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The Violet Richardson Award is a program conducted by the Soroptimist International of the Americas Federation. As a volunteer service organization Soroptimist believes that by acknowledging young women's volunteer involvement now, they will grow up to be vital active members of the community. The Violet Richardson Award honors young women between the ages of 14 and 17 for volunteer action such as fighting drugs, crime and violence, cleaning up the environment and working to end discrimination and poverty.
The Violet Richardson Award program begins at the local Soroptimist club level, where the type of award varies from a certificate and recognition at a club meeting or special event to a monetary gift to the young woman and/or her charity. Club level winners then become eligible to compete at the district level and the six district level winners are honored at the annual Founder Region Conference where the Region winner is announced. The Region winner is then one of 28 Soroptimist International of the Americas finalists, one of whom will receive a $2500 contribution to her volunteer organization.
The award is named after Violet Richardson, the president of the first Soroptimist club in Alameda County in 1921. Richardson believed in personal responsibility and the motto, “It's what you do that counts.” She lived her life accordingly, as an active member in her community who was committed to creating opportunities for girls and young women. Soroptimist established this award to honor the memory of this unique woman and her dedication to volunteer action.
For additional information about the award, please visit the SIA web site Soroptimist International of the America's website .
You can contact your Violet Richardson Award district representative for more information and assistance and also invite them to make a presentation to your club about the award. You will find the district representatives listed in the Founder Region Roster.
You can “create magic” in the lives of the young women volunteers in your communities by recognizing and honoring them for their community service. They volunteer their time and energy to make their world a better place. They are the future leaders and future Soroptimists. They deserve our support.
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