Soroptimist International of Billings

Club Identifying Project - Baby Think It Over!

Soroptimist International of Billings identifies the needs of our community, then establishes specific projects to address these needs.  In addition to our commitment to the community, Soroptimist are concerned with effecting change national and international levels to improve the quality of life for people throughout the world.

BTIO is an infant simulator designed to teach the student what it is like to be the main caregiver of an infant.  The high school student must keep the simulator with them at all times during their assignment and provide its care as needed.  BTIO will cry when it needs care.  It must be held correctly, its head must be supported properly, it must be allowed to sleep, "fed" (with care key inserted) when programming requires and not handled roughly.

BTIO is intended to help teens understand that an infant's demands are unpredictable and must be met promptly; and, an infant will require a great deal of time and attention.  Of course these things will change the teen parent's lifestyle profoundly.  The teen can have as real of an experience as possible.   It shows teens the responsibilities of parenting and a preview of the possible consequences of sexually active behavior.  For more information about BTIO visit their Website http://www.realityworks.com/.

Soroptimist's goal, along with much community support, is to have BTIO added to the curriculum of Billings School District #2 and Laurel Public School.  The funds to kick off this project in Yellowstone County was over $72,000.  This was accomplished by community fund raising and grants.   Contributors include: Soroptimist of Billings,  The Charles M. Bair Family Trust, Pioneer Kiwanis, St. Vincent's Employee Fund, St. Vincent's Foundation, Rose Canditt, Breakfast Exchange, March of Dimes Billings Chapter, March of Dimes Joe L Ault Jr. Memorial, F O Eagles, Ladies Auxiliary for F O Eagles, Dr. John L Tripp DDS, CTA Architects, Billings Optimist, Dr. Thomas Wickliffe DDS, The Graduates Out to Lunch Bunch and Soroptimist International of the Americas - Making A Difference for Women.

This Club Identifying Project continues and funds are still needed to support it in other counties in Montana. Big Horn County High Schools are integrating BTIO into their curriculum for the 1998/1999 school year as well as School District #2 curriculum expansion.  Contributions may be sent to Soroptimist International of Billings, P O Box 2322, Billings, MT 59103 or call Mary Stickney 406-255-0288.