Do You Get It?

When I became an Altrusan in 1997, I did it for all the right reasons: My Aunt Carolyn invited me, I thought it would be fun, and I needed something on my resume. All valid reasons to be an Altrusan.

Money was tight, but each year when dues came up I scraped together enough funds to remain a member because I'd found myself a little challenge: I wanted to be president of my club and put some neat ideas to work. This was yet another valid reason to be an Altrusan, because I'd heard time and again that Altrusa is a place where you can try things and the members will support you. I thought I'd test that, and so I did.

Along my ascent to the top post in my club, I joined forces with a couple of other newer members. Paula and Michelle became my running buddies, confidantes, and sounding boards. I'm not from the Dallas area, and I had made few friends other than these likeminded ladies from my little service club. Together, we solved the world's--and each other's--problems. We were tight. They became the face of Altrusa for me, and I for them.

And somewhere along the way, I got it. Altrusa became a way of life for me. I planned my vacations around Conference time. I relished my blossoming friendships with women all around the world. I looked forward to service projects and to first and third Tuesday nights, and I couldn't understand when a club member whom I respected treated me badly, or when another said she had "put in her Altrusa time." Now I understand: They didn't get it.

Today, I am wrestling with one of the most stressful situations I've dealt with in my lifetime. And the first people I told were Altrusans. They have poured forth their encouragement, prayers, and welcome suggestions. They have let me literally cry on their shoulders in a room full of people I don't know. They have waxed eloquently about me and reminded me that I am loved, no matter what, and that I am special to them.

And that's how you know when you really "get" the value of Altrusa membership. You don't need a life crisis to circle the wagons. You just need to experience the true friendship that is cultivated when a group of caring women (and men! I see that hand, Juan!) pull up side by side, push up their sleeves, and experience the true joy that comes from making their communities better--together.

As I serve District Nine as Governor, I know that our members will be leading to better communities. I've personally taken on a burden to spread the fabulousness of Altrusa membership to as many new people as I can. As each new member attaches her pin over her heart for the first time, I'll be sending a little prayer that she makes the most of her membership. That she will "get" it.

Beth Blair
Governor