Violet Richardson

The Violet Richardson Award

This is a program conducted by Founder Region. 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 18 for volunteer action such as fighting drugs, crime and violence, cleaning up the environment and working to end discrimination and poverty.

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.

“It is What you Do that Counts” 
​ Violet Richardson

VIOLET RICHARDSON WARD, THE PRESIDENT OF THE FIRST SOROPTIMIST CLUB

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. Applications to clubs should be received by November 15 of each year.  Clubs should submit their winning applicant’s application, media consent form and transmittal form to their district representative by February 1 of each year.   Each district will have one Violet Richardson Award winner and she will be recognized and receive her award at our annual conference.  
District Representative contact information is available in the Founder Region roster.

2019 Winner – Coming Soon!

Previous Winners