Altrusa International District ElEvEn DsB · There are certain traits that great leaders share in common that anyone can practice and adopt to become more effective. The level of

Altrusa International, District

ElEvEn DsB

Summer, 2018

Contents Governor’s Message ........................... 1

Congratulations to Our Award Winners!!! .......................................... 2

Membership – the Future of Altrusa .. 3

............................................................ 4

A Note to Club Presidents .................. 4

Soaring to New Heights in Literacy ..... 5

Leadership: Continued Excitement After the Conference .......................... 6

Altrusa District Eleven Nominating Committee is looking for Leaders ....... 6

Generous District Eleven Altrusans Support the International Foundation 7

FUNdraising in the Sun ....................... 7

Social Media – Lets Grow Our Clubs ... 8

Club Page ............................................ 9

Event’s Page ....................................... 9

Conference Handouts ......................... 9

Share the Joy of Altrusa! .................. 10

Northern Nevada Club to Have First Gathering .......................................... 10

Area Workshops ............................... 12

District presidents, board & chairs....17

Governor’s Message

Greetings to District Eleven Altrusans!

Our 63rd Annual District Eleven Conference in Tucson, Arizona launched us towards “Soaring in Service.” We are grateful for the contribution of the Altrusa District Eleven Chairs, guest speakers and workshop presenters who gave our attendees the tools to implement and share “Making a Difference!” I’m sure that those who made the journey to Tucson will eagerly share their knowledge and inspiration with those unable to attend. Engage them in planning your Club’s itinerary towards success in service and membership development. I’m sure you will find the flight valuable and invigorating! Our hosts, Altrusa International of Tucson, piloted us through a

seamless Conference, with every detail handled. From the Margarita Welcome party with the amazing ukulele band (Bonnie McPherson included), to the hilarious Gaslight Theater to the Pajama-Martini Party to the Sunday closing session, our Conference Chairs, Deb Tinajero and Beth Brouilette and their very capable flight attendants (our Tucson Club hosts) created a smooth and enjoyable flight! The Radisson Suites provided us with the perfect backdrop for a very successful Conference. The staff, guest rooms, meeting rooms and banquet facilities filled all our needs and provided us with an easy way to engage with each other, learn and enjoy the ride! We came away with the tools to soar to new heights in service during this next year and beyond! There are so many more people to thank for their contribution to a great Conference experience! The Altrusa District Eleven Board of Directors, the District Eleven Chairs, the Conference Committee, the San Diego Club Expediters, our

gracious and loving International Representative, President-Elect Beverly Hardy; April Smith (District Eleven Secretary) for leading the Parade of Flags and Club Banners; the Mayor of Tucson Jonathan Rothschild for a digitally assisted welcome; our keynote speaker, Brenda Viner (co-founder of Tucson Festival of Books); the Altrusa Clubs of Phoenix & West Valley for theme appropriate table decorations; Betty Stauffer of Literacy Connects, Carol Latham & Pat Hansmeyer for their Grant Writing seminars; Gail Swain (Altrusa Eastern Sierra) serving as Elections Chair; Leslie Johnson & Rachael Kuhl for leading us to the next level in digital communications; the Chula Vista & Tucson Clubs for a truly amazing Pajama-Martini Party; Beverly Mueller for honoring those Altrusans who have passed in the last year at our Memorial Service; and the San Diego Club for their fun Surfing into Service “Call to Conference.” A huge thanks to Margee Neer (Altrusa District Eleven Director) for her tremendous efforts handling the Altrusa International Foundation Fundraising via the Tammy Fournier Fun & Fitness for the Foundation, the Raffle & Silent Auction and the generous contributions by Altrusa District Eleven Clubs and their members amounting to $11,267! Additional District Eleven Fund Raising at the Conference raised $505 for Puerto Rico Disaster Relief; $675 for Judy Tharp

Conference Scholarship Fund; $2,555 for Altrusa District Eleven. Altrusans, during this next year, I challenge you to rise to the next level of excellence in Altrusa. Think outside the box like the Indian Wells Valley Club who created an amazing “Ole Fogies Calendar” (fun, creative and worthwhile). Their story is heartwarming. Strive to make a difference in ways you’ve never thought of before and include a membership component in each and every thing that you do. We want to share the joy of making a difference as an Altrusan with a diverse group of people (all ages, walks of life, and ethnicities}. Many hands make little work, with great rewards! Remember that you may call on the Altrusa District Eleven Board of Directors and Chairs for help along the way. Go forth and begin “Soaring in Service.” Mark your calendars to so that you won’t miss next year’s Conference at the Handlery Hotel in San Diego, California, May 2-5, 2019!

Congratulations to Our Award Winners!!!

