Altrusa Conference

Why do we have a conference?

This is our annual get together for all Districts. It is our one chance to make changes to district policies. It also provides an opportunity to learn from each other and our guest speakers and to share ideas.

What happens there?

Conference starts on Friday afternoon with a first timers session, key note speaker and business session and "Friday Fun Night". On Saturday we have further business sessions, awards presentations, workshops and a formal banquet. On Sunday there is usually another guest speaker and a final business session. The basic format of conference stays the same each year but the fine details change depending on the location and themes etc.

Will I feel "out of place"?

Going along to your first conference can be a bit scary but you will find yourself amongst friends. The one thing we all have in common is that we are Altrusans and we are all working in our communities to make them better places. It is great to chat not only about our similarities but also the way we do things differently. There is always a great mix of experienced and less experienced Altrusans and we all like to go and have some fun. I am sure you will fit right in.

How do I know what to do?

If it is your first time to conference then I would definitely recommend that you come along to the first timers session on the Friday at 1pm. There are all sorts of tips handed out at this session which will help you track of what is going on. Also don't be afraid to ask members from your own club about what happens at conference. Remember we have all been first timers! Also a draft programme will be available on the website prior to conference which will provide information on what is happening and when. You might find this useful. This should be available from November onwards.

What am I expected to do?

We always hope that all those attending conference will attend all sessions (including workshops). It is by participating in everything that we get the greatest value from attending conference. You will need to make sure you come prepared to "party" on the Friday night (usually we dress in theme). At the business sessions delegates are seating in the front with all other members seated behind. There are housekeeping sessions presented at the end of each part of the programme and it pays to listen closely as they are designed to help you with "what is happening next".

How will I know who anyone is?

We all wear name tags at conference and this also shows what club they are from. The name tag has a copy of the conference programme with it so you are wearing it around your neck all the time. Attached to the name tags are a series of coloured ribbons. At the front of the conference programme there is a "colour chart" to help you identify what they all mean.

How much will it cost me?

Of course there is the basic registration fee which includes meal events (this will change from year to year depending on venue/meal costs etc). The registration fee is set at the mid year board meeting and released at the end of October/early November. You need to come prepared to pay for additional meals (breakfasts/lunches etc) beyond this. There is also often a raffle at the registration desk and the foundation raffle. On Sunday at the church service there is a collection. So it will pay to bring a little bit of cash with you (or more if you want to do a little shopping at some stage!).

What is the foundation raffle?

Each club is encouraged to bring an item to be raffled (and individuals may contribute also) for International Foundation. Raffle tickets are sold at the registration desk, in the raffle room and during conference and these are then placed in the raffle boxes in front of each item. Winning tickets are drawn on the Saturday afternoon and the winners announced at the Governor's Banquet on the Saturday night?

Is the programme available 6 months in advance so one can plan their travel in time to a Conference?

The draft programme will usually be available in November (published in the DSB and also on the District Website). For travel planning purposes here is a basic outline of start/finish times.

Wednesday 6pm District Finance Committee Meeting Starts

Thursday 9am District Board Meeting Starts

Thursday 5pm President Elect Training Starts

Friday 11am Pre Conference Workshops Start

Friday 1pm First Timers Session Starts

Friday 2pm Opening of Conference

Sunday Noon Conference Closes

Sunday 3pm Post Conference District Board Meeting finishes

What do I wear?

During the day at business sessions/conference a basic guide is casual/work clothes. (shorts and jandals wouldn't really work). For the Friday night we dress in theme so talk to your fellow club members about "what everyone is going to wear". On the Saturday night for the Governor's banquet formal evening wear is the name of the game. Check out some of the photos on this page as a guide.

How do I go about booking my accommodation?

Members book their accommodation directly with the hotel. It is always easier to stay at the conference hotel (saves running between locations) but you can stay outside the hotel. Check out conference accommodation on the website. Check with your club as they may be looking at doing a group booking.

What is the Walk for Literacy?

At recent district conferences we have held a sponsored walk as a fundraiser for a literacy based cause. Members are encouraged to seek sponsors and walk as a fundraiser (you will need to bring your walking gear!). In Rotorua we raised money for Literacy Aotearoa and in Christchurch we raised money for SPELD.

What is the Peace Quilt auction all about?

At the Altrusa International District Fifteen Conference in May 2003 the Hibiscus Coast Club put out a challenge to all of the other clubs within New Zealand to take part in the making of a Peace Quilt. The fabric was chosen for reasons of, fabric from America plus Altrusa colours. Twenty three clubs plus Mary Check from Florida participated in the makings of the quilt. The squares were then put together by the Hibiscus Coast Club then quilted by a Dutch lady, Yoke Martens.

The quilt has, each year, been auctioned to raise funds for specified charities. This happens at Conference with the "winning bid club" taking the quilt home for the year and using it to promote Altrusa in their community. The quilt has been in the care of number of clubs over the years including: Tairei Club (raising funds for Tauranga Visual Resource Centre) Christchurch ( Christchurch Charity Hospital appeal) Oamau (Oamaru House) Te Awamutu (Waikato Hospice) and has been displayed in City Councils, Rest Homes, Libraries, Quilters businesses and exhibitions, Banks, Galleries, Museums etc. creating a lot of interest as to what Altrusa is.

The club that holds the quilt then gets to nominate the cause that will receive the funds from the highest bidder at the next conference. To date the quilt has raised over $5000 for charitable causes around the country.