On Membership Growth and Retention

Growth and retention is a concern at all levels in Altrusa, from our local clubs to International. What can be done to attract new members while maintaining existing members? Membership does not just happen. It takes planning and work from each Altrusan, and it is up to each of us if we are to achieve our membership goals.

Membership requires constant attention in our efforts to recruit and retain members. First, we start with a love of what Altrusa stands for—service, commitment to helping others, loyalty, leadership, and camaraderie. Next, we need to generate excitement for what our club is doing within the community and also the sisterhood that grows among club members as they band together to fight the good fight to promote literacy and the betterment of our communities. Then, there is a need to project the image of Altrusa’s rich history and tradition. Last but CERTAINLY not least, throw in a lot of FUN, good food, and presto-chango! You have the makings of an outstanding membership drive. When you believe in your product, it’s an easy sell. Many within my Garland Club comment on my enthusiasm and excitement when I talk about our service projects and our club. You can’t get others excited if you aren’t excited yourself.

The primary goal at all levels of Altrusa is to show a positive membership growth while focusing on diversity and increasing the members, especially members in the 25-50 age categories. It is these members who will carry on the Altrusa tradition and who are the future of our organization. Each member is challenged by International to sponsor one new member within the biennium.

Altrusa International developed the New Member Sponsorship Initiative Program during the Presidency of Past International President Donna Johnson in 2009. In this program members who sponsor two (or any multiple of two) new members are recognized at the District conferences with a pin showing the number of new members brought into their club.  At the International Convention in Rapid City, SD in July 2011 District Nine led in this program. Linda Gomez-Whitener of San Antonio placed first in all International, sponsoring 12 new members during the 2009-2011 biennium. There was a four way tie for second place. Sylvia Zamora, also of the San Antonio Club, brought in 10 new members, and I also placed second, sponsoring 10 new members. At District Nine conference last April International decided to further honor Altrusans bringing in 10 or more members with a gold pin and then for each additional 10 members recruited a jewel will be added to that gold pin.

In order to invite someone to join Altrusa you need to believe in our organization. Let your passion drive your commitment to growing your club. Many times a prospective member is someone you may have never considered would be interested in Altrusa—your neighbor, friend from church or other organization, family member, co-worker, hairdresser, dentist, casual acquaintance at a gym, retail, or even the grocery store. Ask a prospective member to a dinner/program meeting, ask them to volunteer in your club’s service project and for sure ask them to activities and outings that your club does just for fun. There is no right or wrong way of asking a prospective member to join Altrusa. The more you have working together, the more good deeds you’ll be able to accomplish for your community. One volunteer can do a little, but working together, much can be accomplished.

To keep members, club meetings should be short and well-organized with lots of fun and laughter mingled in. All members should feel that their input is welcomed and important.  Program/dinner meeting are good times to invite prospective members because less business is conducted and there is more time to get acquainted. Programs can be advertised in local media, the club newsletter and it is a great idea to have all meetings posted on the club website.

Orientation/re-orientation sessions are an important aspect of teaching new members about Altrusa and can be held as often as needed—at least once or twice a year. New members should attend, but established members should be welcome to attend as well. Time should be given to explain Altrusa’s history and goals, the club’s service projects, committees, making dinner reservations, and the club’s dues. Information that is passed along may seem elementary to us who have been in Altrusa for years but is overwhelming to new members. Reassure new members to ask questions anytime about anything that is unclear and as often as needed.

Orientation is also a good bonding time since it is with a small group and builds rapport between the new members and the established members present. At our orientations, new members are asked to choose the committee where they would like to serve, often on the same committee as their sponsor. New members should be assured that they are NOT expected to do everything the club does and no one is tracking their service. In Altrusa, members are not required to contribute a set number of volunteer hours—you do what you can and have time to do. Orientation is critical to new members becoming committed and involved, but it is the job of all established members to make them feel needed by using their time, talents, knowledge, and skills.

When a prospective member is introduced to Altrusa, the first area of interest is usually the service the club provides. As primarily a female service organization (no negativity intended), we by nature are givers, ever-ready to reach out a helping hand. However, most of us need more, and that is why Altrusa clubs should offer a wide variety of fun activities that build real friendship and camaraderie. These outings should vary depending on the likes and interest of the group but should be broad enough to include everyone—quarterly lunch bunch, monthly bridge or Bunco parties, book review groups, happy hours, eating dinner together at a local restaurant or home, movie night, a daylong shopping trip, spa night, etc.

Service; interesting, exciting meetings; and times to relax and get to know each other on a personal level are important to a club’s growth and retention. The warmth and enthusiasm become evident to all, especially visitors, and we WANT this to be contagious. Altrusa is not JUST a service club but is a group of friends who enjoy serving and have FUN doing it!

Shirley Raymer
District Nine Membership Development Chair
Altrusa International Inc. of Garland, Texas

 

Fall Leadership Event Update

Great news! We have had an outstanding number of Altrusa reservations for the Fall Leadership Event, scheduled for November 10, 2012, in Fredericksburg. The Inn on Barons Creek is filling up, so they have started a waiting list with name and phone number to contact Altrusans when suites become available. In the meantime, we have a small block of rooms at the Sunday House Inn and Suites, 501 East Main St. Call IOBC first, put your name on the waiting list, and then reserve at Sunday House. The room hold deadline is October 10.

Here is some information about the Sunday House Inn and Suites.