Altrusa International of Indian Wells Valley

Winner of the Mamie L. Bass Award for the

“Ole Fogie Calendar”

Altrusa International of Eastern Sierra

Winner of the Letha H. Brown Literacy Award for the

“Third Grade Dictionary Project”

Marilyn Atwood Award Winner Alice Lipscomb from Altrusa International of Los Angeles

Altrusa International of Anaheim Winner of the Nina Faye Calhoun International Relations Award for

“Step by Step – Making a Difference

Pat Zoller Governor-Elect

Membership – the Future of Altrusa

I recently had the opportunity to read “Altrusa Down Under” the District Service Bulletin from District Fifteen (New Zealand). Their DSB was chocked full of great articles and lots of useful information, especially the one about membership from their Membership Development Chair, Carol Haskett. She talked about the three R’s of Membership which I would like to share with our club members. In addition to reading the three R’s she asked clubs to think about and then follow through on each of them. Good advice for us, too. So here they are:

Recruitment – is all about finding potential new Altrusans and giving them everything they need to help them decide to join your club. All club members can do this by spreading the word, talk to those you meet about what you do in Altrusa. If someone shows interest invite them to attend a meeting and then do not forget to follow up. Ensure everyone makes them feel welcome and thank them for coming, let them know your club would like them to join. Also think

about holding a special evening with speakers or having a stand at an event to promote Altrusa – engage with those outside the circle of friends.

Retention – is all about keeping members by giving them the things that will make them feel included, appreciated and committed. Make things easier for new members by making things clear and easy to understand from the beginning. We are builders of women – allow every member a chance to participate and be heard. Encourage new ideas and give everyone a chance to take on a leadership role without of course forcing anyone to do things they don’t want to do. Remember to take the time to enjoy the true friendship that goes with being an Altrusan at social events.

Revitalization – is a combination of recruiting and retention. It means moving and making changes for the good of the club, variety is the spice of life and it certainly applies to members and to building a strong club. Make sure your club goals are keeping up with the times and serving your members vision and needs.

Keeping your clubs strong means keeping your members engaged and committed, it means thinking about new members who will bring new ideas and be an asset to your club. It may also mean thinking about making changes to how you do things. Please continue to share your enthusiasm for Altrusa, with each other and others, to spread the word to ensure we continue to grow and remain strong in our

communities. I ask that all clubs be thinking about the three R’s of MEMBERSHIP as you commence your new year and think about the new members that all clubs need to stay strong.

Thank you, Carol for those words of encouragement and good advice. To all our club members, as you proceed with your club’s plans for the new year, please remember that the District Eleven Board is here to assist in a variety of ways to help maintain and build your club. If your club is under strength you are eligible for revitalization funding from District Eleven, just ask. Also, remember to check out the Altrusa International website under “Resources” for information that can help you build and strengthen your club. Let this be the year that EVERY club in District Eleven adds new members and retains those who are already a member.

Governor-Elect Pat Zoller with Bonnie McPherson enjoy the

banquet

Congratulations on Recognition:

Most New Members: Eastern Sierra;

Highest Percentage of Growth: Long Beach

Melinda Aguirre

First Vice Governor

A Note to Club Presidents

Up, up and away……..Conference has come and gone and I am getting ready for next year’s conference in San Diego. I had the honor of holding a workshop for all incoming club presidents. We followed the agenda and looked over the attachments. There are four important things from the agenda that every incoming president should prepare for.

• Everyone received a copy of the president’s calendar which was taken from the president’s handbook. The calendar is a very important tool to have. If you follow the calendar it will help you have a successful and knowledgeable club

• Communicating with District and International-know your district board members, have their information handy. Make sure your treasurer notifies the District treasurer, Andrea Shallcross, of any changes to any of your member’s addresses and phone numbers. Make sure the International

database is up to date with your member’s information. Designate someone in your club to be responsible for this. Contact Tanika Wilson at Altrusa International for HELP. Provide the District Governor with an email address that will receive information from the District. Ideally the club president, but if not then assign someone in your club that regularly checks their email and is good at passing on information. Remember it’s a courtesy to acknowledge receipt of messages from District. Be familiar with the District Service Bulletin (DSB). Make sure all your club members receive the DSB. Communicating with District and International is very important, it keeps you and your club informed; you get to learn from other clubs, get new ideas, share ideas. More importantly. USE the resources available to help build your club, answer questions and solve problems.

• Having a prepared agenda is a great tool for a great meeting. Agendas set the right tone, identify topics for discussion, keep everyone focused, and eliminate excuses. If you cannot personally create a meeting agenda for the meetings you convene, delegate that responsibility

to one of the participants. There is also a sample of an agenda in your Presidents Handbook/Manual.

• Have FUN! F- is for friends who do stuff together! U- is for you and me! N- is for nothing can stop us, anywhere and anytime!

There are certain traits that great leaders share in common that anyone can practice and adopt to become more effective. The level of morale, enthusiasm, and dedication of the Club members is in large part a measure of the president‘s leadership qualities. Here are seven for you to think about as you lead your club into the greatness: Inspire action, be optimistic, have integrity, support and facilitate your club, have confidence, communicate and be decisive. Make a point of practicing these seven traits and you will inspire your members to give their very best, “leading to a better community.” Please share this article with your club members.

