Greetings to Soroptimists All Over the World!
It seems a long time ago that the SI Board appointed me as Chair of this Convention. Now it feels like we will be welcoming you very soon in Montréal!
 The Convention Committee has been working hard on your behalf to provide anexceptionalConvention experience. This Newsletter will be a great channel to share all the latestdevelopments concerning this exciting event. It is tooearly to have speakers confirmed but we intend to feature individuals who will make presentations that are in line with our theme of “Women: Leaders in Civil Society” and whose message will enhance work done by Soroptimists as we strive to make the world a better place for women and girls.
Yvonne Machuk
Convention Chair
Why Attend an SI Convention?
Convention Chair Yvonne stills remembers her first SI Convention. It was held in Nottingham in the UK in 1991 and yes – delegates even met the sheriff! “I was most impressed with the Soroptimists I met from all over the world and very grateful to be a part of this organisation whose focus on women and girls is as needed today as it was in 1991,” says Yvonne.
Speakers, workshops, social events and informal encounters will offer occasions to discuss, debate and dialogue with women who are leaders in their professions and their communities. Plan to return home to your club with renewed enthusiasm and commitment for our mission.
2011 Convention Theme:
“Women: Leaders in Civil Society”
Why have we chosen this theme?
“Civil society is much talked about, but rarely understood. Michael Edwards explores the practical and theoretical significance of civil society - and suggests some ways through the issues surrounding its use.
It is impossible to have a conversation about politics or public policy these days without someone mentioning the magic words ‘civil society’, so one might think that people are clear what they mean when they use this term and why it is so important. Unfortunately, clarity and rigor are conspicuous by their absence in the civil society debate, a lack of precision that threatens to submerge this concept completely under a rising tide of criticism and confusion.”
We will be exploring this theme in depth during Convention. For more information, please see: Edwards, M. (2005) 'Civil Society', the Encyclopaedia of Informal Education, www.infed.org/association/civil_society.htm
About Montréal
Montréal is the world’s second-largest French-speaking city after Paris, and home to 3.7 million people. A very multicultural metropolis, Montréal is home to no fewer than 80 cultural groups, where English is widely spoken. Visitors speaking only English will have no problem communicating anywhere in the city. Founded in 1642, it is also one of the oldest urban centres in North America, combining European and North American elements. Over 150,000 students attend its four universities, adding to the dynamic appeal that is part of the city’s joie de vivre.
The Palais des Congrès is ideally located in downtown Montréal. The historic and picturesque Old Montréal (Le Vieux Quartier) is only steps away for an enjoyable stroll at lunch time or after the sessions.
Click here for printabe PDF version |
