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!

District Conference 2010 Day 4

Now, I see why Altrusans love Conference!  Even as we began the day memorializing our deceased members, we laughed!   Altrusans Laureene (Laurie) Manseau, Eliza (Liz) Cason, Pauline Burke, Lucille Risk, Lorenne Sterling, Mary Dougherty, Catherine McNamara, June Lucas, and Marie Widmer were all remembered as we gathered in the Queen Mary Chapel.

After final reports were given, Santa Maria gave us a rousing Call to Conference 2011.  If those gathered don't remember anything else, we won't forget the wine!

District Conference 2010 Day 4

District Conference 2010 Day 3

Friday was a hectic day for Altrusans.  The day began at 7:00 for the Foundation Fun Run/Walk participants.  They had just enough time to grab a quick cup of coffee and get changed before elections at 8:30 and workshops at 9:00. 

The Foundation Luncheon was a dynamic session, with Director & District Foundation Liaison, Melanie Hodges (Cinco Ciudades), announcing winners of the silent auctions and raffle prizes.  Tammy Fournier (Santa Maria), Literacy Chairperson, was proclaimed Queen of Diamonds, raising over $1500 for the Foundation and earning new diamonds for her Lamplighter pin.

Altrusans clean up nicely!  Everyone looked stunning at the Captain's Banquet, where award winners were announced to the cheers of delight from the respective Clubs.  The dinner entertainment was provided by Marci Ford and her accompianist, Vern.  After dinner, we were, literally, dancing in the aisles to Milele.

District Conference 2010 Day 2

Today was another exciting day for District Eleven Altrusans!  After First Timers and Delegates received their instructions from Denice Gilb and Judy Sorensen, respectively, everyone gathered for the Opening Session.

We were led in the Presentation of the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance by the Boy Scouts of America.  They couldn't have been more adorable.  Long Beach Woodrow Wilson High School Girls Ensemble did a wonderful job singing our National Anthem.

Guest speaker, Dr. Ginny Baxter, entertained and enlightened us with her discussion of "President's Wives and Volunteerism".  She restrained herself and limited her discussion to only three of our nation's First Ladies -- Lou Hoover, Jackie Kennedy, and Eleanor Roosevelt.

District Conference 2010 Day 1

Altrusans from District Eleven convened for the 55th Annual Conference aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA.  Along with Belinda Berry, Conference Co-Chair, Anaheim Altrusans manned the Registration Desk and welcomed attendees. The day's events included workshops led by Denice Gilb for incoming Presidents; Rosemarie Hudson for new Treasurers;  and Carol Latham conducted the orientation for Expediters at this year's Conference.  After all the business of the day was handled, everyone had a chance to relax, greet old friends, and make the acquaintance of new ones.