• At approximately 310 square feet, standard rooms are spacious and comfortable with two queen beds. They offer the rate of $99.95 for double occupancy and am holding a block of rooms under Altrusa International.
• Check in is at 4 p.m.; check out is at noon. A 24-hour cancellation notice is required. All rooms have mini-frig., blow dryers, iron/boards, and coffee pots. The staff is on duty 24 hours a day to provide you with any assistance you may need.
• Included in the room rate is a deluxe continental breakfast every morning that includes pastries, cereals, fruits, waffles, toast, hard-boiled eggs, oatmeal of different varieties, kolaches, three kinds of juices, and of course, coffee and teas of your choice.
• The Sunday House Inn and Suites is located at 501 East Main St. and is the closest hotel to the downtown area. It is within walking distance to the wonderful Nimitz Museum historical sites, a variety of restaurants, and the interesting shops.

Laura Trainor-Collins
Program Coordinator
First Vice Governor

2012 Fall Leadership Event

The District Nine Board of Directors is proud to announce the Fall Leadership Event in beautiful Fredericksburg, Texas from 9:00am to 12:30pm, Saturday November 10, 2012.

Fredericksburg has plenty of fabulous shopping, 12 wineries in the area, great restaurants and museums. The Inn On Barons Creek Spa and Conference Center is conveniently located two blocks from the historic Main Street, within walking distance to shopping, dining and attractions in Fredericksburg. It’s high season in the fall in the hill country so please make your room reservations asap. The Inn features two room suites with either a king bed or two queen beds, wireless internet, microwave, refrigerator, a heated saltwater pool and the Inn’s hot breakfast bar is included.

To reserve your suite call 866-990-0202 and mention the special Altrusa rate of $129 per suite. The group rate and suite availability are guaranteed through October 10, 2012 and you must call in the reservation. The Inn On Barons Creek Spa features therapeutic massages, facials, body scrubs, body wraps, pedicures and manicures so book your relaxing treatment by calling 830-990-2580. You may book your girls weekend spa treatment online at www.innonbaronscreek.com and chose from the extensive spa menu or take an online tour of the facility.

The registration form is attached, as well as available on the District Nine website. Send in the form and your check for $20 to District Nine Treasurer, Linda Hurt.  Instructions are on the form.

We are thrilled to announce Suzie Humphreys as the Fall Leadership Event keynote speaker:

"Ms. Humphreys is a motivational and inspirational  humorist with a message of honesty and plain spoken values that resonates in the hearts of all people who are not just trying to survive the times but THRIVE in them.  She believes that you can do anything you decide to do and enjoy getting there.  Whether it is the challenge of change or acceptance ... in relationships or situations, in the home or on the job... Suzie Humphreys helps you rise to the occasion with all the vigor and enthusiasm that living this wonderful life demands."*

Many may remember Ms. Humphreys from her time on local DFW radio and televisions shows. To learn more go to her website suziehumphreys.com and preview her sessions. 

So ... mark your calendars, grab your fellow Altrusans and let’s road trip to Fredericksburg for an Altrusa good time. Check the District Nine Website for updates, local wine tour information and area events for that weekend.  See you in Fredericksburg.

From One "Immediate Past" to Another ...

Congratulations to all the Club Presidents who have just completed their year as your Club Leader.  You should be very proud of your accomplishments. And to all your incoming Presidents, enjoy every minute of the coming year.  You will be amazed at how fast it will go. 

Kathy Folley

Immediate Past Governor

The Importance of Planning

The following is the Altrusa Accent prepared by Carolyn Hollingsworth, president-elect of the Dallas Club, for the June 19 meeting.

Planning helps an organization chart a course for the achievement of its goals. The process begins with reviewing the current operations of the organization and identifying what needs to be improved operationally in the upcoming year. From there, planning involves envisioning the results the organization wants to achieve, and determining the steps necessary to arrive at the intended destination--success, whether that is measured in financial terms, or goals that include being the highest-rated organization in customer satisfaction.

Efficient Use of Resources

All organizations, large and small, have limited resources. The planning process provides the information top management needs to make effective decisions about how to allocate the resources in a way that will enable the organization to reach its objectives. Productivity is maximized and resources are not wasted on projects with little chance of success.

Establishing Goals

Setting goals that challenge everyone in the organization to strive for better performance is one of the key aspects of the planning process. Goals must be aggressive, but realistic. Organizations cannot allow themselves to become too satisfied with how they are currently doing--or they are likely to lose ground to competitors. The goal setting process can be a wake-up call for managers that have become complacent. The other benefit of goal setting comes when forecast results are compared to actual results. Organizations analyze significant variances from forecast and take action to remedy situations where revenues were lower than plan or expenses higher.

Managing Risk And Uncertainty

Managing risk is essential to an organization’s success. Even the largest corporations cannot control the economic and competitive environment around them. Unforeseen events occur that must be dealt with quickly, before negative financial consequences from these events become severe. Planning encourages the development of “what-if” scenarios, where managers attempt to envision possible risk factors and develop contingency plans to deal with them. The pace of change in business is rapid, and organizations must be able to rapidly adjust their strategies to these changing conditions.