Melinda Aguirre – First Vice Governor and Treasurer Andrea

Shallcross listen attentively during the Governor’s Banquet

Charlotte Perry - Service Committee Chairperson

Service Committee

It was a rewarding experience to attend Altrusa District Eleven Conference in Tucson. I was extremely honored to present the Mamie L. Bass Service Award to Altrusa International of the Indian Wells Valley Club for their “Ole Fogie Calendar.” Their submission has been sent to International and we wish them lots of luck in the competition. Altrusa International, Inc. of Anaheim received 1st Honorable Mention for “Pathways of Hope – HUB of Hope” project and Altrusa International, Inc. of San Diego received 2nd Honorable Mention for “Ronald McDonald House Volunteer Opportunities.”

I want to thank the following Clubs for submitting a Mamie L. Bass Entry and I am hoping that the list will be longer for next year- 2019.

Altrusa of Central Coast; Altrusa International, Inc. of Chula Vista; Altrusa Club of the Eastern Sierra; Altrusa International of Oxnard Inc.; Altrusa, San Diego North County Coastal; Altrusa Club of Santa Maria, Inc.; Altrusa International of Tucson, Inc.; and Altrusa International of the West Valley, Inc. It was overwhelming to read through these projects and learn about all the outstanding contributions that are being made

in communities throughout District Eleven. Keep up the Good Work!! I look forward to presenting the Mamie L. Bass next May in San Diego. Here are some ideas for Service Projects and getting new members. Invite people in service related positions to join in club projects. Hold member events at an organization that your club supports and invite their members to participate. Partner with other organizations such as a Church Circle or a Girl Scout Troop. Present a check at other organization’s meetings as a way of letting them know about Altrusa. Be sure and make your projects fun and entertaining and offer them at different times to enable more people to participate. People seem to enjoy "Hands on Projects.” And, of course, always Recognize and Celebrate all your members.

Trish Schlichting - Literacy Chairperson

Soaring to New Heights in Literacy At the District Conference Literacy Workshop, we SOARED into an atmosphere of exciting ideas to bring new life into our Club Literacy Projects. In order to soar, we all will need a plane with a strong internal framework. Creating that framework is Leslie Johnson. She has designed a forum on our District Website where everyone will be able to share their

Club projects, as well as, search ideas submitted by other Clubs. To find this helpful tool, click on the Literacy section of the District Website. This will be a work in progress and your help is needed by logging in your ideas.

While soaring at the workshop, our Governor Melanie challenged us to FLY an innovative new approach to developing literacy projects. The challenge is to add a new member recruitment activity in your new or recurring Literacy projects. What would that look like?

Suggestions:

• What other organizations could you partner with?

• Where do you find young people or their mothers to join your activities?

• What about schools, Teacher Unions, activities at schools such as festivals, book sales

• Involve high school students through groups like AVID, Interact, ASB, FFA

My Eastern Sierra Club members at the workshop were impressed by how simple it would be to add new member recruitment activity, yet far reaching in maintaining the health of our Club.

Now that we are AIRBORNE, let’s keep the momentum going:

1. Please check out the Literacy section on the District Website

2. Log in your Club’s project ideas 3. Add a new member

recruitment component to your Literacy projects

Long Beach Unified School District Fifth Grade Essay Contest Winners from Prisk and Bryant Elementary Schools were acknowledged with cash prizes for describing how their favorite book changed their lives. Altrusa Long Beach partnered with Councilman Daryl Supernaw

Fifth Grade Essay Contest Winners from Prisk and Bryant Elementary Schools were acknowledged with cash prizes for describing how their favorite book changed their lives.

Our Elections chaired by Gail Swain of the Eastern Sierra Club were as follows:

District Eleven Nominating Committee: Dawn Young (Chair)(Santa Maria), Marie Cady-Drummond (Long Beach) and Barbara Giachetto (Central Coast);

International Nomination Committee Candidate: Leslie Fountain (Past Governor, West Valley).

Jeanne Young – Leadership Chairperson

Leadership: Continued Excitement After the Conference

I hope those of you that attended the “Soaring in Service” conference are still riding the wave of excitement and encouragement. I am feeling revitalized and committed to the work we are doing for our communities and beyond our borders.

I held the “Step Into the Cockpit” leadership workshop where we talked about stepping up into a leadership role and helping others feel confident in becoming leaders. First, we need to take FAIL out of our vocabulary. Then we can step out of our comfort zone and remember that we don’t have to do it alone. We have each other and many resources to guide us.

We also talked about over committing ourselves as leaders. Are we taking on too much instead of delegating tasks to encourage and teach others to be leaders?

I hope the sharing of ideas and information will help you go back to your club and feel more comfortable to lead.

I cannot wait until next year at the San Diego Conference to hear what changes and/or improvements

your club has made in the leadership area.

