Soroptimism, from the words 'soror' (sister) and 'optima' (best) is an international organisation of professional and business women. ;;Internationally the organisation began in the 1920s in Bristol, UK (as Venture Club), and in New York (as Soroptimists), with the International Association officially established in 1928. Soroptimist clubs operate in a similar model to (previously all-male) service clubs such as Rotary. The objects of the organisation include ethical behaviour, striving for human rights, advancing the status of women, and developing a spirit of friendship and service. ;;The first four Tasmanian clubs were Hobart (est. Sept 1949), Launceston (est. Oct 1949), Devonport (est. June 1952), and Burnie (est. Feb 1953).;;The Inaugural meeting of the Tasmanian Divisional Union Council was held in Launceston in May 1953. Mrs M Parker was the first president with Miss K Rose as Secretary/Treasurer. The Divisional Union Council was made up of a Committee including a President, Vice-president, Junior vice -president, Hon Secretary, Hon Treasurer, and Extension officer, and Co-ordinating Committee (C.O.C) delegates. The COC worked to align the work of the Australian and New Zealand clubs. Membership of the COC consisted of two delegates from each divisional union. A Tasmanian 'Divisional Union' conference was held annually from 1954, with an annual magazine 'The Soroptimist' also published.;;The Tasmanian Division comes under the Co-ordinating Council (Australia and New Zealand), which is part of the South West Pacific Federation, which in turn comes under Soroptimist International (S.I).;;In 1962 there were 7 Tasmanian clubs operating - Burnie, Devonport, Hobart, Launceston, New Norfolk (est. Oct 1956), Queenstown (est.1956), and Ulverstone (est.1958). Three additional Tasmanian clubs were established after 1962 - Ulverstone club in June 1979, George Town club in May 1982, and Circular Head club in 1989. Clubs reported undertaking a wide range of fundraising activities, with funds distributed to local charities/organisations. They also ran social activities such as picnics and hosted regular talks at their club meetings.;;As at June 2019 six clubs were operational in Tasmania - Circular Head, Burnie, Development, George Town, Launceston, and Hobart.