Team Building

Planning promotes team building and a spirit of cooperation. When the plan is completed and communicated to members of the organization, everyone knows what their responsibilities are, and how other areas of the organization need their assistance and expertise in order to complete assigned tasks. They see how their work contributes to the success of the organization as a whole and can take pride in their contributions. Potential conflict can be reduced when top management solicits department or division managers’ input during the goal setting process. Individuals are less likely to resent budgetary targets when they had a say in their creation.

While many of these points are for profit organizations they also relate to Non-Profit organizations like Altrusa.

References

“The Art of the Long View: Planning for the Future in an Uncertain World”; Peter Schwartz; 1996
From an article by Brian Hill, Demand Media

Refugees Have No Choice. You Do.

Today is World Refugee Day as recognized by the United Nations. Here is the description from their website:  

For years, many countries and regions have been holding their own Refugee Days and even Weeks. One of the most widespread is Africa Refugee Day, which is celebrated on 20 June in several countries.

The UN General Assembly, on 4 December 2000, adopted resolution 55/76 where it noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and that the Organization of African Unity (OAU) had agreed to have International Refugee Day coincide with Africa Refugee Day on 20 June.

The General Assembly therefore decided that 20 June would be celebrated as World Refugee Day.

This year the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, will start marking World Refugee Day by rolling out a striking new campaign, "Dilemmas," which is a development of the award-winning "1" campaign launched last year. "Dilemmas" depicts some of the tough choices facing refugees, helping the public to empathize with, and understand, their dilemma.

Click here to read the UN Secretary-General's message about World Refugee Day.

A Shout-Out to Our Leader

We are starting the second half of our biennium, and I must say I think District Nine rocks!  Governor LaVone is doing a stellar job of leading this amazing District …. so let me just say “Gov, you are my hero. Way to go!”

Kathy Folley
Immediate Past Governor

I couldn't help but tag onto Kathy's post to say I want to second that! Mde. Gov. LaVone, you are the bee's knees, the cat's pajamas, and whatever other crazy metaphors we can come up with to say how much we admire, appreciate, and loooooove you.

Beth Blair
Governor-Elect

There Is No Time Like the Present!

I love this time of year!  No, I’m not referring to the Texas heat, but I’m talking about the beginning of a new Altrusa Club year. There is so much excitement with a new Board, new committees, hopefully new members starting fresh with new enthusiasm and (did I say) excitement! Have you signed up to head a committee, a project, or fundraiser? If not, you really should give it a try. It’s a great way to get involved with the club. Don’t worry if you think you don’t know enough … you’ll learn as you go and there will be lots of people to help if you have questions. So take my advice …. jump in and get your feet wet. Just do it!

Kathy Folley

Immediate Past Governor

2010-2011 District Nine Success Stories

The District Nine awards luncheon at Conference is always an exciting and inspirational time as District Nine Altrusans learn about the outstanding projects and accomplishments of the Mighty Ninth Clubs. This year was no exception. All of the winning entries are posted on the International Altrusa website under District Nine shared files. We had 10 submissions for Mamie L Bass, 13 for Letha H Brown and seven for Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun. Read through the submissions and then plan to share your success by submitting your project.   

The Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun International Relations Award was adopted in 2003 as a memorial to the only International President who served two terms and who focused on the International aspect of our organization. Activities nominated for the Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun International Relations Award are judged each year at District Conferences. First-place winners from each District are entered in the competition at the International level. Judging criteria can be found on the all conference CD and the District and International websites. The first place winner receives a $100 check and certificate from International and a $50 Check and certificate from District Nine.

The first place winner of the Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun International Relations Award was Altrusa International Inc of Richardson, Texas. The Richardson Altrusans adopted Bead for Life, a 501(c) 3 organization that eradicates extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding and commerce between impoverished Africans and concerned world citizens. Ugandan women turn recycled paper into beautiful beads and use shea nuts to create cosmetics and soaps. People who care open their hearts, homes, and communities to buy and sell both products. The club hosted three Bead Parties where members made jewelry from the colorful beads and then sold the jewelry and shea butter products, raising a net profit of $723 which was returned to Uganda through Bead For Life. During the three events, a video was played introducing shoppers to the women of Uganda, the lives they live, and the products they produce to help foster awareness of the struggles of women in other countries. Four club meetings were dedicated to International Relations. They participated in District Fifteen’s “Altrusa Great Read” project, had a presentation from HELPS International, Inc. (on a Guatemala school) and North Lake College (on Cross Cultural Immersion). The club hosted a Chinese New Year Celebration for Pre-K through Second Graders where the children were entertained by a Lion Dance and festive music. Theses Altrusans observed all 11 International dates in a variety of ways including: publishing 11 articles, conducting Bead parties, and making monetary donations to Haiti Disaster Relief, Heifer International, and the USO United Through Reading Program. The club utilized resources and presented information about the Altrusa U.N. Representative. Congratulations to Altrusa International Inc of Richardson for your outstanding international relations work. 

The second place winner of the Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun International Relations Award was Altrusa International Inc of Downtown Dallas (DTD).The club members worked with Friends of Wednesday’s child, a Dallas agency that helps foster children to host an outdoor Modern Family festival held on May 15^th, the International Day of Families. The family and pet-friendly event featured live entertainment, vendors, food, children’s activities, and games. It was held in a Dallas area predominantly populated by lower income immigrants of Hispanic origin and had over 500 people attend. The club participated in event set-up (signs, tables, and decorations), registration, games with children, the Kids Circus, and clean-up activities. The DTD club dedicated 2 meetings to International Relations which included hosting a speaker recently emigrated from Venezuela who recounted her story of fleeing her country and a presentation on international aspects of social networking. They observed all 11 International dates with newsletter articles, accents, or club calendar notations. They contacted one of the Altrusa UN Representatives for ideas and shared information with members about how Altrusa is associated with the UN as a Non-Government Organization (NGO). Congratulations to Altrusa International Inc. of Downtown Dallas.