Please check out beleaderly.com and “Leading At Every Stage of Altrusa Life” on our altrusa.org website. I would love to know if you have any leadership sites or information to share with me at [email protected]

Altrusa District Eleven Nominating Committee is looking for Leaders

We will be electing new officers at Conference in May 2019. Our newly elected Nominating Committee - Dawn Young, chair (Santa Maria Club), Marie Cady-Drummond (Long Beach), and Barbara Giachetto (Central Coast) will be contacting Altrusans willing to take on Altrusa District Eleven leadership responsibilities. Serving on the District Board of Directors is very rewarding. Nominees must be serving or have served as Club President and a member in good standing. They will be thankful for your nominations and “yes” answers.

The Chula Vista Club Celebrating their Club’s 60th Birthday at

Conference – notice the Tiaras

Margee Neer – District Eleven Director

Generous District Eleven Altrusans Support the International Foundation The mission of the Altrusa International Foundation is to empower Altrusans in serving local and global communities through effective community service programs. This year at the District Eleven Conference Altrusans gave generously to support the mission of the Foundation. There were a number of opportunities to give including the Silent Auction/Raffle, the Tammy Fournier Fitness event and the Foundation Luncheon. The results were the following:

Total Foundation Donations raised $ 11,267.00

Auction/Raffle $ 2,034.00

Fitness walk/yoga $ 2,045.00

Designated funds:

Club 21 $ 1,008.00

Grants $ 600.00

Disaster Relief $ 1,814.00

Where Needed Most $ 4,092.00

Thank you to all those who gave items to the Auction/Raffle event. Some clubs and individuals gave multiple items which helped make this event a success. Also, thank

you to those who participated in and supported the fitness event.

There were 48 Club 21 Memberships received including many first -time members. The work of the Club 21 program is to support children and families dealing with disease and disability through grants to specialized camps and health projects internationally as well as locally. Each year members are encouraged to renew their membership in this worthy cause.

The response of District Eleven in support of Disaster Relief was amazing this year. At the conference $1,814.00 was received. In addition, a very generous gift of $10,000, was given by the Golden Valley Club earlier in the year. A special gift was collected to support our fellow Altrusans in Puerto Rico directly. We were able to raise $505.00 for this cause to assist with rebuilding of homes.

The Lamplighter Program recognizes Altrusans or Altrusa Clubs, who contribute $500 or more to The International Foundation in one year. This year at the conference 10 individuals as well as the Santa Maria Club became Lamplighters. Seven of the 10 individual Lamplighters were new this year.

In addition to the Foundation fundraising, donations were given to support District

FUNdraising in the Sun

This year at the District Eleven Conference we added some new ways to support our Altrusa International Foundation. The Tammy Fournier Fitness for the Foundation event this year included chair yoga as well as a morning walk. We had twenty participants with many of the walkers joining the yoga after their walk. Those that participated in the yoga, some for the first time, felt it was a wonderful way to start the day. Many of the participants enlisted sponsors, including Leslie Johnson, Leslie Fountain and Glenda Hogg. Glenda was able to raise enough money to become a Lamplighter. Tammy Fournier was not able to be with us this year but still found enough sponsors to support another Lamplighter for our district. In all, we were able to raise $2,045.00 for the Foundation. Thanks to Elaine Wilder, Barbara Arissa, Marcia Lucia and Deb Tinajero for their amazing work on this fun and successful event.

Altrusans preparing to start the day in a healthy way and support the International Foundation by participating in the Fun Walk or Yoga at District Eleven Conference in Tucson

Leslie Johnson Webmaster

Social Media – Lets Grow Our Clubs “Social Media” refers to the “activities, practices and behavior among communities of people who gather online to share information, knowledge and opinions using conversational media.” It allows you to discover new ideas and trends, connect with existing and new audiences, bring attention and traffic to your club and to build, craft and enhance your club. Guest Speaker and social media specialist, Rachael Kuhl, recommended at our conference that clubs will benefit from a Facebook page and Instagram account to reach out and connect with potential new members as well as customers for fundraising events. A social media committee is an important new function for each club to help find new members. The committee should choose the best media channels for their club and develop a strategy for promoting your club using social media. We learned at conference that “engagement” defines how an individual participates online (websites visited, pages viewed and mentioning in social media.” We need to develop two-way dialogues with interested parties. 90% of online users trust

recommendations from other people. Clubs should use their social media channels to find and connect with others who share similar interests, passions and beliefs. Clubs must use specific network strategies to connect with potential members and socialize online forming a degree of trust. Several club members should participate in posting and replying on the social media channels and listen to what is being said and learn from these. Engaging in conversations with your followers is the critical strategy for developing relationships. To grow your Club’s social media presence: Make announcements at your general meetings and all events about your social media outlets

Have your webmaster add social profile gadgets to your website

Add social media links to newsletters, emails and invitations

Add social media account information to brochures, marketing materials, recruitment materials and new member information

In order to understand your target audience for potential members and supports, start with a quick survey of your club members. What social media channels are used.

What is the content in which you are interested?

When are you on social media and for how long.

