• To give back to the community through volunteer hours and service.
• To establish a new network of diverse friends and resources
• To develop skills and leadership not possible through the workplace.
• To do something rewarding for people in need.
• To have fun!
• No matter the reason most people feel better about themselves by becoming more altruistic – by showing unselfish devotion to the interests and welfare of others.

Steps to Membership:

To be considered for membership in Altrusa, one must be sponsored by an existing member. If you do not have a sponsor, please contact us through this web site (navigate to Contact Us tab) and our Membership Committee will provide one. A recommendation for Membership form is completed by the sponsor and is submitted to the Membership Committee.

The Board of Directors will review the application. If accepted the new member will begin attending meetings. Shortly thereafter they will spend time at an orientation where current members discuss all aspects of the club, expectations and responsibilities of membership. The new member will be initiated at a monthly dinner meeting and presented with an Altrusa pin.

If you would like to learn more about Altrusa before making a commitment, please join us at our next dinner meeting. Enjoy a complimentary meal with us and explore what we are all about. Contact us ahead of time if you wish (not necessary), and we can assign a member to assist you.

Cost of Membership:

Each year members pay $100 in dues per fiscal year. Our fiscal year runs from June 1 through May 31. The dues are split among our local club ($30), district ($15) and national ($55) entities.

Dues for new members are $110 ($100 distributed as above plus a $10 registration fee). Any person joining between December 1 and March 31 pay a prorated amount of $65 plus the $10 registration fee. Anyone joining between April 1 and May 31 will pay the full year rate ($100 plus the $10 registration), however, this covers the remainder of that fiscal year and the next.

Meetings:

The dinner and business meeting is held on the third Thursday of each month opening at 5:30 pm for registration and socialization, with the meeting getting underway at 5:45 pm. The meeting location is currently the Crowne Plaza (Campbell House) located at the corner of Harrodsburg and Mason Headley roads. Members pay for their own dinner from a pre-selected menu that consists of 4 to 5 entrees ranging in price from $12 to $25.

Dinner is NOT mandatory.

A meeting may include optional costs (Club fundraisers). At the close of most monthly dinner meetings there is the opportunity to address the group with a brag or brags. Each brag costs $1.
Members are asked to bring a wrapped gift (value $10 to $15) to the dinner meeting on the month of their birthday. Members then may purchase raffle tickets to win this gift. Tickets are $1 each or 3 for $2.

Format of Dinner Meetings – Meetings generally last about 2 hours.

• Pledge of Allegiance
• Call to order and welcome – President(s)
• Introduction of guests
• Speaker/Program
• Minutes of previous meeting – Secretary
• Financial reports – Club & Foundation Treasurers
• Altrusa Grace (dinner)
• Report of Board actions and recommendations
• Committee reports – Communications, Finance, Membership, Programs & Service
• Business – Old & New
• Initiation of new members (if any)
• Brags & Birthday Raffle
• Altrusa Benediction
  

Stucture of Altrusa:

All Altrusa Clubs are governed by Altrusa International, a corporation with both elected and appointed officers and a chairperson. Under the International umbrella there are fifteen (15) Altrusa Districts throughout the world. The Lexington Club is in District Six which incorporates Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. Each district has its own Governor and Board of Directors. The officers of the Lexington Club include the president(s), past president, vice-president, club treasurer, foundation treasurer, and recording secretary. There are also four board members. The Board of Directors meets on the second Thursday of each month at various locations.

The Lexington Club currently has five committees as follows:

• Communications – responsibilities include the FOCUS newsletter, press releases, yearbook production and web site.
• Finance – responsible for fund raisers, annual budget, and assisting the treasurer.
• Membership – responsible for new member recruitment, retention, revitalization, and leadership development.
• Service – responsible for planning and executing community service projects. This will include coordinating the "baskets" (at several of our monthly meetings members voluntarily bring items to be donated to a charitable organization).
• Nominating – responsible for selecting the slate of candidates for elections.
• Program – this committee is chaired by the vice-president and is responsible for meeting programs, and special meeting arrangements including the annual picnic and Holiday party.

Committees meet as decided by vote of the committee members.

Current Projects:

Altrusa of Lexington is involved in numerous community service projects, providing the membership with varied opportunities to make the Bluegrass a better community in which to live.

• Mighty Moms – Provides moms who care for children with severe developmental disorders a fun and relaxing weekend.
• Brains and Bellies – This is a regularly scheduled program of reading and fun for children age 4. Each child receives a book and snack.

Monthly Service Projects are also scheduled throughout the year providing opportunities for personal service. These include: Florence Crittenton, HUGS (hats, underwear, gloves and socks), Humane Societies, God’s Pantry, Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army, Partners for Youth, KET telethons, Center for Creative Living, the Detention Center, Hope Center and many more.

Membership Guide  |  International Brochure |  Lexington Brochure |  Info Card