The third place winner of the Dr Nina Fay Calhoun International Relations Award was Altrusa International Inc of Garland, Texas. This club partnered with Heifer International (HI) and expanded The Read to Feed program to a third school. During the -2011 school year, 1,034 students read 50,787 books. Students then selected animals from the HI catalogs with budgets based on the number of books read. The project was funded by cookbook sales profit of $4,720, $250 from individuals, and a $250 grant from Walmart. In addition, two club meetings were dedicated to International relations, including a presentation on life in Belize and information about travel to Turkey and South American countries. Eight international dates were observed with various activities. Congratulations to Altrusa International Inc of Garland, Texas.

The Letha H. Brown Literacy Award was established by the International Board of Directors in July, 1993, to honor Past International President Letha H. Brown, who in 1977 introduced literacy as a major emphasis of the organization. Literacy projects nominated for the Letha H. Brown Literacy Award are judged each year at District Conferences. First-place winners receive a $100 check and certificate from International and a $50 check and certificate from District Nine.  First Place winners from each District are entered in the competition at the International level.

The first place winner of the Letha H Brown Governors Literacy Award was Altrusa International Inc. of Richardson. The club members adopted a multilingual pre-kindergarten class. Children qualify for the pre-K program based on household poverty or English as a second language. To help enrich their English language skills and improve their readiness for kindergarten, the Altrusans created thirteen different backpacks for children to check out, much like a library book, and use at home. The contents of the backpacks were designed to build reading, writing and vocabulary skills, to teach concepts such as shapes, patterns, numbers, and opposites, and to encourage exercise and healthy eating habits. A committee of seven members designed the contents of the backpacks and wrote instructions to guide parents in their use. The backpacks and kits cost approximately $400 to create. After backpacks were turned in by students, club members performed weekly inventories of the contents of the backpacks to replenish supplies and to make certain students took responsible care of the packs. A pack with lost items could result in removal from the backpack program, and students and parents were so excited by the backpacks that everyone worked hard to stay in the program. The children’s teacher was so pleased with the success of the program as a tool for kindergarten readiness that she has introduced the idea to other schools to encourage similar programs. This project required nearly 100 hours creating the backpack contents and instructions. A weekly commitment by two members to inventory the packs required an additional 30 hours of volunteer time. For the pre-K students of Terrace Elementary, it was time well spent, and they all appreciate the Terrace Elementary Homework Backpack Project. Congratulations to Altrusa International Inc of Richardson.

The second place winner of the Letha H Brown Governor’s Literacy Award for their Books for Cove’s Kids was Altrusa International Inc of Copperas Cove. Members of the club believed that all children should have a book of their own. When a local credit union stopped funding the local Reading is Fundamental program which provides books to students from kindergarten through third grade, this club leaped into the gap and took on this project. To fund book purchases, they held a golf tournament and spent over 200 hours soliciting sponsorships and donations, sending flyers to local businesses explaining how improved literacy helps the whole community. Eighty-six percent of the membership helped in various ways to make the tournament a success. Club members gathered and distributed 5250 books to grade school students at six elementary schools and another 560 books to kindergarteners. They also donated new and gently used books to over 100 children in the local Head Start program and to the children’s ward of a local hospital. They provided large print Reader’s Digest copies to nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. The total volunteer time for this project exceeded 500 hours as this club spread the gift of reading throughout its community. Congratulations to Altrusa International Inc of Copperas Cove.

The third place winner of the Letha H Brown Governors Literacy Award was Altrusa International Inc of Garland, Texas. This club’s ongoing F.R.O.G. project strengthens reading fluency and comprehension for students in three elementary schools. Club volunteers have weekly story time with kindergarten and first grade students, and also tutor twenty-two at-risk third graders. Older students participate in the Read to Feed program and the club makes a donation to Heifer International for each book read by a child. Over 1000 students participated in the Read to Feed program, reading over 50,000 books—a 53% increase from the previous year, with the club sending over $4500 to Heifer International. Additionally, the club hosts an annual book fair and purchases books for children. This year 1621 children received a book of their own, and the club recognized the top three readers in each grade. Eighty-two percent of club members participate in this project with over 1900 hours of service. The project was funded by the club’s poinsettia sale, a $1500 grant from International, $3250 from corporate sponsors, and some individual donors. Congratulations to Altrusa International Inc of Garland, Texas.

The Edith DeBusk President’s Award is based on the leadership role the club president has maintained throughout the club year. The 2010-2011 awards were judged on the Club Activity Report and the President’s annual oral report given at the close of the year.

Congratulations to the First Place recipient of the Edith DeBusk President’s Award for 2010-2011, Sharron Vance of Altrusa International Inc of Dallas. She received a $50 check and a plaque from District Nine. Sharron stated she now has a better understanding of the phase “Altrusa is a builder of women” because Altrusa helped shape her. She wants no credit for herself … only her club. Under Sharron’s leadership, this club added seven new members, introduced a new fundraiser, and made membership and communication a priority. They provided text books, supplies, and funds for children with dyslexia and autism; provided school uniforms for children of the homeless; and worked with a local food bank to provide food for both humans and their pets. They supported the Children’s Advocacy Center by providing cameras, school supplies, toys and holiday gifts; and sponsored women in Ghana & Tanzania so they could start their own business. Sharron wrote in her report “we raised money, increased our membership, served the community, had outstanding programs and through it all had lots of fun. Her theme for the year was “Reach for the Stars”.

