93rd annual SCR Conference Minutes from Dodge City, KS 2019.

1. 1
South Central Region
Minutes of the 93nd Region Conference
Boot Hill Casino & Resort Conference Center
Dodge City, KS
April 26-28, 2019
Region Theme: “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It”
Saturday April 27, 2019 08:00 a.m. Business Session
Call to Order - Governor Jennifer Reeves, SI Joplin, MO called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
Inspiration was given by District I Director Leigh Hedgpeth, SI Vandalia, IL
Presentation of Colors, National Anthem sung by Gabby Mendoza
Welcome to Dodge City Area given by Brian Delzeit, Mayor of Dodge City, KS
South Central Region Flag Presentation by Governor Elect Grace Boswell, SI Kansas City, MO
Recognition of first time attendees, past SCR Board members, Laurel Society members, South Central Region
Committee members, Federation visitor Federation Director Bonnie Domonchuk, SI Cambridge, Canada and
current South-Central Region Board members.
Credentials Report, Register Barbara Straight, SI Dodge City, KS
Clubs in Region 32 Clubs present 26
Voting Non-voting
Club delegates 65 Other Region Soroptimist 31
Region Officers 4 Non-region Soroptimist
District Directors 3 Federation Soroptimist 1
Non-Soroptimist
Total Voting 72 Total non-voting 32
Total attendance 104

2. 2
Changes to Conference Agenda
Add:
Adoption of 2019 Conference Agenda
District Director Reports
Soroptimist Celebrating Success - Rosemary Robinson, SI Amarillo, TX is stepping in for Region Chair Lea
Ann Fulton, SI Amarillo, who is unable to attend Conference.
Former Governors Reception room 325
Bid for the 2022 SCR Conference
Remove:
Maxine Pease Membership & Growth Award
Motion by Norma McKelvy, SI Kansas City, MO, to accept the agenda with corrections.
Motion carried.
Approval of 2018 Conference Minutes presented by Region Secretary Angel Standish, SI Dallas, TX.
2018 Conference Committee reviewed and Board approved, with corrections, the April 2018 SCR Conference
Minutes. Those minutes were distributed as corrected in the Call to Conference.
Motion by Region Secretary Angel Standish, SI Dallas, TX to accept the minutes, as corrected and distributed.
Motion carried.
Conference Appointments
Time Keeper – Former Governor Jacqueline Bond, SI Kansas City, MO
Conference Pages:
District I Marie Parker, SI Kansas City, MO
District II Tracy Ogden, SI Ponca City, OK
District III Sandy Hansen, SI Rockwall, TX
2019 Minutes Approval Committee:
District I Dianne Dewey, SI St Joseph, MO
District II Cindy Perkins/Kim Winston, SI Muskogee, OK
District III Fatuma Mwende, SI Dallas, TX
Treasurer Report given by Region Treasurer Kathy Newsom, SI Wichita, KS
Financial statements were included in the Call to Conference pages 21 – 22
Financial statements attached as an addendum to the minutes

3. 3
District Directors Reports
District I Director Leigh Hedgpeth, SI Vandalia, IL
District I has 10 clubs with 256 members
There were 12 new members and 17 lost for a net loss of 5
Eight (8) held recruiting events with 8 1st
time attendees at Conference
One club interested in chartering new club within District
Nine (9) clubs attended Fall Meeting and/or Region Conference
Ten (10) clubs participate in Club Giving and nine (9) contribute to Founders Pennies
100% participation in LYD Program whereby clubs gave out 16 LYD Awards for a total of $26,750
Six (6) have active websites and all have a Face Book presence
The District clubs continue to struggle with recruitment and retention
Special Recognition in District I:
Sandra Maag, SI Kansas City, Northland, MO is recognized by Reserve Realtors in the Shining Membership
Spotlight for dedicating 30 years to SI Kansas City, Northland, MO
Dianne Dewey, SI St Joseph, MO awarded Distinguished Leader Award from United Way St Joseph for the
betterment of her community
SI Hutchinson, KS honored their 96 year old member, Aavon Powers, for creating the Aavon Powers
Sponsorship Fund that will pay 1st
year annual dues for a volunteer that cannot bear the financial burden
but wishes to serve her community
SI Vandalia, IL has been selected as 4 finalist in the City of Vandalia Volunteer Non Profit Group or Club
Award
District II Director Terri Falis-Cochran, SI Joplin, MO
District II has 14 clubs and had net gain of 10 in members
One club interested in chartering new club within District
Two (2) have active websites and all have a Face Book presence.
100% participation in LYD Program and 10 clubs held a Dream It Be It program this year
Ten (10) clubs participate in Club Giving and eight (8) contribute to Founders Pennies.
Fourteen (14) clubs attended Fall Meeting and/or Region Conference
The District clubs continue to struggle with recruitment and retention.
District III Director Teresa Young, SI Plainview, TX
District III has 8 clubs with 209 members
Several clubs interested in chartering new clubs within District
All eight (8) clubs contribute to Founders Pennies
Seven (7) clubs participation in LYD Program whereby clubs gave out 13 LYD Awards for a total of $13,700
Four (4) participated in Dream It Be It impacting 63 girls

