Let's Be AMIGAS!

AMIGA is a term most of us know automatically. It is a Spanish term used to address or refer to a female friend, and in our Southwestern part of the country it is a very common way to greet a fellow friend. In an attempt to more fully appreciate our new members in Altrusa International, Inc. of Tucson, we have created the AMIGA PROGRAM. It is actually a retooling of a concept created "a couple of Conventions ago", and if there were time and historical documentation, it might be possible to find the true beginnings of the Amiga Program.

Staying with the present, the Tucson Altrusa Membership Committee met one evening and discussed at length the possibility of restarting this idea. We wanted to match a more seasoned Altrusan with a new member to guide and teach and have someone on hand to answer the many questions new Altrusans may have. We were also looking at the perpetual question of retention of members. Each new member - actually EACH member - is a treasure and we want everyone to know how valuable Altrusans are.

Three members of the committee agreed to ask three newer members if they would become an Amiga with another Altrusan. The Amiga concept is different from the sponsor, although that is also a resource and guide for the new member.

The program took off in February 2010 and is successful according to the new members who love to have an Amiga by their side at meetings and activities. In fact, those of you who went to District Conference saw Amiga Ruth (l) with newer member, Cathy Koenig (r). Who knows, soon we may have an AMIGO program side by side with the Amigas!