a bad reputation it can break up old habits and let us be open to new ideas and ways of work. Keep promoting the changes such as those in membership criteria and the Live Your Dream initiative in a positive light. Soroptimists need to practice what they preach. We are helping women and girls make significant changes in their lives, so we should put that into practice in our regions too.15Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership Building stronger and better leaders Creating civility among members Helping to attract prospects Creating a welcoming atmosphere for members Moving us forward Establishing a healthy club atmosphereGovernors and Governor Elects can help byEstablishing a healthy club atmosphereYour assistance with all of the above points will help make great strides in fostering a healthy club atmosphere which is essential to the collective impact and adds value to members!We also have a number of resources in the membership section of the website to help add value and increase our collective Impact. There are numerous videos, articles, and materials. For your easy reference, see the SIA Membership Resources for Increasing Collective Impact handout accompanying this presentation.

16UpdateSurvey Help Reshape Our Membership CriteriaConference Presentation Reshaping our Future: Membership CriteriaNext StepsHow New Membership Criteria Will Affect Collective ImpactSoroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipSince November 2012, the first of three phases to revise membership criteria has been underway. The most immediate action we took was due to the motion approved during the November Board meeting to include all regular, retired/unemployed, and embarking member types in the 15-member requirement for a club to be in good standing. Also during this time of research and development, headquarters has made efforts to gain feedback from our members as to how they would like to see the membership criteria shaped. A survey and a conference presentation have been the two key methods for how this has been accomplished.

17Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership1,486 members completed online survey1,064 Japanese members completed survey at their conference (approximately)2,550 members provided feedback through the survey (approximately)SurveyHelp Reshape Our Membership CriteriaIn February 2013, an 11-question survey was sent to all members with an email address to assess their thoughts on the future direction of membership criteria. The survey available in English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean was completed by 1,486 members. Japan Chuo, Japan Higashi, Japan Kita and Japan Nishi Regions also distributed the survey during their region conferences and provided to headquarters the results from approximately 1,064 members. Overall, approximately 2,550 members provided feedback through this survey.

18Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipMaintaining membership types (regular, retired/unemployed, and embarking) is not critical. (72%)Categorizing these types as simply members would be beneficial. (78%)Any woman should be able to join a club regardless of her education, occupation, or employment status. (85%) It is not important for SIA to promote itself as an organization of only business and professional women. (82%) SurveyHelp Reshape Our Membership CriteriaIn summary, the majority of members felt maintaining membership types (regular, retired/unemployed, and embarking) was not critical to the success of SIA and agreed it would be beneficial to categorize these types as simply members. In order to increase the ranks of Soroptimist members and our ability to fulfill the mission, 85% of the survey respondents agreed that any woman should be able to join a club regardless of her education, occupation, or employment status. Eighty-two percent also agreed it is not necessary for SIA to continue to promote itself as an organization of only business and professional women.19Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipMinimum number of members required for good standing should be 15. (58%) Number of members to charter a club should not be 18 but be between 13-15. (45%)Clubs entering into low membership status should be allowed to continue indefinitely, but be considered to not be in good standing. (50%)SurveyHelp Reshape Our Membership CriteriaA slight majority (58%) felt that 15 members should be the minimum number of members required for good standing. Forty-five percent of respondents who thought 18 members was not the minimum needed to charter a club thought it should be 13-15 members. Finally, half of the respondents thought that if a club enters into low membership status by having less than the minimum number of members to be in good standing, the club should be allowed to continue indefinitely, but be considered to not be in good standing.

20Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipBrazilCamino RealFounderJapan ChuoJapan HigashiJapan KitaConference PresentationReshaping our Future: Membership CriteriaJapan MinamiJapan NishiKoreaMidwesternNortheasternNorthwesternRocky Mountain19 Regions Provided Feedback (as of June 10, 2013)Sierra NevadaSierra PacificSouth AtlanticSouth CentralSouthernWestern CanadaA script and PowerPoint presentation were created in English and translated into Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Disks were mailed to regions in late February and early March with the information that outlined the SI membership changes, how SIA is moving forward and sought input from conference attendees.Governors and/or Membership Chairs have been providing us with a summary of the comments from members following their conferences so that we may take them into consideration.

