Altrusa International Inc, District Fifteen
REALLY GOOD IDEAS
ORIENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS - LEVIN STYLE
As you all know, membership of Altrusa is by invitation.
Some years ago, to ensure a standard process for inviting new members into our club, we introduced a "Membership Process" as club policy. This is based on the "Person to Person Process of Recruitment" found in the Membership and Classification Guide and every member of our club has [or should have] a copy of the membership process. From time to time a summary of it is given as a Membership Minute - just to keep us on track.
Part of that membership process includes an orientation meeting with the prospective new member. This meeting is arranged by the Membership Committee and takes place after the letter of invitation has been sent and before the prospective member replies to it. The purpose is to explain more about Altrusa than would be picked up by attending the usual two or so programme meetings prior to being invited.
We prefer not to have too many people at the orientation and we've found that five is a good number - the prospective new member, her sponsor, the membership committee chair and two committee members. This makes for a friendly and relaxed meeting.
At the meeting, everyone is given a copy of "Introducing Altrusa" and we cover most things in it fairly fully:
What is Altrusa?
Brief history of Altrusa - where, when and why it began and by whom.
Philosophy and goals of Altrusa.
Organisational structure - International, District and Local.
Altrusa Foundation.
What are the Responsibilities of Membership?
Financial Obligations - International, District and Local dues and costs associated with programme meetings.
Service Commitment. I tend to place quite a lot of stress on commitment to Altrusa because as with most things, the more you put into something, the more you get out of it, and prospective new members must be prepared to give of their time and talents.
Attendance requirement - and the need for apologies.
The classification system - once so important is explained briefly. Even though it is no longer deemed necessary it does account for the make-up of much of our club's membership.
Club Activities Schedule of club meetings - programme, business, committee and other as necessary.
Service projects - present, past and future.
Fund raising - for annual commitments and for special projects.
Club yearbook - which is invaluable - so much information in such a useful format.
Club newsletter - ours gets better every year!
Club Committees Standing Committees.
Special Committees.
Also covered Altrusa Motto, colours, pin - and where it is worn. And anything else that may arise during the course of the orientation.
The prospective new member, obviously, can ask questions at any time, and club members can add their contribution too.
We try not to make it too comprehensive and risk being overwhelming. It's a matter of trying to find a satisfactory balance.
In the past we have had a follow-up in the form of a "recent new members' night" for those who have joined in the last two years. We evaluate the orientation process and the ease [or otherwise] with which recent new members have fitted into the club. it's a social evening with a purpose and we will have another of these before this Altrusa year is over.
I'm sure that most clubs have a similar orientation programme, but if your club doesn't then this might be of some help.
Betty Jago
Membership Chair, Levin
5 September 2009