When posting on social media, do not try and sell your club but talk

about your projects. Think of what will interest your target audience. The idea is to “genuinely connect with people in ways and in places where their attention is focused and impressionable, using human voice.” For example choose and upcoming project such as feeding the hungry: Post facts about homelessness

Post facts about children going hungry

Post quotes about feeding the hungry

Advertise your project – collect food here. Here are the kinds of foods we need

We are handing out food here – place and time. Invite interested viewers to join you.

Post pictures of the collected food

Post pictures of distributing the food

Post how they can help (make donations)

Collect emails or contact information from any participants.

Please see my slides for the social media workshop on the district website www.altrusadistricteleven.org “News Page” - the slides are posted under the district conference.

Remember: Don’t be intimidated Do some research to find your target audience Make a plan Get started.

Research and brainstorming with your club members is the key and never stop learning about Social Media.

Club Page The International website task force has decided to abandon the old altrusa.org website and build a new one. The public portion of the new website was launched in April. International President-Elect, Bev Hardy, demonstrated the new website for attendees at our District Eleven Convention. The member’s portion is currently under construction. The club pages that were a part of the old altrusa.org website are now gone. They are being replaced with club pages on our new District Eleven Website at www.altrusadistricteleven.org

The new club webpages can be designed like the original Club pages or anyway your club desires. The West Valley received the initial club page. Go to www.altrusadistricteleven.org, select the “CLUB” page and scroll down to the West Valley. Select “I” for information next to the email icon and Facebook icon. The West Valley page has a banner picture, list of officers, picture of the club officers, meeting times and locations, a YouTube video message from their club and club news. Any club may have a page of their own and it can contain the information, pictures, etc. that your club desires. Simply email the webmaster at [email protected] with the desire information and pictures and I will create a website

for your club. Also check out your club information on the district website. If your club has a Facebook page, Instagram account, or club website and the sites are not linked up under your club’s picture, please send me the links and I will get them connected. Please see my District Conference slides on our website. They are on the “News” page under the conference entitled “How to Get a Club Page on the District Eleven Website.” The slides on “District Eleven Website – What it Contains” will assist you in navigating the new website and finding any need information.

Raising Money for a Great Cause

Event’s Page Club events have been added on the NEWS page. Scroll down past the information on the district conference and International conference to see upcoming events in District Eleven. Please send me information, flyer, location, etc. about your club events and where members can RSVP. The District Website is here to assist your club and its membership.

Conference Handouts Conference Workshop handouts and pictures are now available on the District Website. They may be found under the “NEWS” page where District Conference is discussed.

Karaoke at the Governor’s

Banquet

The San Diego Club enjoys the Evening’s Events

Karaoke was enjoyed by all!

District Eleven Governor’s Banquet

Sue Larkin New Club Building

Share the Joy of Altrusa! We have clubs forming in both Reno/Sparks, Nevada and Buellton/Santa Ynez Valley, California. If you know anyone interested in “Making a Difference” in these areas please share the following information with them. If they are interested please allow us to send them an invitation by sending their contact information to our New Club Building Chair, Sue Larkin at [email protected].

Northern Nevada Club to Have First Gathering Altrusa of Eastern Sierra and Gail Swain, the extension chairman for the new Altrusa Club in Formation in Northern Nevada, are pleased to announce a "Meet and Greet" on July 19. The event will be held at the Creme Cafe, 18 Saint Lawrence, Reno, NV 89509 at 5 PM. An admission charge of $10.00 covers your choice of drink and finger food during the social hour. The program will begin at 5:45 PM and end at 7:30 PM. Featured will be Altrusa information and a preliminary discussion of potential service projects. Attending from the District Eleven Board of Directors will be Governor Melanie Hodges.

The club currently has two affiliated members, with indications of interest from at least twelve additional people. Also on August 14 we will be hosting another “Meet and Greet” in Buellton, California. Likewise, if you know anyone in the Santa Ynez Valley area please get their contact information to our New Club Building Chair. See the attached flyer for full information on the Buellton Club event.

Carole Rich of the Tucson Club (formerly Santa Maria) enjoys the

banquet

Host Club Altrusa Intl of Tucson’s Socks for the Homeless Service

Project was a Hugh Success

Expeditors from the San Diego Club kept the Conference running

smoothly

Noreen Erwin at the PJ Party

PJ Party

Our Elections chaired by Gail Swain of the Eastern Sierra Club were as follows:

District Eleven Nominating Committee: Dawn Young (Chair) (Santa Maria), Marie Cady-Drummond (Long Beach), and Barbara Giachetto (Central Coast);

International Nomination Committee Candidate: Leslie Fountain (Past Governor, West Valley).

DSB Editor Belinda Berry

Special Thanks to : Chris Rohrer, Velissa, Dana and Marcy See,

Belinda Berry, Margie Neer and Leslie Johnson for the Photos

Area Workshops The following are a synopsis of ideas generated at our Area Workshops during this first year of the 2017-2019 biennium:

Question: How can we attract a wide variety of prospective members through LEADERSHIP?