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Special Recognition in District I:
SI Dallas, TX for 75 years of active participation within the Dallas Metroplex
Governor Jennifer Reeves, SI Joplin, MO introduced our official SIA Federation guest; Federation Board Director
Bonnie Domonchuk, SI Cambridge, Canada
Federation report
The theme was From Seedling to Flowers – Growing Our Soroptimist Garden. The life of Audrey Hepburn was
referenced as she grew from an aspiring dancer, through the liberation and survival of WW II to become an
actress, style icon and UNICEF Ambassador.
Gardens are proof of life. Our members and supporters are like seedlings that grown members into beautiful
flowers. Dream Programs recipients are our flowers. They are vulnerable to obstacles, just like seedlings are. If
the flower is to be beautiful, it must be cultivated.
Bonnie featured the 3 SIA LYD award winners, all of whom were present at the SIA convention in Japan. Ana Caren
from Mexico City is studying business and supports 3 young siblings. Lucia was very abused by her partner and is
now studying to be a teacher. Shemayel was born in Afghanistan and went to an underground school. After her
father was killed by the Taliban and her mother died, she was sent to the US. She is studying industrial relations.
Bonnie also noted that SIA is getting very positive feedback from girls attending Dream It Be It workshops.
Our Big Goal – in 2021 over the next ten years to grow our impact by helping 500k women and girls grow from
seedlings to flowers. Each of us is a unique flower and we have the opportunity to grow, each in our own unique
way.
Focus Chair Reports
Membership - Former Governor Cindy Lindley, SI Rockwall, TX
SCR has 854 members and 32 clubs; in 1997 we had 2,206 members and 65 clubs
Growing membership helps us achieve our mission and we need to recruit new members and provide
them an exceptional experience
SIA Diamond Campaign – to learn more go to www.soroptimist.org/diamond-campaign
The goal is a net change of 1% or better; 13% or more new members; 14% or less terminating members
23 clubs are on track with SI Gainesville, TX increasing its membership by44%; SI Winfield, KS has 11 new
members; 3 clubs have zero terminated members and SCR is at -4.7% total
Fundraising – Paula Kern, SI Parsons, KS
Support Dream Projects to help more women and girls. The global impact is $2.8 million in LYD awards
Spoke about the Laurel Society and the impact it has on the SIA Programs by giving
New monthly giving member pin for those who increase or begin monthly donations by at least $50
SIA philanthropic goals are to increase Club Giving, cultivate and retain annual donors and recognize clubs
and individuals for increased giving
Public Awareness – Laurel Bruening, SI Liberty, MO
SIA big goal of investing in the dreams of 500K women & girls over through access to education over the
next 10 years we need to become brand warriors by including product, visual identity, website, name and
experience provided are all part of the whole brand.
Purpose must be compelling, focused and unique and the experience positive – focus on mission in a fun,
friendly way.
Dec 31, 2019 is last day we should use the International Symbol of the lady.
Use the S logo on all public relations material – printed, videos and any marketing
Follow SIA South Central Region Face Book page.

