The Power of One – One Can Make a Difference

My father was always active in local politics. He served several terms on the City Council of our small town, and many years later was elected County Surveyor. But my strongest memory of his political activity was the one election he lost.

He was running for a position on the County School Board. He campaigned hard, but his opponent campaigned equally hard, and when the counting was done, Dad has lost by three votes. Yes, three votes. And after he conceded the election, many of his friends told him, “If I had known it would be this close, I’d have voted.” Can one vote make a difference? You bet it can. Can one person make a difference? You bet she can!

By the way, 90 years ago today, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution affirmed the right of all American women to vote in all public elections. By Presidential Proclamation, today is Women’s Equality Day, celebrated annually in recognition of both the anniversary of women’s suffrage and of women’s continued efforts toward equal rights in the United States. As Soroptimists, this is still our cause, and yes, every one of us can make a difference.

The Power of One – Dream One Size Bigger

High school football season has started all over the country, and while I don’t expect to set foot in a high school stadium any time soon, I can still hear the cheers of the students as they rally their team: “We’re number one!”

Number one. Top of the heap. Leader of the pack. Everyone wants to be number one – including Soroptimist International of Salt Lake. There is nothing I would like better than to see our club recognized as the number one club in the world at making a difference for women and girls.

If we were the number one club in the world, what would that look like? How much bigger would we need to be? How much better recognized in the community would we need to be? And – how can we get started now? Our Program and Service Committees will meet on September 8 to begin planning for how we will improve the lives of women and girls in our community and around the world. Let’s challenge ourselves to dream one size bigger – and then to determine the actions we will need to take to make our dreams come true.

A Soldier's Story

As the flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake City taxied to the gate, the captain made the announcement that there was a soldier on board, a young woman who was currently serving in Afghanistan. She was home on a short leave. Would we kindly stay in our seats and allow her to deplane first. Of course, we did. As she gathered her belonging and walked down the center aisle, everyone on board applauded. Tears came to my eyes, and I thought of Jewel.

Jewel should have been President of Soroptimist International of Salt Lake this year. After all, she served all of 2009-2010 as our President-elect. Only one problem – it’s difficult to lead a Soroptimist club when one is in Iraq commanding a unit of soldiers. It’s true – Jewel, a Major in the U.S. Army, and the redhead at the bottom right of this photo, was notified of her deployment this past spring. Her parting gift to me – she installed me as President for 2010-2011.

Jewel, I salute you and the fine women and men you command. Your club wishes you and your unit success and safety as you complete your mission in Iraq, and a safe return home.