As of June 10, 2013, 19 regions have provided feedback: Brazil, Camino Real, Founder, Japan Chuo, Japan Higashi, Japan Kita, Japan Minami, Japan Nishi, Korea, Midwestern, Northeastern, Northwestern, Rocky Mountain, Sierra Nevada, Sierra Pacific, South Atlantic, South Central, Southern, Western Canada.

21Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership Member Types: Are they necessary?Low Membership/Good Standing: What is the minimum number of members for a club and how many are needed to charter a new club? Business and Professional Women: Still a relevant designation?Conference PresentationReshaping our Future: Membership CriteriaThe three main questions posed in the presentation were:Member Types: Are they necessary?Low Membership/Good Standing: What is the minimum number of members for a club and how many are needed to charter a new club? Business and Professional Women: Still a relevant designation?

22Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipMember types and business and professional designation are not necessary and they make Soroptimist appear elitist. Members are here to support women and girls and should, therefore, be inclusive.If a woman can support Soroptimist with her time and meet financial obligations, she should be able to join regardless of her occupation or lack thereof.If club activities are good and meaningful, then having less than 15 members should be allowed.

Conference PresentationReshaping our Future: Membership CriteriaThe reports from the region conferences expressed a welcoming tone for pending changes and gratitude in being able to take part in the discussion. The summaries were very similar to the responses of the survey:Member types and business and professional designation are not necessary and they make Soroptimist appear elitist. Members are here to support women and girls and should, therefore, be inclusive.If a woman can support Soroptimist with her time and meet financial obligations, she should be able to join regardless of her occupation or lack thereof.If club activities are good and meaningful, then having less than 15 members should be allowed.

23Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipPresent-March 2014: Continue to gather and analyze conference feedback Create recommendationsLaws and Resolutions Committee and Staff Liaison will draft bylaw and procedure revisions that will include the membership criteriaChanges will be presented to SIA Board in November 2013Final proposal will be presented to SIA Board in March 2014New Membership Criteria: Next StepsWhat are our next steps?

The second phase of the plan to revise membership criteria is now in progress and will run through March 2014. We will continue to gather and analyze conference feedback and create recommendations.Then, the Laws and Resolutions Committee and Senior Director Lisa Mangiafico (staff liaison) will begin drafting bylaw and procedure revisions that will include the membership criteria. Those will be presented to SIA Board Members in November 2013 and the final proposal will be presented at the March 2014 Board meeting.

24Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipApril 2014 and December 2014:Final proposed membership criteria will be sent out in the bylaws revisions in the Call to ConventionDiscussion among membership will take place during ConventionMail ballots will be sent out to clubs in October 2014Mail ballots will be returned to headquarters and tallied in December 2014Any changes passed can be implemented at that time (unless there is a date stipulated for example, changes may go into effect during the 2014-2015 club year)New Membership Criteria: Next StepsThe final phase of the plan implementation will occur between April 2014 and December 2014. During this time, the final proposed membership criteria will be sent out in the bylaws revisions in the Call to Convention; discussion among membership will take place during the Convention; and a mail ballot will be sent out to clubs in October 2014 and they will be returned to headquarters and tallied in December 2014. Any changes passed can be implemented at that time (unless there is a date stipulated for example, changes may go into effect during the 2014-2015 club year).25

How Will New Membership Criteria Affect Collective Impact?Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipMore Soroptimists we recruit and retain to focus on the Womens Opportunity Awards! More Soroptimists to support Live Your Dream!More members we will have to make Soroptimist their cause of choice!

How will new membership criteria affect collective impact? The more we open our doors, the more women we welcome to join our ranks, and the more clubs we allow to continue in service, the more Soroptimists we have to make a collective impact!Its more Soroptimists we recruit and retain to focus on the Womens Opportunity Awards. Its more Soroptimist to support Live Your Dream. And its more members we will have to make Soroptimist their cause of choice. By breaking down membership barriers, some of these systems that unintentionally have divided members and have hindered membership recruitment and retention, well have the opportunity to build and grow Soroptimist for the future.