- No Silos – Encourage collaborations on a wide range of issue and include a variety of people (diversity). - Inclusiveness – Look at broader networking; think outside the box; early intervention by including younger kids

in community service projects; - Mentorship programs: Outside the club; inside the club; focus on sustaining members; be by their side. - Focus on what people will learn from Altrusa? - Marketing to the now population: Virtual clubs; appeal to all age groups. - Take the lead on community service project (including fundraising) and invite community to help participate &

sponsor. - Sponsor a fundraising walk. - Join other organizations as an Altrusan and bring them to Altrusa. - Toot Altrusa’s horn via newspapers, social media, etc, next door, meet up. - Invite Recipients of service projects to join Altrusa. - Encourage spouses and families to join. - Virtual clubs are coming! - ASK! Step out of your comfort zone! Altrusa is not as scary as you think! - We need to be BOLD and ASK, never assume. - Wear your badges out into the community. - Doing projects that would interest others, i.e. event attendees, recipients of service and family. - Service that is meaningful and important. - Being at an event handing out Altrusa information. - Ask others to tell us about their ideas and passions. - Be visible – get newspaper coverage that lets others know what we do. - Educate how to be a volunteer. - Educate how easy it is to be a volunteer. - Pay for ½ or all of your new members 1st year dues. - Schedule a talk at the college. Kids need volunteer/service for college applications. - Invite – lead by example – ask people not to join particularly, but to participate. - Partner with other organizations to work together on a project. - Remove the fear barrier: people are afraid to fail, so encourage & praise, provide recognition. - Don’t let others do it alone. Encourage members to ask for help. - Plan energetic meetings, show enthusiasm to new members. Create fun at meetings. - Create incentives: Birthday cake for monthly birthdays. - Offer flexibility to gain new, younger members. - Being a good communicator. - Learn how to use social media to advertise your club. - Advertise in your community newspaper and their Facebook about your activities. - Learn about taglines and sharing with your members (in social media). - Reach out to the leaders in other organizations and businesses. - Reach out to recipients of our service projects. - Reach out to young people entering the workforce to mentor them in leadership - Consistently publishing in local news/online about our club events and meetings. - Let people know who we are – our purpose. - Follow up on all contacts. - Have publications available to show anyone. Give out brochures & post at key locations, e.g. community

centers, libraries, chamber of commerce, museums.

QUESTION: How can we improve your experience as an Altrusan through LEADERSHIP?

- More mentorship within the Club, District & International. - Get members (especially new) involved with small jobs first rather than throw them into the fire. - Create consistent guidelines through training, orientation & mentorship. - Provide more tools to Presidents on how to deal with issues in club. - Sponsors taking responsibility for mentorship. - Follow through – do what we say we’re going to do. - Ask for help when you need it or don’t know how. - Be open to learning and growing as a person/leader. - Mentor new members - Encourage new members to share responsibilities so they grow and stay involved and productive. - Become more professional and organized. - Keep aware of what other non-profits are doing and partner with them as a catalyst and resource for

collaboration. - Better communication of upcoming events. - Don’t always through the idea people in the lead. - Provide orientation on projects. - Be more diligent on changing rules and not being stuck as the lead. - Provide more opportunities to be successful at smaller jobs. - Reach out to the missing members giving a personal touch and find out why they haven’t been coming. Ask

about their issues. Reinvigorate their interest. - Be better about including those that don’t have email, text or social media. - Re-install the telephone tree or find out what is the best way to reach members. - Leaders must keep control of the meeting, stick to the agenda. - Make the experience of Altrusa more personal. - Separate Committee and Board meetings. - Ask to take on roles with the promise to offer guidance and follow through. - Provide encouragement from existing leaders. - Stay in touch with members. - Manage difficult situations. - Create co-chair/ vice-chair relationships. - Delegate then give it up! - Ask for help! - Stay focused. - Recognize others contribution. People need appreciation. - Encourage the gadfly (those who think outside the box, creative thinkers). - Every member brings something to the table. Find ways to include everyone at whatever level they can

participate. - Be dependable. - Share responsibility. - Evaluate and share what worked and what didn’t. Learn from your activities. - Listen more. - Have passion. - Encourage brainstorming. - Do training on projects. - Make sure all members know how to navigate International & District Websites. - Encourage members to use International & District Websites. - Educate others on how to use social media. - Get out of your Comfort Zone. - Be open minded.

- Use public service announcement opportunities in your community. - Look for member’s strengths. - Give visitors fact sheets.

QUESTION: How can we attract a wide variety of prospective new members through COMMUNICATION?

