Altrusa International, Inc

Altrusa International, Inc (Altrusa) is an international non-profit organization focused on community service. It was founded in Nashville, Tennessee in 1917 [1] by Dr. Alfred Durham as a chain of national clubs for business and professional women.[2][3]

History

In 1934 the organization became international when it started clubs in Mexico. In 1937 its first convention outside the United States took place in Cuernavaca, Mexico.[4] By 1950, Altrusa had 266 clubs with 28,600 women executives and professional leaders as members.[5]

In 1957, the organization had clubs in eight countries. Its program for service for 1957-1959, based on a survey of clubs, focused on traffic safety, expanded services for older people, and the need for youth guidance to reduce delinquency.[6]

In 1963, Altrusa had over 500 clubs in ten countries. The 1963-1965 program called for expanded vocational services to youth and older workers, more international relations programs and projects, and increased efforts to conserve human resources at all ages.[7]

Current status

As of January 2008, Altrusa had around 10,000 members in 383 clubs[8] from 13 countries, including Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.[9] It is an official observer to the United Nations, and an NGO with consultative status on the Roster of ECOSOC.[10]


References

  1. ↑ "Celebrate Anniversary of Altrusa". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. April 4, 1942.
  2. ↑ Altrusa International, Inc
  3. ↑ http://www.altrusa.com/AboutAltrusa/History.aspx accessed 03-25-2009
  4. ↑ "Altrusa Celebrates 50th Anniversary". Ellensburg Daily Record. January 14, 1967.
  5. ↑ "Altrusa Dinner". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. March 8, 1950.
  6. ↑ "'Serve to Survive' Theme of Altrusa Convention Scheduled for July 21". St. Petersburg Times. July 14, 1957.
  7. ↑ "Dr. Loretta Miller will attend Altrusa National Convention in Philadelphia". Ellensburg Daily Record. June 19, 1963.
  8. ↑ membership report, January 03, 2008, found at http://www.altrusa.com/PDF/Membership_Reports/2008$01$Summary_Membership_Report.pdf
  9. ↑ http://www.altrusa.com/ClubsDistricts/ClubLocations.aspx accessed 03-25-2009
  10. ↑ United Nations - Department of Economic and Social Affairs - NGO Section

External links