Congratulations to the second place recipient of the Edith DeBusk President’s Award, Holly Roundtree, Altrusa International Inc. of Downtown Dallas. Under Holly’s leadership this club supported many worthwhile organizations in their community. They provided Christmas gifts, held holiday parties, wrote birthday greetings, gathered school supplies and even prom dresses. They taught clients how to dress for success, and found out first hand that “School (really) is Cool”. On top of their many service projects, they also held a successful fundraising event that brought in $66,000 to fund their programs. They added 10 new members and kept everyone happy with enlightening programs, fun-filled retention and recruitment events, powerful service projects, amazing fundraising, and strong leadership. They even managed to host one heck of a District Conference.

Congratulations to the third place recipient of the Edith DeBusk President’s Award, Mary Beth McLemore, Altrusa International Inc of Richardson. Mary Beth began preparing for her role as Club President far in advance. She spent time attending meetings, listening to members, and observing to determine how she wanted to lead this powerful club. Under her leadership the club added 12 new members, provided for a local food bank, a women’s shelter, and a local Santa program. They gathered books and promoted literacy with their adopt-a-school’s “Teddy Bear Time” and “Read to Me” programs, worked with seniors & participated in a memory walk. They shared their experiences with other Altrusa clubs by working with them on service projects, supporting their fundraising, and sharing in their membership events. Mary Beth’s buzz word throughout the year was “empowerment” and she set out to make this the “Year of Leaders” by empowering each member to move the club forward.

The Mamie L. Bass Community Service Award was established by the International Board of Directors in July, 1963, as a memorial to the first National President of Altrusa. The name was changed to the Mamie L. Bass Service Award by the International Board of Directors in July, 1975. The objectives of the award are: to stimulate interest in developing action programs in the community that fall within the scope of Altrusa programs of service, to encourage members of local Clubs to participate actively in service projects designed to meet specific local needs and to recognize outstanding Club achievement in service to the community.

The first place Mamie L Bass Service Award with a $100 check and certificate from International and a $50 check and certificate from District Nine went to Altrusa International Inc of Lubbock. The club’s service project, Red Raider Riders involved a therapeutic riding program. Over 100 children and adults with physical, emotional or mental disabilities participate in a therapeutic riding program. Members enthusiastically adopted RRR in July and started the project in August by collecting and donating $150 in school supplies for the kids and their siblings. October “Make-A-Difference Day” found club members taking photos and creating laminated flashcards to be used as teaching and therapy aids, cleaning and oiling a barn full of horse tack, and working to spruce up the outdoor sensory trail for the Fall by purchasing and planting fall/winter flowers. Club members provided emotional support and outreach at Christmas by hosting a family dinner complete with an Altrusan-made knitted stocking cap and horse ornament for every child, a blanket for every family, a visit with Santa, and a hayride to see the Christmas lights. To promote literacy, 150 horse-themed reading books were donated for Valentine’s Day in lieu of the original “Read-to-My Pony” week that was foiled by icy weather. The final activity for the year was a “Spring Cleaning” of the sensory trail. Altrusans provided paint, mulch, plants and lots of elbow grease partnering with volunteers, and staff, and students to power wash, scrape, and paint the sensory trail gazebo, reset sand-buried rock borders, plant flowers and overall maintenance of the trail landscaping. During this year-long project, 100% of the club members participated by donating over 800 hours of service. The project was funded through a $2,000-Altrusa Foundation grant and $1,500 from club fundraisers for a total of $3,500. By year end, and as a result of so many donations, $1,200 of the original $3,500 budget was dedicated to build a much needed handicap-accessible ramp for the facility at the Texas Tech Therapeutic Riding Center. Congratulations Altrusa International Inc of Lubbock.

The second place Mamie L Bass Service Award went to Altrusa International Inc of Downtown Dallas for their service project, Friend’s of Wednesday’s Child, a non-profit organization dedicated to filling the needs of foster children in North Texas. This project also became the primary focus of fund raising and service for the club. The club conducted several projects beginning in July with birthday cards with personal messages and Wal-Mart gift cards for over 70 children to purchase back-to-school clothing. October found 100% of the club members raising an astonishing $40,000 for Friend’s in their Dessert First Fundraiser. For Make-a-Difference Day club members provided school supplies for Friend’s as well as for two other groups. January found club members using their organizational skills emptying toys, games and stuffed animals from a Friend’s storage unit and delivering them to the Friend’s main offices for distribution. That same month Altrusans again prepared personalized birthday cards containing gifts cards for over 60 foster children. Altrusans visited with children at a Valentine’s party making Valentine’s and bookmarks, playing bingo and decorating cookies. In May, the Club enlisted the help of their two ASTRA Clubs to help with a prom dress drive donating 100 dresses, shoes, purses, jewelry and goodie bags. The year was topped off by helping with “Modern Family Fest”, an event to allow foster and biological families to socialize and play together. This club opened their hearts and willing hands to support the efforts of Friend’s donating 171.5 hours of service and over 400 hours in fund raising to erase the stigma articulated in the Nursery Rhyme “Wednesday’s Child is full of woe.”  Congratulations Altrusa International Inc of Downtown Dallas.

