Why I Became an Altrusan: Bobbi Klein, Richardson

I have to admit that at first, I apparently did not truly see what an amazing difference becoming an Altrusan would make in my life. A friend started asking me to come to a meeting probably 4 or 5 years before I “took the plunge.” At the time, my time was full with other volunteering and “didn’t think I had the time.” It took me a while to free myself up enough to feel like I had the time to devote to anything new. I have to admit that I once I start something I can get pretty passionate and often jump in with both feet. That’s why I didn’t think I had the time until then. I wanted to be sure I had the time to devote to it “properly” … whatever that is.

The first thing I did with Altrusa was to walk with the club in the Komen Race for the Cure. Then I went to a couple of meetings and was hooked. What seems to be true for almost all of us was also true for me … I didn’t really get what it meant to be an Altrusan until I was one. But once I realized what I had found, I was “in with both feet.”

The first reason I wanted to become an Altrusan was because I wanted to continue to serve the community and Altrusa gives me that opportunity in spades! I am amazed every day at what can be accomplished by a couple of determined women and when they all get together – look out!

The second reason was that I don’t have any family near me and I was interested in making new friends. Wow! Did I ever!! They say that the friends you make as a child will always be your best friends. But “they” apparently don’t know what it’s like to be an Altrusan!

So the reasons I became an Altrusan are also the reasons I remain an Altrusan … there’s just so much more to it  than I ever expected!

Altrusa hugs,

Bobbi