In 1921, eighty professional and business women founded the first Soroptimist Club in Oakland, California. The name of the group was coined from the Latin terms “soror” and “optima,” (the best for women), as the underlying goal of the club was to improve the status of women through community, national and international service. The first New Jersey Soroptimist Club was organized in 1930. The Soroptimists' main commitments are to economic and social development, health, education, the environment, international goodwill and the status of women. They continuously sponsor local, regional and national programs for children, women and the elderly. They have also shown interest in the world community, with an emphasis on China and the United Nations.