Soroptimist is an international organization for women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Founded in 1921, Soroptimist International of the Americas is an international organization for business and professional women who provide volunteer service to their communities. About 45,000 Soroptimists in 20 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community-based and international projects benefiting women and girls. Soroptimist International of the Americas is part of Soroptimist International, which comprises almost 95,000 members in about 120 countries.The name, Soroptimist, means 'best for women,' and that's what the organization strives to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best working to help other women to be their best.Soroptimist members belong to local clubs, of which Long Beach is one. These clubs determine the focus of service to their communities. In Long Beach the projects include scholarships, domestic violence prevention, and other women and girls related projects. In addition, Soroptimists participate in organization-wide programs that include the Women's Opportunity Awards, Soroptimist Club Grants for Women and Girls, the Soroptimist Workplace Campaign to End Domestic Violence, the Live Your Dream Awards and the Dream It Be It Program. All projects seek to make life better for women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.