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 GLOBAL INVITATION | VIRTUAL ADVOCACY SEMINAR & TRAIN-THE-TRAINERS WORKSHOP

THEME: Domestic Violence, the Silent Epidemic: New Frontiers in Countermeasures

Framework: Three-Dimensional Psychological Intervention Strategy (3DPIS)

Date: February 7, 2026
 Time: 11:00 AM

 Breaking the Silence. Healing the Wounds. Transforming the World.

Domestic violence remains one of the most devastating yet often unspoken crises of our time — a silent epidemic that destroys lives, fractures families, and erodes communities across the globe.

This global virtual advocacy seminar and train-the-trainers workshop, organized by Agency for Families in Distress (AFFID) in partnership with Soroptimist International/Mid-Atlantic Online (SI/MAO), offers a groundbreaking opportunity to empower, heal, and transform.

Through the Three-Dimensional Psychological Intervention Strategy (3DPIS), participants will explore cutting-edge frameworks and practical tools for:
 Healing trauma and rebuilding lives
 Empowering survivors and families

Empowering communities to bridge deficits in the architecture for human development

 Strengthening community resilience
 Leading systemic change for peace and safety

Join an inspiring global community of mental health professionals, educators, gender advocates, faith leaders, survivors, and changemakers united by one mission to end violence, restore dignity, and ignite hope

Together, we can break the silence, heal our communities, and build a world where safety, love, and justice prevail.

 Be part of the movement. Be the change.

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We’re proud to share some exciting news—we did it!

Our club has made a meaningful contribution to the Club Giving program of Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc., because we believe in the transformative power of education.

Education opens doors, unlocks potential, and gives individuals the tools to lead lives of independence, purpose, and impact. By supporting programs that empower women and girls through access to education, we’re helping create a future where more people can achieve their dreams and thrive.

Thank you to all our members and supporters who made this possible. Together, we’re not just donating—we’re making a difference.

In 2015-2016, our club was introduced to a powerful literacy initiative—the Dictionary Project—by member June Wallace. This project quickly resonated with us, especially given our long-standing commitment to educational access through programs like the Women’s Opportunity Award (now known as Live Your Dream).

At the time, our club had also launched a book collection drive for a summer enrichment program supporting girls in Appalachia, founded by a Duke University professor. The Dictionary Project felt like a natural extension of our mission.

As we learned more, we discovered how transformative the project could be. In a low-performing Florida school district, schools were using the Illustrated Dictionary of Everyday Things to improve end-of-grade reading scores—with remarkable success. Motivated by the impact, our club began donating copies of the dictionary and accompanying Teaching Guides to support the effort.

In May 2016, at our Spring Conference, we proposed expanding the initiative across the Region for the 2017–2018 fiscal year. The idea gained traction quickly. By the 2017 conference, regional clubs had committed to the goal of supplying 400 books to the Florida school system. Impressively, 85% of the goal was met during the event itself. Some members even purchased dictionaries to use at home, and several clubs began introducing the project to their own local schools.

The enthusiasm continued into 2018–2019, with the Region agreeing to fund the printing of 5,000 dictionaries and 500 Teacher’s Guides. Our club contributed further in 2019–2020, helping to sustain the project into its third year. During this time, June Wallace secured the copyright to the current print files and, with permission from author Jan Carruthers, ensured that any partner organizations could access Carruthers’ website—where she continued to update valuable training materials on how to best use the dictionary.

Like many educational efforts, the Dictionary Project was paused when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools. However, our club remains committed to reintroducing it as a flexible literacy tool for early grade levels—one that can be used effectively by mentors and volunteers in one-on-one or small group settings.

Today, as part of Soroptimist International of the Americas’ (SIA) Big Goal Accelerator Projects, we’re exploring partnerships beyond our core Dream Programs (Live Your Dream and Dream It, Be It). The Dictionary Project remains a shining example of how grassroots efforts, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to literacy can create lasting change.

Dear Soroptimists,   We sincerely hope that each of you, along with your families and loved ones, are safe and secure in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and as we brace for expected Hurricane Milton. The road to recovery for many will no doubt require time, dedication, and significant resources, but we have full confidence that Soroptimists will once again demonstrate their resilience in the face of adversity. As part of the Soroptimist community, we stand with you in solidarity. Please take all necessary precautions, stay informed, and remain connected with your local authorities for the latest updates. We are thinking of you and will continue to keep you in our thoughts and hearts as these events unfold. With sincere concern and solidarity, Ginger Cole 2024-2025 SIA President Sue Riney 2024-2025 SIA President-elect Michelle Strawser 2024-2025 SIA Secretary/Treasurer Michelle Burnett Executive Director & CEO