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Programs – Governor Elect Grace Boswell, SI Kansas City, MO
An important part of our program is ending gender-based violence. Risk factors reviewed, these could be
trafficking, teen dating violence and agencies, such as the foster care programs, that we can partner with
to move our programs forward.
Girls need education and skill training so they can make a livable earning.
Soroptimist contributed over $2.4 million to 1,595 across the Federation.
Soroptimist working together across our Federation reached more than 14,000 girls in 14 countries with
Dream It Be It, bringing the total served since the program started to more than 35,000
All are encouraged to reach outside the box to agencies for LYD applicants that suffer from trafficking or
domestic violence and distribute flyers at colleges support services
Utilize SIA resources to help with the Dreams Programs
SCR Parliamentarian Kimberly Doty, SI Kansas City, KS presented Standing Rules 5, 6, 7 & 8 in preparation for
Region Bylaw Changes
Proposed Region Bylaw Changes
Rationale Article VIII Committees:
Clarifies and streamlines the appointment process for Region Committees.
Renames the Laws and Resolutions Committee as the Bylaws Committee to more adequately reflect the
committee’s primary purpose.
Staggers the club Bylaws odd-year submission deadlines (District II September 1st
; District I October 1st
;
District III November 1st
) to allow more time for the review process which sometimes requires several
exchanges between the committee and the club before final approval is granted.
Alleviates the workload of the Laws and Resolutions Committee during the holiday season.
Clarifies the risks associated with late submission of Club Bylaws.
Motion by SCR Parliamentarian & SCR Chair Bylaws Committee Kimberly Doty, SI Kansas City, MO to accept change
to Article VIII
Motion carried
Rationale Article V Region Conference & Article VI Fall Meeting Registration Fees:
The cost of putting together a conference continues to rise each year. Food, room rental, and other
expenses have increased significantly over the past few years. While the expenses have continued to rise,
the registration fee has not. The Region has also lost clubs which has decreased the amount of money
available for a conference. The additional revenue from the registration fee increase would allow event
organizers to plan with less stress and choose quality venues while continuing to keep the bottom-line
costs to event attendees as affordable as possible. By implementing a graduated increase over a three-
year period, clubs would be able to budget the changes and prepare for the increase.
Motion by SCR Parliamentarian & SCR Chair Bylaws Committee Kimberly Doty, SI Kansas City, MO to accept
changes to Article V & Article VI
Discussion ensued for and against raising registration fees.
Sue Rea, SI Greater St Louis, MO called for standing vote
Motion carried unanimously

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Governor’s report Governor Jennifer Reeves, SI Joplin, MO
Working As One – Continuing Our Transformation, Strategic Direction of our Organization
Increase collective impact by recognizing a shared vision and common goals. Increase status of women
and girls, thru access to education we allow girls to recognize their full potential by overcoming the
barriers keeping them from reaching their full potential.
A unified brand strengthens us to fulfill the brand promise.
Be recognized as a leading women’s organization, economically empowering women and girls through
access to education. Education is key.
Historically, clubs and regions have delivered a variety of local projects across SIA, few with measured or
reported impact. SIA knows we love our community projects and it is the clubs identity but they would
like it to be more in line with the Dreams Programs and report on how they support the SIA mission. The
more we report the more we can show the difference we are making and the successes we realize.
Be who we say we are and do what we say we do. Economically empower women and girls through our
dreams programs.
Statistics:
Increased number of women reached by the LYD Award by 27%
Funds given has increased by 48%
Dream It Be It has reached 35,733 girls; Summit Award for DiBi from the American Society of Association
Executives, their highest award
Increase our funds raised by 37%
Attracted 127,000 supporters to LYD.org
Signed first blue chip corporate sponsor – Torrid Foundation
Slowed membership decline to 2.4% loss from 3% loss rate
Announcements:
District I gathering before lunch for round table discussion about the District happenings
Meeting is adjourned 11:45 a.m.
Meeting Reconvened at 12:30 p.m.
Meeting called to order by Governor Elect Grace Boswell, SI Kansas City, MO
Inspiration District II Director Terri Falis-Cochran, SI Joplin, MO
Celebration of Life Former Governor Jacquie Bond, SI Kansas City, MO
Live Your Dream Award, presented by Amanda Mitchell, SI Joplin, MO and Federation Guest Director Bonnie
Domonchuk, SI Cambridge, Canada
SCR presented 54 LYD Winners with $70,200 funding additional support of $3,000
1st Place: Marisela Tobias Zavala, SI Dallas, TX (District III) Received $5,000 from SIA and $1,500 from SCR
2nd Place: Kelsey Roberts, SI Carthage, MO (District II) Received $3,000 from SIA and $875 from SCR
3rd Place: Katelyn Allen, SI Vandalia, IL (District I) Received $3,000 from SIA and $875 from SCR
4th Place: Christina Tolliver, SI Springfield, MO (District II) Received $875 from SCR