26Penguin PowerSoroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership

For my last topic today, I want to talk about penguins. When you are at the helm of your boat in your region, you may hit some icy wavy waters and come across some penguins.Listen to this story:One day, a group of penguins were standing on an iceberg.

27Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership

In the distance, there was a whale.28Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership

The penguins see the whale.29Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership

They see the whale is coming towards them.30Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership

He didnt seem to be very friendly.31Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership

They realized they needed to do something quickly.


Instinctively, they all started to move to the edge of the ice.33Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership

The ice tipped up due to their collective weight.


Suddenly, there is a crash! 35Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | Membership

The whale slammed into the side of the iceberg.


The whale slide down back into the water.


And then the penguins calmly went back to standing on their iceberg.

Im going to ask you a question now. What do you think of this story?

38Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipTeamwork

Penguins are a great example of teamwork. Though this story is a fun example of teamwork, just think how in reality, the Emperor Penguins of Antarctica begin their long journey to a safe nesting place every year. Huddling closely, they march in unison, each taking great care to ensure that no member of the team is left behind. Or how during blizzards, penguins will huddle together to share warmth and through their own type of a rotation, will move around so the ones who might start in the middle of the huddle (and get the most warmth) will eventually rotate out toward the outside while the ones who started on the outside will rotate toward the middle to get warmer.Through their collective actions, they have an impact on their society. They look out for one another, they share responsibility, and they reach their goal together. Lets take a cue from the penguins power teamwork! To help members and clubs in your region to understand they are part of a bigger picture and how their collective actions make an impact, you can practice the following to help create a team environment.

39Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipTeamwork and Collective Impact

Have a Common Purpose and GoalHave a Common Purpose and GoalA team is defined as a group of people working together toward a common goal. Without a goal, there is no team. Our goal is our mission: Improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Make sure everyone knows that and help them understand what that means.

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Have a Common Purpose and GoalBuild TrustBuild TrustMembers must trust each other if they are to work together successfully. Create trust by being honest, working to eliminate conflicts, and create an atmosphere of civility.41Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipTeamwork and Collective Impact

Have a Common Purpose and GoalBuild TrustPractice Diversity and InclusionPractice Diversity and InclusionGovernors may remember I talked about this last year in Hawaii. Members come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and perspectives. Everyone brings something different to the table. Learn from each other. Respect each other. Support each other.42Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipTeamwork and Collective Impact

Have a Common Purpose and GoalBuild TrustPractice Diversity and InclusionCommunicateCommunicateMiscommunication can create hard feelings and undermine the success of the team. Dont be afraid to over communicate. Take responsibility for being heard and understood. Recognize the efforts of members.43Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipHave a Common Purpose and GoalBuild TrustPractice Diversity and InclusionCommunicateMake it FunTeamwork and Collective Impact

Make it FunEveryone wants to be where people are having fun!! Find reasons to celebrate together and give members a reason to smile.When we utilize the team approach, we heighten the sense of ownership and loyalty among members. That leads to member satisfaction and loyalty. And that in turn, empowers our members, engages them, and increases our collective impact!

44Building stronger and better leadersCreating civility among membersHelping to attract prospectsCreating a welcoming atmosphere for membersMoving us forwardEstablishing a healthy club atmosphere

How Collective Impact Adds Value to MembersSoroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipRECAPTo recap, as you go forth out onto the waves, remember what we talked about today how collective impact adds values to our members.Building stronger and better leaders: Builds better leaders to guide the way.Creating civility among members: Creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere among members.Helping to attract prospects: Helps catch the attention of potential members.Creating a welcoming atmosphere for members: Create an atmosphere that is welcoming.Moving us forward: Moves us into the future.Establishing a healthy club atmosphere: All of this establishes a healthy club atmosphere. That club model is the foundation of Soroptimist.By working together, we become a team. We collectively demonstrate our value what we believe in and what is important to us as Soroptimists.

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Soroptimist Governors Round Table | June 23-24, 2013 | MembershipTable DiscussionHow can we use this information in our region plans?

Thank you! Please use the remaining time to think and talk about how you can use the information about how collective impact adds value to members in your region plans. 46

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WAVE OF CHANGE