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
