Altrusa History

The first Altrusa Club was established in Nashville, Tennessee on April 11, 1917.  Altrusa was incorporated in August, 1917, with four clubs, making it the first national organization of business and professional women.

The original name was Altrusa Institute, and Mamie L. Bass was elected its first national president.  The first convention was held in 1918 with six clubs in attendance.  Altrusa Key and Altrusa's ideals were adopted in 1925.  Permanent headquarters for Altrusa were established in Chicago, Illinois, in 1931.

Consultative Status with the United National Economic and Social Council was granted to Altrusa International, Inc. in 1978.  In l966, Astra was established to encourage young women ages 13 to 21 in their education.  The International Foundation announced the Club 21 program to benefit children with HIV or AIDS in 1997.  The same year, Altrusa adopted literacy as the on-going service project.

Altrusa Objectives

• To encourage, promote, extend, and supervise Altrusa throughout the United States of America, Dominion of Canada, Mexico, and other countries that may be approved by the International Executive Committee and to coordinate and generally direct the activities of the member clubs.

• To cultivate friendly relationships, promote mutual understanding, and foster the solidarity of women who are actively engaged in business and professions.

• To encourage high ethical standards of business and professional conduct.

• To give vocational information and to be of service to both young and mature women already engaged in or entering business or professional fields.

• To encourage participation in community and public affairs on a nonpartisan basis.

• To do any and all things conducive to the service, betterment, and ultimate welfare of women in business and the professions.

• To promote education and cultural training and improvement.

• To be informed on international affairs and promote mutual understanding between the people of all nations.