The Mamie L Bass Service Third place award went to Altrusa International, Inc. of Central Texas. The purpose of this project for this new club charted in 2008 was to provide comfort to children mostly from low-income families that were hospitalized in a new pediatric unit of the Metroplex Hospital. Because of the “institutional” nature of this hospital wing, the club chose to devote several years of service to the facility beginning with a project that all members could participate – making fleece blankets and assembling “comfort bags,” containing donated hygiene items, a book, and a blanket that each child could keep for their own. To finance the project the club obtained a $1,000-grant from Altrusa International, organized and sponsored a “Night of Giving” raising over $600, and by soliciting donations resulting in 250 books and 200 yards of material from Wounded Warriors at Fort Hood. Additionally, 600 Altrusa-imprinted cloth bags were donated by a local merchant. Club members resourcefully enlisted the help of a high school service organization to assist with the cutting and tying of the fleece blankets. In all, these Altrusans donated over 200 hours of personal service that helped make each child’s hospital stay a little less frightening and overwhelming with a “comfort bag” made with “Altrusa love.” Congratulations Altrusa International Inc of Central Texas.

Laura Trainor-Collins
First Vice Governor
Program Coordinator

World No-Tobacco Day

From the World Health Organization's website:

Theme: Tobacco industry interference

16 September 2011 -The World Health Organization (WHO) selects "tobacco industry interference" as the theme of the next World No Tobacco Day, which will take place on Thursday, 31 May 2012.

The campaign will focus on the need to expose and counter the tobacco industry's brazen and increasingly aggressive attempts to undermine the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) because of the serious danger they pose to public health.

Tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of death. The global tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year, of which more than 600,000 are people exposed to second-hand smoke. Unless we act, it will kill up to 8 million people by 2030, of which more than 80% will live in low- and middle-income countries.

As more and more countries move to fully meet their obligations under the WHO FCTC, the tobacco industry's efforts to undermine the treaty are becoming more and more energetic.

For example, in an attempt to halt the adoption of pictorial health warnings on packages of tobacco, the industry recently adopted the novel tactic of suing countries under bilateral investment treaties, claiming that the warnings impinge the companies' attempts to use their legally-registered brands.

Meanwhile, the industry's attempts to undermine the treaty continue on other fronts, particularly with regard to countries' attempts to ban smoking in enclosed public places and to ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

World No Tobacco Day 2012 will educate policy-makers and the general public about the tobacco industry's nefarious and harmful tactics.

It will also be in keeping with the letter and the spirit of the WHO FCTC. The preamble of the treaty recognizes "the need to be alert to any efforts by the tobacco industry to undermine or subvert tobacco control efforts and the need to be informed of activities of the tobacco industry that have a negative impact on tobacco control efforts".

In addition, Article 5.3 of the treaty states that "in setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, Parties shall act to protect these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national law".

Furthermore, the guidelines to the implementation of Article 5.3 state that Parties are recommended to "raise awareness about…tobacco industry interference with Parties' tobacco control policies".

On World No Tobacco Day 2012, and throughout the following year, WHO will urge countries to put the fight against tobacco industry interference at the heart of their efforts to control the global tobacco epidemic.

Your District Visitor: Make the Most of It!

Ask any current or former district officer, and she will tell you that making club visits is one of the best parts of her position. She gets to travel, meet new people, and lend an ear to clubs to help wherever she can, and then she takes back what she's learned to be applied across the district. I've joked that I steal something from every club I visit ... and I pretty much do! I get a lot of neat ideas and see a lot of places for improvement, too.

Every District Nine club, every year, is assigned a district visitor, but remember that this person can be much more than a guest at one meeting. She's there to be used as a resource all year long; think of her as your liaison to the district board and program team. If she doesn't know the answer, she knows who does and will help you get it ... and all members should feel they have free and open access to board and program team members! Contact us at any time; no question is too simple.

With the beginning of our club year approaching, all club presidents soon will be contacted by a board member to schedule their annual visit. I encourage you to settle on a meeting at which:

• The board (and possibly committee chairs) can meet with the visitor separately from the rest of the club
• The visitor can have about 15 minutes to address the club on happenings across the district

Other tips to remember:

• The visitor will send you a pre-visit survey to return to her before she arrives. The information gathered on this form will help her with her club visit report.
• Shortly after your visit, you should receive the visitor's Club Visit Report. This is to be shared with all club members. A copy of this report, along with another report similar to the pre-visit survey you filled out, will be distributed to all district board members.
• The district governor will visit all clubs once during her four years as governor-elect and governor.
• District visitors love chocolate. Oh, wait. Well, we do. But (bribes and) gifts are not necessary.

I've told many people that every time I visit a club, I come away wanting to be a member there. We have some really terrific clubs in the Mighty Ninth, y'all! I can't wait to see you!

Beth Blair
Governor-Elect

Successful Planning

Here we are, on the eve of another club year. Clubs are in full swing with their planning process, and new committee chairs and officers are chomping at the bit to get their terrific ideas into place. I’m excited about it, too! I’ve heard a lot of great ideas for the coming year, and some interesting ways of planning.

