Monday, June 17, 2013

New-Member Initiation of the Month

Here is a new-member initiation ceremony you can use during a Club meeting at any time. We’ll publish one each month. Send us your favorite to share!

[[New member]], It is with great pride that I officially welcome you into Altrusa. To be invited to become an Altrusan is a high honor indeed—and one that should be cherished. Remember that you do not join Altrusa, you become an Altrusan.

Confucius said: “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.”

Most women want to look beautiful and often use makeup to enhance their natural beauty. Tonight, let’s think of this makeup bag as a representation of Altrusa International Inc. of [[Your Club Name]]. The items placed inside will represent the opportunity you will have to make our Club and our community more beautiful.

Let’s start with:

A Good Foundation. Foundation is an important component in adding beauty, as it creates the canvas to which color will be added. In Altrusa, the foundation is attending meetings, participating in service projects, and adopting the ideals of Altrusa. Much information you will need to become acquainted with Altrusa is in the Bylaws and Policies and the Altrusa Encyclopedia. These items, coupled with your attendance and participation, get you off to a good start. New-member orientation will help you to understand many facets about the Club and its operation.

Blush or Rouge. Blush is used not only to brighten up your face and add some color, but can be used to contour features to enhance them. In Altrusa, there are many opportunities for you to enhance who you are by utilizing your talents in programs, service, and fundraising for the betterment of the club and the community. Your colors will shine brightly as you find yourself taking on tasks and learning new skills. Because Altrusa is a builder of women, you have much opportunity for personal growth as a life enhancement.

Eye Shadow. The varied colors of eye shadow represent the multitude of service opportunities and friendships that await you in Altrusa. The interests in this Club are varied, as are the personalities and even the ages of the members. Community needs come and go, and Altrusa strives to meet the needs of this community. Just as you would not want to wear every color of shadow on your eyelids, you might not want to participate in every project done by the club. Mix and blend the choices well and you won’t be overwhelmed. But you might want to try a new color every now and then.

Mascara. Mascara is the product that really makes your eyes pop, bringing your lashes into view, and often helps lashes to grow. In Altrusa, we need to grow as well, and you are encouraged to grow in knowledge of Altrusa, to grow in friendship with the other members by working together and getting to know each other, and to help bring in other new members so that our club will also grow.

Lipstick. Now that we have the foundation, the blush, eye shadow, and mascara, it is time for lipstick to add that finishing touch. Lipstick represents your dedication to Altrusa. Just as your lipstick will fade with wearing, so can your dedication to Altrusa fade if it does not become an important addition to your life. So, I encourage you to pay attention to your commitment to Altrusa just as you do to keeping lipstick on your lips. A way to do this is by attending District Conference each year. International Convention is held on odd-number years. Both will help you to maintain your enthusiasm for Altrusa and its service, so attendance is encouraged.

The last item to go into the bag is a mirror. The mirror provides opportunity for you to see the reflection of who you become through membership in Altrusa. I trust that you will find it a beautiful sight!

Now, if you are still ready to become a member of Altrusa International Inc. of [[Your Club Name]] and follow the ideals of Altrusa, please say “I do.”

Sponsor, will you please present her pin? The pin is to be worn proudly over your heart. Wear it to meetings, of course, but wear it daily so that it will be noticed and you will have opportunity to share Altrusa with others.

Madam president, I am happy to introduce our newest member, [[name]], whose membership is sure to add beauty to this Club.

Brenda Tucker
Altrusa International Inc. of Pampa, Texas, and Past Governor of District Nine

Please let your voice be heard. Write your ideas, and send them to Governor Beth for publishing on “Thoughts From the Mighty Ninth.”

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