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Lucy Keller Dreams in Action Awards presented by Region Secretary Angel Standish, SI Dallas, TX
Each District winner received a check for $731.28
District I – SI Vandalia, IL, Summer Lunch Program
District II – SI Arkansas City, KS, Santa’s Soroptimist Satchels
District III – SI Grand Prairie, TX, Helping Us Help Her
Deadline for 2019 entries is August 15, 2019
Norma Caldwell Communicate and Grow Award presented by Former Governor Jacquie Bond, SI Kansas City, MO
Traveling Quill Plaque presented to SI Joplin, MO
Soroptimist Celebrating Success Award presented by Rosemary Robinson, SI Amarillo, TX and Federation Guest
Director Bonnie Domonchuk, SI Cambridge, Canada
Clubs in Region submitted a total of 12 entries in the following categories:
0 membership, 6 programs, 4 public awareness, 2 fundraising
Membership-Region Finalist:
No participation
Program–Region Finalist:
SI El Dorado, KS – Small Town Gals Have a Wide Range of Impact
Participants:
Muskogee, OK
Springfield, MO
Arkansas City, KS
Hutchinson, KS
Plainview, TX
Public Awareness–Region Finalist:
SI Liberty, MO
Participants:
SI Dallas, TX
SI Muskogee, OK
SI St Joseph, MO
Fundraising–Region Finalist:
SI Muskogee, OK – New To You
Participants:
SI Amarillo, TX
The region finalists were automatically advanced to the federation-level judging. The Soroptimist Board of
Directors have reviewed the region finalists from all 28 regions and have selected the top entry in each of the four
categories. The four federation finalists will be announced at Governors Roundtable in Montreal, CDN June 2019.
Deadline for 2019-2020 entries is July 1, 2019
Best Woman of the Year Award presented by Governor Jennifer Reeves, SI Joplin, MO
The 2018-2019 winner is Nanell Mawbey, SI Dallas, TX
Featured Entertainment introduced by Karen Ackerman, SI Dodge City, KS
The Biehle Family children, ranging in age 7 to 15, regaled us with beautiful violin and singing
performances

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All member workshop – Leadership Training presented by Governor Elect Grace Boswell, SI Kansas City, MO
Appreciate Your Members
Team Building/Communications are Key
Add a Glow to your Meetings
Identify and Nurture Successors
Collaborative Leadership
Delegating/Motivating
Mentoring/Conflict Resolutions – “Say What You Mean, Don’t Say It Mean”
Governors Reception 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Evening Banquet
Musical Entertainment by Miss Kitty and Her Gang, Western Song and Showcase Entertainment
Inspiration by District III Director Teresa Young, SI Plainview, TX
Lucky Laurel Lottery presented by Paula Kern, SI Parsons, KS
Debbie Vap SI Ponca City, OK & Dianne Young SI Kansas City, MO, received Attaché level pins through monthly
giving
Leigh Hedgpeth SI Vandalia, IL achieved Envoy level pin with a $25 on the spot contribution, monthly giving
amount was up to $2475
Marcia Boutz SI Kansas City, MO & Sherry Grady SI Wichita, KS contributed $1000 on the spot donations
Fatuma Mwende SI Dallas & Teresa Koehn SI Dodge City, KS were the Lucky Laurel Lottery drawing winners
Six (6) new Attaché, one (1) Envoy level and twelve (12) monthly giving pins ($600 monthly) totaling $4,025 to SIA
Silent Auction results 63 auction items raising $1,707
Morning Session April 28, 2019
Call to Order - Governor Jennifer Reeves, SI Joplin, MO called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Introduction of Speaker – Barbara Straight, SI Dodge City, KS
Karen Dunn, a local performer in the Dodge City community sang many inspirational songs for us that were in line
with our dream theme.
Credentials Report, Register Barbara Straight, SI Dodge City, KS
Clubs in Region 32 Clubs present 26
Voting Non-voting
Club delegates 66 Other Region Soroptimist 32
Region Officers 4 Non-Region Soroptimist
District Directors 3 Federation Soroptimist 1
Total Voting 73 Total non-voting 33
Total attendance 106
Invitation to 2019 Fall Meeting October 4-6, 2019, Downstream Casino Resort, Quapaw, OK
Invitation to SCR Conferences:
2020 Wichita, KS, April 17-19, 2020 hosted jointly by SI Wichita and SI El Dorado, KS
2021 Kansas City, KS, April 16-18, 2021 hosted by SI Liberty, MO

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2022 Amarillo, TX, April 22-24, 2022 hosted by SI Amarillo, TX
Recognition of Host Club, SI Dodge City, KS
Recognition of Federation visitor, SIA Federation Delegate Bonnie Domonchuk, SI Cambridge, Canada
SIA Invitation to attend 46th
Biennial Convention
Soroptimist International of the Americas,
Bellevue, Washington, July 22 – July 25, 2020
Soroptimist Pledge
The 93nd South Central Region Conference was adjourned at 9:15 a.m.
Attachments:
Financial Statements from Conference Agenda