A few reminders as you plan your year:

1.    Remember to review your club, district, and international strategic plan and officers’ goals, and develop projects and activities to support them.

2.    Review the criteria for the Mamie L. Bass Service Award, the Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun International Relations Award, and the Letha H. Brown/Governors Literacy Award, and be sure your plans accommodate the criteria accordingly.

3.    Give every member a true voice, allowing their ideas to be considered. As a builder of women, part of Altrusa’s draw is that it allows us to try new ideas and receive the support of our sisters.

Every club lays out its plans differently. A few examples:

1.    Temple has an all-club retreat, where every member has a say in what service projects will be tackled this year.

2.    Dallas allows its Service Committee to make the plans, then the club has a say in approving the recommendations from the committee.

3.    DFW is implementing an all-club retreat this year, where they will break into smaller groups to make their plans.

What does your club do?

And the Winner Is ...

The excitement builds at Conference as descriptions of the best service projects and leaders in District Nine are read at Saturday’s awards luncheon, and yet some of our members still feel like their project should have been up there as well. Why isn’t it? Awards entries are a snap if you just follow the instructions and a few tips. The district board is asked a lot of questions about filing these awards, and the answers are readily available. Here are some frequently asked questions, along with simple answers, from the current Club President’s Handbook, published by the International Leadership Committee.
 
Where do I get the information concerning awards?
The award applications from Altrusa International Inc. will be sent directly to the president in the Awards Packet included in the January club president’s mailing along with the Club Annual Report. Watch for this very important packet! Every attendee at the 2012 District Nine Conference received a CD with this awards packet included.

Who is responsible for filling out the application?
Generally, a group of members who have worked closely with the project completes the application, or the president may appoint a member or a committee.

When are the entries due?
Dates vary by District. Your District Governor has probably given you a yearly calendar. Check to see if the due dates are included in it. Another source of information on due dates is your local District Service Bulletin. Most awards are due either on May 31 or June 1. You still have time!

How do I know the criteria?
Award criteria information comes with your awards packet. Follow the criteria closely, and make sure you cross all your T’s and dot all your I’s to ensure your entries are qualified.

May we enter the same project for the Mamie L. Bass (MLB), Letha H. Brown (LHB) and the Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun (NFC) Awards?
No! Your club will have to decide which award to apply for if your project fits the criteria for all the awards.

May we enter more than one Letha H. Brown, Mamie L. Bass, or Nina Fay Calhoun entry in a given year?
No! You may make only one Letha H. Brown, Mamie L. Bass and Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun application in any one year.

Are projects that are primarily fund-raising for club use eligible?
No! MLB and LHB awards are meant to show service to the community. The Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun is an International Relations Award.

Who judges the entries?
MLB, LHB and NFC awards are first judged in the District by non-Altrusa judges. The annual first place winners at the District level go to International where they are judged by three non-Altrusan judges.

You will have a much better understanding of the awards program if you read the awards applications, instructions, and criteria in the awards packet.

Good luck in your club’s efforts to achieve these very coveted awards.

Celebrating the Colors of Altrusa

From Linda Moore's Leadership Luncheon presentation at our recent District Nine Conference.

I love to watch all types of sports from football, basketball, golf, baseball/softball, and many others at all levels! My household of husband and two kids refers to sporting events as “family entertainment.”

The past 12 months have called for lots of sporting celebrations in the great State of Texas—aka District Nine—First, Baylor University is now home to the current Heisman Trophy Winner and the 2012 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Champions!  The Dallas Mavericks professional basketball team won the World Championship! The Texas Rangers baseball team played in the 2011 World Series and was just plays away from winning the title.  

Also in the last 12 months, Altrusa International has adopted a new logo with new colors and I felt we needed to “celebrate” these colors and identify the leadership qualities of each.

Teal: The tallest color in our logo—From our International President’s Message in the October 2011 International Altrusan, “Picture the color of the oceans linking lands around the globe and representing the worldwide nature of Altrusa.” I cannot think of any better way to say it. Teal represents the International organization. Teal is the color of communication, self-awareness, initiative, and sophistication. All four of these descriptions describe qualities of leaders. A leader must be able to communicate with her superiors and her subordinates. Communication is a KEY to being a great leader. A leader must have self-awareness and know when she is in over her head or when she has things in control; know when to speak or when to stay quiet and be aware of personal feelings around her. A leader must have initiative and be able to tackle a project or program without the daily affirmation from others. Even though we need affirmation occasionally, it is not the reason we take on a leadership role. Sophistication is something that we gain as we mature. Look around this room and witness the sophistication and leadership qualities we have in our District Nine leaders. This room is filled with “Teal” leaders!

The next color in the logo is Gray: The gray color in our logo represents the clubs and districts. Gray is the color of intellect, knowledge, and wisdom and is perceived as long-lasting and classic. Well, this is all about leadership. Leaders must possess intellect about their passions. Altrusans are so passionate about their communities and their projects. Just ask an Altrusan and she will share her intellect about her favorite project. Knowledge is ongoing and growing in leaders. A leader must be willing to learn and gain knowledge from every experience. Wisdom is again something that we gain as we mature. This room is filled with “Gray” leaders as well!

The third color of the logo is Gold: The gold color in our logo represents ASTRA, Altrusa’s treasure and future. Gold is a bold color associated with wealth and prosperity. Gold is representative as praise and commendation, value, and excellence. Leaders are praised and valued by groups, mainly because they are selected by those groups. A leader must not forget, they usually have been chosen by their peers to be in the capacity they are in, so they must be willing to listen and work for ideas and respect from their members. A true leader is of great value to their organization because they are willing to step up and take the lead. There is a lot of gold in this room as well!

