Altrusa International District Eleven contains 20 clubs, in California and Arizona. Our District also includes Hawaii, Sonora Mexico, Baja California Sur and Baja California Norte, Mexico. Our members come from varying occupations and lifestyles, all sharing an interest in community service and enjoying the friendship, fun and satisfaction that comes from working together for the benefit of others.
Each club develops a variety of projects that include service, literacy and foundraising which are designed around local needs.
Supporting local veteran group and collecting money for the Ronald McDonald House
Providing books to school children, sponsoring Creative Writing Projects, donating books to children, Providing SAT and ACT preparation materials, giving large print books to seniors, distributing books to cancer patients...
Organizing Festival of Trees, afternoon teas, Dinner and a Movie, Opportunity Drawings, Special breakfasts...
I joined Altrusa because I wanted to make a difference. Altrusa provides me with a platform to not only enhance my leadership skills but to work with a dynamic, diversified group of individuals who want to make their community a better place. They say "You don't join Altrusa - You become an Altrusan." I am an Altrusan!
There are four words that come to mind when I think of Altrusa: Service, Leadership, Friendship and Gratitude. Service > every individual act of service makes a difference in someone�s else life. I love that collectively our efforts can reach and help more people than we can do on our own. Leadership > through the many Altrusa leadership opportunities I have been exposed to, encouraged to pursue, I have grown in leadership in Altrusa, personally, in business, within other nonprofits and organizations. It helped that all along there was support, encouragement and many life-changing lessons learned. Friendships > I have developed some amazing friendships through and throughout this organization. It is a wonderful perk! Gratitude > to my sponsor, Liz Cason, who invited me to membership and started me down the Altrusa Path. Past Governors especially, Barbara Lindquist who encouraged me to join her team, which led to leadership on the District and International Boards. Grateful for the Altrusa Principles > the bow on top this Altrusa gift!
Your time is a gift. There is regular attendance at a monthly meeting and Altrusa clubs provide an assortment of projects allowing involvement based on your schedule.
We seek variety in our membership and strive to appreciate a range of talents from various backgrounds.
Our organization was founded in 1917 to support women entering the workforce. It was later dedicated to leadership development and community service. Today, Altrusa International has an active membership that includes both men and women. Anyone interested in service and volunteerism may be invited to become an Altrusan.
There is no specific entry age for membership in Altrusa, nor is there a manditory retirement age. We have active Altrusans in District Elevem in their late 20s through to their 80s. We are always looking for members of any age wishing to give back to their community.
Each local club determines their own service projects and fundraising efforts, based on the local needs of their community. If you know of a need in your community with which Altrusa may be able to assist, please get in touch with the closest club in your area.
District Eleven has 20 individual Clubs. If you're interested in bringing your talents to Altrusa and there is not a current club serving your community, please get in touch.