SIA Procedures Update: Region Conferences
We are writing to share important updates to the SIA Procedures regarding the frequency of region conferences and the rotation and format of SIA’s biennial convention.
These changes are the result of work on the “Overarching Event Model” project. This has been a multi-year review process that included careful evaluation, member and leadership feedback, and consideration of both engagement and financial feasibility.
Below are modifications to the SIA Procedures that were approved by the SIA Board of Directors in June 2025.
F. Procedures Governing Regions, 4. Conferences, Meetings, and Voting
Current Language
a. Each region shall hold at least one region conference annually at a time and place to be determined by region bylaws. Regions may hold their conferences in any of the following formats to be considered a region conference for the purpose of this procedure: face-to-face, audio or video conferencing, or live-streamed social media. Clubs must have the ability to interact with each other and with region leaders through real-time audio or chat features in a session or multiple sessions of all clubs in order to be considered a region conference.
Revised Language
a. Each region shall hold one face-to-face region conference during the odd-numbered year of each biennium, at a time and place determined by the region's bylaws. Each region has the option to hold a virtual region conference during the even-numbered year of the biennium.
G. Conventions now has an additional section:
7. The Biennial Convention will rotate between a face-to-face and a virtual event every other biennium, with face-to-face events rotating among the following three geographical macro-regions of the federation in this order:
South American Macro-Region – comprises the America del Sur, Brazil, and Mexico/Centroamerica regions
North American Macro-Region – comprises all regions in Canada and the United States
Asian Macro-Region – comprises all regions in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Taiwan
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that changes to procedures can raise questions or concerns. To support you in navigating these updates and communicating effectively with members in your region, we've prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) resource. Please take a few moments to review it, as it covers key points and common questions.
These changes are effective now and are reflected in SIA’s Procedures. We encourage regions to begin planning accordingly and will continue supporting leaders as they adapt to these updates.
We deeply appreciate your engagement, leadership, and thoughtful feedback that shaped these decisions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to siahq@soroptimist.org with any questions.
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