- Tell people what we’re doing. - Develop many avenues for publicity not just Facebook. - Investigate how to get in the newspaper. - Have one person in the club be the “Communicator”. - Promote our name better with posters, banners, cards, bookmarks, etc. that can be distributed. - Develop strategies to get 30, 40 & 50 year olds involved. - Invite “non-Altrusans” to help with service projects and events. - Work with other non-profits – partner with them. - Be flexible in your meetings – use buddy system to get members to meetings. - Use Chamber of Commerce and newspapers to advertise what you are doing. - Search out “Newcomers”. - Use the internet to advertise your club. - Follow up! Follow up! Follow up! - Use Facebook, Instagram (photos), Snapchat, Hashtags (to index), Twitter. Comment to spread the word to

your followers or share. - Talk to people, meet your neighbors in all areas of your life. - Check out locals “In the News” contact with follow-up letter. - Get articles about your projects/events in the news. - Maintain classy communication. - At membership event have your recipients come and speak, use them as an attractive tool to demonstrate the

results of your service projects. - Make sure people are listening when you speak. Have a good sound system. - Draft and submit press releases. - Create a website and Facebook page. - Create an Astra Club. - Reach out to schools for service opportunities. - Use churches as a resource for new contacts and projects. - Post on commercial bulletin boards. - Use civic groups as a resource for new contacts. - Visit other organizations and speak at their meetings. - Display at the County Fair. - Encourage those we support via letters of thank you. - Create thank you bag for speaker which includes FAQs about what we do. - Invite organizations to fundraiser and to speak at fundraiser. - Take photos of projects and share on social media. - Send newsletters to friends and family. - Post on District Website and Facebook page. - Invite people to look at our website - Include Altrusa in your email signature. - Encourage collaborative organizations to share collective projects on social media. Tag them and share their

posts. - Put your club logo on all donated items. - Monitor you website and Facebook page for comments. - Listen to what others are doing. - Set up “meetup” group. - Send out “Community Newsletter. (Quarterly).

- Invite Astra parents. - Advertise what we do. - Go to coffee. - Have bunco night. - Orientation on youtube. - Sit next to someone you don’t know.

QUESTION: How can we improve your experience as an Altrusan through COMMUNICATION?

- Offer to pick members up. - Text or phone members. - Review “Sponsor Guide” – develop mentors. - Appoint at Hospitality person or Greeter to send cards, phone tree, check on missing members. - Highlight a member at each meeting. Let them tell their story. - Create interactive ice breakers at the beginning of the meeting. - Have social activities outside of meeting. Have FUN! - At meetings, focus on tasks, stay on time with structure. - Include those unable to attend meetings to attend by telephone. - Engage challenged members who cannot get out – let them make phone calls or write cards. - Discuss member’s passions and include them in those activities that they are passionate about. - Talk to people, listen. - Determine member’s assets and use them. - Attend other meetings by internet. Zoom.us – internet meeting. - Just ASK. - Read the DSB. - Go to Workshops. - Go to Conference. - Go to Convention. - Create a newsletter. - Incorporate project info into Altrusa accent – feature other club’s projects. - Focus on new members – be deliberate when discussing projects. - Develop idea exchange sessions between clubs – conference calls. - Use social media, text and email to interact. - Distribute list of all District Members. - Update your yearbook. - Use phone tree and/or emails to encourage attendance at meetings, events & programs. - Ask questions. - Answer questions without judgment. - Have orientations for new members: Organizational chart, resource guide, leadership guides. - Create meet & greet for Club President & Foundation President. What’s their passion? - Have “do you know” sessions about members at meetings or “here to there” to tell your story. - Use icebreakers to start meetings. - Learns about technology and the cloud. - Archive in “Drop Box”. - Interview members at Altrusa events and post. - Document all Altrusa events. - Give new members a way to get engaged. - Create consistent jobs and duties for members and leaders. - Explain things clearly. - Communicate with “live” Facebook. - Create a tutorial “How does Altrusa plan a fund raiser? Then share.

QUESTION: How can we improve your experience as an Altrusan through SERVICE PROJECTS?

- Feeling good about the Service Project. - Meeting recipients who benefit from the Service Project. - Acknowledge the benefits for the club and sponsors. - Positive feedback – “How are we doing”. - Do a newsletter, Facebook page, Blog on the Service Project. - Make Altrusa a priority, find “passion” for a project and support it. - Break the cycle of “We have always done it that way”. - Stimulate current members by asking what brought them to Altrusa. - Collect books and crayons and donate to Salvation army kids and invite potential members. - Develop impromptu project and put on “social media” the same day. - Communicating with young people in their environment/setting. - Create a “special day” project at a senior center. - Diversity your assignments. - Keep new members involved. - Don’t overload your members. - Develop a team. - Partner with new members on a project. - Make sure you have fun! - After conference share with all members all the literacy and service projects presented at Conference. - Hands-on projects. - Make project fun – make it an experience. - Get everyone involved and recognize for their efforts. - Celebrate the events. - Offer service projects at different times to meet member’s work schedules. - Don’t make members feel guilty if they can’t contribute - Do what you can, when you can. - Reward involvement. - Survey members if the Service Projects are meeting their needs. - Be open to projects that excite your members - Try something new! - Two-way mentoring - - while seasoned members mentor new, younger members let the new younger member

mentor on digital technologies.

QUESTION: How can we attract a wide variety of prospective members through SERVICE PROJECTS? Invite them to your service projects.

