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1939 saw Soroptimism arrive in New Zealand.
Back in 1921, the first Soroptimist Club was launched on the 3rd of October. With 81 members present, the Club's first president Violet Ward (nee Richardson), hosted the meeting at the Oakland Hotel.
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Initially called the Alameda County Soroptimist Club, until 1928 when a separate Berkeley Club was formed, it then took the name Oakland.
The purpose of Soroptimism was:
To foster the spirit of service as the basis of all worthy enterprises and to increase the efficiency of its members in the pursuit of their occupations by broadening their interest in the social, business and civic affairs of the community through an association of women representing diverse occupations.
In 1921, to ensure that each business and profession was represented by a cross section of women, the members represented the education, administration, legislation, finance, industry, commerce, communications, arts, health and social welfare industries.
While this is no longer a requirement for clubs, the underlying principle of having a cross-section of our community is still very important.
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The Soroptimist Club of Oakland kicked off the projects with the first being "Save the Redwoods" - local Soroptimists advocated to save the ancient trees by lobbying against the powerful lumber companies.
This project saw a major proportion of the redwoods saved in a protected reserve which still stands today.