The CIDI Director, Suzanne Brooks, addressed the group explaining the Center’s mission to provide the public and corporations with the tools and information to make informed decisions regarding appropriate disaster response. The Center strives to educate the public by spreading the word about inappropriate donations, as well as highlighting the negative impact that these collections have on disaster affected countries.

A lively discussion ensued and the Soroptimists and Center staff shared project information as well as lessons learned in disaster relief and humanitarian response situations. The Soroptimists and Center staffs were in agreement that in all humanitarian activities, a code of ethics must be followed. Several members from the Soroptimist group expressed their appreciation to the CIDI . . . "wonderful information . . . [I] just never thought much about it [appropriate international disaster relief]." Some questions were asked as to how CIDI works with international embassies. CIDI Director described the Center’s work with the international ambassadors and the disaster relief agencies. She also fielded questions on what would be considered "acceptable emergency relief donations."

In response to its desire to provide voluntary service to the surrounding community, Soroptimist International of Fairfax County, a group of professional women is part of the much larger organization, Soroptimist International –with almost 100,000 members in 115 countries around the world. Soroptimist International was formed in 1921 to address challenges unique to today’s women, and is a recognized authority on matters that women value most.

For the better part of a century, Soroptimist clubs have identified the individual needs of their communities and undertaken local projects tailored to meet those needs. Club projects vary in nature. Some benefit the environment, some help people with disabilities; others aid the elderly. However, most Soroptimist projects worldwide provide direct assistance to women and girls. Shelter, domestic violence, poverty, lack of adequate child care, sexual harassment, equality in the work place, crisis counseling, are only some of the Soroptimist funded projects. Soroptimist members focus their energies on making a difference in the lives of women primarily in the areas of health, education, environment, human rights/status of women, economic and social development, and international goodwill and understanding.

Soroptimist International of Fairfax County is actively involved in many community projects to raise funds for local charities and community groups. These funds are used for such worthy causes as Hospice of Northern Virginia, the American Cancer Society and Bethany House - a shelter for battered and abused women and children. To promote international goodwill and understanding, the Fairfax County club corresponds with "sister" clubs in England and Australia while the parent organization uses its international voice and official status with the United Nations to advocate on behalf of women’s issues.

CIDI expresses sincere appreciation to the Soroptimists International of Fairfax County club particularly, Historian, Betsey Blakney who coordinated the presentation, and President, Mary Tims, Vice President Katie Garcha, Board Member Rose Joseph, Regional Delegate, Cathy Ann Kelleher, Federation Delegate Cathy Clark, and Newsletter Editor Ann Mattheis.