Altrusa International, Inc
Encyclopedia
Altrusa International, Inc (Altrusa) is an international non-profit organization
focused on community service. It was founded in 1917 by Dr. Alfred Durham as a chain of national clubs for business and professional women.
In 1957, the organization had clubs in eight countries. Its program for service for 1957-1959, based on a survey of clubs, focused on traffic safety, expanded services for older people, and the need for youth guidance to reduce delinquency.
In 1963, Altrusa had over 500 clubs in ten countries. The 1963-1965 program called for expanded vocational services to youth and older workers, more international relations programs and projects, and increased efforts to conserve human resources at all ages.
, and an NGO with consultative status
on the Roster of ECOSOC.
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
focused on community service. It was founded in 1917 by Dr. Alfred Durham as a chain of national clubs for business and professional women.
History
In 1934 the organization became international when it started clubs in Mexico. In 1937 its first convention outside the United States took place in Cuernavaca, Mexico. By 1950, Altrusa had 266 clubs with 28,600 women executives and professional leaders as members.In 1957, the organization had clubs in eight countries. Its program for service for 1957-1959, based on a survey of clubs, focused on traffic safety, expanded services for older people, and the need for youth guidance to reduce delinquency.
In 1963, Altrusa had over 500 clubs in ten countries. The 1963-1965 program called for expanded vocational services to youth and older workers, more international relations programs and projects, and increased efforts to conserve human resources at all ages.
Currently
As of January 2008, Altrusa had around 10,000 members in 383 clubs from 13 countries, including Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. It is an official observer to the United NationsUnited Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
, and an NGO with consultative status
Consultative Status
Consultative Status is a phrase whose use can be traced to the founding of the United Nations and is used within the UN community to refer to "Non-governmental organizations in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council." Also some international organizations could...
on the Roster of ECOSOC.