I. WELCOME TO THE SOPC
A very warm welcome to you and your family from the HQ SACT Officers', Non-Commissioned Officer and Civilian Staff Members Partners' Club (SOPC)!
The SOPC is a Morale and Welfare Activity program of ACT, an International Military Headquarters. Our purpose is to encourage friendship among our members and enhance the quality of life. We offer a valuable self-help and networking environment by organizing lunches and SOPC Social Clubs and Activities for our members. We also support selected charities, when resources permit.
II. Joining the SOPC
Before applying to be a member, you can read our Bylaws.
If you have any questions, please contact our Membership Team.
Annual membership is currently $ 35 per year.
III. Activities
1. Monthly Lunches
The SOPC lunches are usually held monthly from September to May. It is a great way to meet new friends and learn about different cultures, interests and activities. We hold a raffle during each lunch to raise money for our charities.
To attend lunches, you have to make a reservation through our website and pay for your reservation online at least a week before the date of the lunch is to be held.
2. Clubs and Circles
The SOPC offers about 15 social clubs where you can spend your days, make a lot of new friends and also increase your knowledge. The clubs include different points of interest:
-Languages
-Cooking
-Sports
-Arts and more.
Please contact the Club Leader Representative if you have an idea to run a new Club.
3. Social events
Events are organized by our Social team once a month: Craft Fairs, Wine tasting, Seasonal Celebrations, Parties, Theatre Visits, Museums, etc. help you to get to know more SOPC members, know more about what is available to do in the area, and just have fun.
IV. Charities
Through the sale of raffle tickets at the monthly lunches and other events such as our Annual Christmas Market the SOPC raises funds which are given directly to Charity Organizations. Selected Charities for 2024-2026 are:
St. Mary’s Home
St. Mary’s Home in Norfolk is a special place full of love and laughter, where children and young adults from all across Virginia live, play, go to school and receive complex, professional, around-the-clock care in a nurturing, comfortable environment to help them achieve their fullest potential.
Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD)
CHKD is a center for pediatrics that provides quality healthcare for vulnerable children. İt's the only free-standing children's hospital in the state. Whether a child needs hospitalization, ongoing care for a chronic illness, outpatient surgery or primary care, CHKD provides the staff, facilities and technologies.
V. Volunteer opportunities
Being in the USA, for most of us, means not being able to work or volunteer. With more time on our hands we can use this unique multi-cultural experience to support each other and our club by working in the Operations Committee (OPC). People ideally serve one year as an assistant and one year as a post holder.
Members of the OPC are presented with a reference letter and a photo album when they finish their term.
We would very much appreciate your support and participation!