The last color of the logo is Red: The red in our logo represents the heart and strength of Altrusans. The color red is energizing. It excites the emotions and motivates us to take action, which is exactly what leaders in Altrusa are all about! Red is the color of power and love. Red signifies a pioneering spirit, promoting ambitions and determination—which is a strong leadership trait. Altrusa is such a RED organization! Altrusa allows for members to become leaders, expand their leadership abilities, and promote their love and determination to help with their communities, their country and their world. Again, the room is filled with red leaders.

When you combine these colors, you find our new logo, which now makes sense: These colors were selected because they represent what Altrusa is all about. Leadership Qualities, Leadership Abilities, and the Leadership in this Room! Let’s all stand and wave our pennants in Altrusa celebration and see how the colors combine to invigorate and excite our senses and our abilities as leaders!

I want to make a toast to you to wrap up: Here’s to being open to the infinite possibilities in each soul; May your wonder always exceed your certainty.

Linda Moore
District Nine Director and Leadership Development Committee Chair
From the 2012 District Conference Leadership Luncheon Program

The True Value of Membership

I’ve recently been reminded about how much my Altrusa membership means to me on a personal level. Yes, you hear people say “Oh, I would never have met this person if it hadn’t been for Altrusa,” and while that’s true, it’s also true for anyone you might consider your arch-rival! (“Oh, I would never have met Cruella DeVille if I hadn’t started working at Krispy Kreme in college!”)

What’s priceless about the relationships we make with our Altrusa sisters is that we’re all in this life together. We have no reason to form rivalries, and that leaves us open to forming lasting bonds and meaningful friendships—and real sisterly love. We lift each other up, through thick and thin. Encouragement and laughter come easily among these women whom I have begun to truly treasure. I learn from them, and I enjoy their personalities. I feel like I know their families. I consider them my family.

I grew up as an only child and never had a lot of friends, but I have had good friends. My Altrusa sisters are increasing those numbers for me every day, and as I get older I understand how important those friendships are. These women, who hail from all over the state of Texas and, yes, all around the world, are the ones who will be there for me forever. You can’t buy that.

So reflect a little on the true value of your Altrusa membership, then call that one person you wish would just give us a try because you know the benefit she would get out of membership—and that Altrusa would get out of her.

Beth Blair
Governor-Elect

International Day of Families

While not a political organization, Altrusa places emphasis on many international observances as decreed by the United Nations. Today is the International Day of Families, an occasion to celebrate the importance of families to people, societies, and cultures around the world.

This year's theme is "Ensuring Work and Family Balance."

What Can Altrusans Do?
Change starts at home! Raising awareness in your community can as simple as

• Posting suggestions to balance work and family on your club's or personal Facebook page.
• Sending gift cards (spa, movies, restaurants, etc.) to hard-working folks you know, along with a note reminding them to take some time to be with their familes. 
• Sponsoring family game night or reading night at your local community center or library.

What are your ideas for spreading the word about the importance of family in your community? For more background about the UN's International Day of Families, see the page on the United Nations' website: http://www.un.org/en/events/familyday/.

Meetings for Members (and Potential Members!)

On Tuesday night I attended the DFW Club’s installation banquet. I had a fabulous time! The food was great, the company was great, and of course, the cause was great. I want to tell you, though, about something in particular this club did very well. They hosted an event that was effective for both guests (potential Altrusans) and members (Altrusans we’d like to retain). It was amazing, and looked almost effortless. You can do it in YOUR club, too. Make every meeting an EVENT, and you’ll “gain and retain.”

GAIN GAIN GAIN

I bet DFW gets at least two new members out of this meeting, and perhaps one for another District Nine club. Why? Because they showed off their programs and their members were thrilled to tell the guests all about them.

• A presentation showed off their projects from the entire year. Just pictures set to music. I heard guests asking all about the projects, and I heard members enthusiastically describing them.
• Display boards, along with samples of some of their projects like blankets they are making, set at opposite corners of the room, drew guests in as they wondered “what is up with that cute blankie!” and allowed guests to explore the offerings of their club on their own time.

Cute, cute, cute, napkin ribbons and adorable
programs put the special touch on this
fabulous meeting.

RETAIN RETAIN RETAIN

• DFW has a great group of ladies. They are all chatty and engaging, and they are proud of what they’ve accomplished. The slide show really allowed them to reminisce and reflect about the great things they’ve done. With that combined with the inspirational installation program, current members came away with some inspiration to make the coming club year even better.
• Adorable (yet simple) decorations added a special touch. They had their napkins tied with ribbons … that had our great new logo! I kept my little yellow bow and attached it to my pin ribbon. It’s fantastic!

If I had one suggestion for the club, it would be to make sure to get the contact information for your guests and follow up. You don’t need to “close the deal” right away, just send a note to say thanks, and give her a call about a week before your next event to invite her along.

Thank you, Altrusa International Inc. of DFW, for a wonderful evening. Linda Pavona, you put together a great program and installation. Carla Helstrom, you’re going to be a great president. And Altrusans of DFW, please invite me to your next event. I want to be part of the amazing service you provide!

Beth Blair
Governor-Elect