- Service oriented organizations are good source for new members. - Look to other staff levels for members. - Hold your member event at an organization that your club is supporting. - Partner with other organizations. - Have speakers from other service organizations speak to your club. - Go to other Altrusa Club events and present your club’s contribution at their event. - Invite people to our service projects. - Make a running list of future members. - Invite people you know to help with your projects. - Partner with other nonprofit organizations. - Use Astra student members “Parents” to help with projects. - Get volunteers involved in your project and ask them to join. - Celebrate teachers with lunch, etc. and ask them to join. - Find a project in a school.

- Find a PTA or parent group and ask them to join. - Ask library to connect you with people who frequent the library and love to volunteer. - Reconnect with people who have already been volunteering and follow through with them. - Communication is important. - Visit a book club and get them involved in your club. - Advertise through local means. - Ask friends and acquaintances for help. - Invite to activity/project/party. - Post banners around town. - Create events and celebrate with pictures on social media. - Have a table at other events. - Work with Chamber of Commerce, go to mixers and get in their newsletters. - Pay it forward. - Use your Altrusa business card. - Be a community liaison. - Wear branded clothing. - Partner projects with Astra. - Get other service groups involved. - Ask! - Ask winners at fundraisers about joining. - Do projects that interest other community groups, i.e. dog walking, quilting, reading. - Volunteer to assist with others’ projects. - Include others in service projects without being members. - Offer Scholarships to join. - Digital Projects for the younger generation. - Blogging. - Create weekend service projects that do not impact work schedules. - Encourage personal growth in projects. - Get involved with Boys & Girls Club, you help them, they help you. - Involve employees of organizations that you provide service to. - Ask retailers to get involved. - Ask scholarship recipient to participate. - Help other groups with their service projects. - Find a project that you can really get passionate about, i.e. trafficking. - Distribute flyers in the community about what you are doing. - Engage many forms of publicity: tv, newspapers, email, former members communications. - Contact companies that have service requirements for their employees. Ask company to sponsor membership.

SERVICE PROJECT SUGGESTIONS:

Pay it forward

- Hot Reads for Cool Teen - Adopt a Family for holidays - School Awards – reading, volunteering, writing. - THRIVE – food pantry volunteering. - Empty Bowls - Boys & Girls Club activities. - Wisdom Center – Adult Daycare.

President Email Meetings

Anaheim Pat Hansmeyer

[email protected] 4th Monday

Arcadia Beau Stocking

[email protected]

Central Coast Leticia Kossuth

[email protected]

Chula-Vista Hillary Sloan [email protected]

3rd Wednesday

Cinco Ciudades

April Smith [email protected] 2nd Wednesday

Eastern Sierra

Gail Swain [email protected]

2nd Thursday Dinner

4th Thursday noon

program Glendale Barbara

Crawford [email protected]

1st Thursday

Golden Valley Kathy Telleria

[email protected] 2nd Thursday

Indian Wells Valley

Beth Gordon [email protected]

3rd Tuesday

Los Angeles Ann Bauman [email protected] 3rd Wednesday,

noon Long Beach Marie Cady-

Drummond [email protected] 3rd

Sunday/varies

Monterey Peninsula

Marsha Leadingham

[email protected]

2nd & 4th Monday

Oxnard Mary Ann Foushee

[email protected] 4th Wednesday

Phoenix Linda Puchi [email protected]

San Buenaventura

Mary Harrison

[email protected]

San Diego Betty Baran [email protected] 3rd Wednesdays

San Diego NCC

Jan Riggins [email protected]

Santa Maria Leona Doidge

[email protected]

2nd & 4th Wednesday

The West Valley

Leslie Fountain &

Dawn Mortellaro

[email protected] 3rd Thursday

Tucson Beth Brouillette

[email protected] 2nd & 4th Wednesday

Lunch & evening (5:30)

District Board 2017-2019

Governor Melanie Hodges

Cinco Ciudades

[email protected]

Governor Elect Pat Zoller San Diego [email protected]

First Vice Governor

Melinda Aguirre

Central Coast [email protected]

Second Vice Governor

Bonnie McPherson

Tucson [email protected]

Immediate Past Governor

Judy Sorensen Cinco Ciudades

[email protected]

Director Margee Neer Eastern Sierra [email protected]

Treasurer Andrea Shallcross

Eastern Sierra [email protected]

Secretary April Smith Cinco Ciudades

[email protected]

Parliamentarian Denice Gilb Arcadia [email protected]

Training Chair Judy Sorensen Cinco Ciudades

[email protected]

District Chairs 2017-2019

ASTRA Kathleen Telleria

Golden Valley [email protected]

Communications Ann Strohm Eastern Sierra [email protected]

Leadership Jeanne Young Indian Wells Valley

[email protected]

Literacy Patricia Schlichting

Eastern Sierra [email protected]

Membership Helyn Sloan Chula Vista [email protected]

New Club Building Sue Larkins The West Valley

[email protected]

Service Charlotte Perry San Diego [email protected]

DSB Editor Belinda Berry Long Beach [email protected]

Webmaster Leslie Johnson Anaheim [email protected]