Altrusa Club of Poplar Bluff has been recognized in its district for its growth and contributions over the past year.
The local club had more than 80% growth in new members last year, which is a large part of the receiving this designation, according to Altrusa Officials.
The Poplar Bluff group is one of eight to be recognized as a distinguished club in the Altrusa International District Eight for 2021-2022. The district has 23 clubs.
The distinguished club award is given by the Altrusa International office in Chicago, said Shirley Davenport, a long-time Altrusan and secretary of the local group.
The honor is based on several criteria, such as if the club has a foundation and budget to send members to district and international conventions, Davenport said. Also, they look at the dollar amount distributed for service projects locally, if you have a strategic plan and if you have leadership training, “which we do have. We had one on July 13.”
She continued if the club has members on the district board or international board, “and we do have. I have been chair of the long-range strategic planning for the district for the last two years.
“If we have a web page, and then they look at our marketing program.”
The basic score on all of those has to be at least 65% or higher. The club has to be at charter strength, which is a minimum of 15 members.
“That’s how you achieve distinguished club,” Davenport said. “The award is designed to keep the clubs’ productive and do more. We’re doing all of them.”
The other clubs from District Eight designated as distinguished clubs were Fayetteville, Arkansas; Salina, Kansas; Bentonville/Bella Vista, Arkansas; Greater Kansas City, Kansas; Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; and Lawrence, Kansas.
The award recognizes a club’s activity and productivity. Points are awarded for six areas: service, membership, programming, leadership, communication and international foundation.
Local President Nila Keller thanked the members “for working hard to earn that title. Your involvement makes our club successful.”
The Poplar Bluff club is committed to making a difference in the lives of others through community service, leadership, fellowship, and building the Altrusa image for future generations,
She challenged the members, saying, “attendance at meetings keeps you informed, and your opinions are what makes us strong.
“Upcoming events and service projects will keep you busy. Volunteer for a project, ask a committee chair if they need help and keep learning what it is to be an Altrusan. Invite your friends to a meeting or event. Support each other and remember to keep our editor informed of your activities in Altrusa International of Poplar Bluff.”
During a recent meeting, Corretta Bishop, service committee chairman, recommended continuing service projects: storytime on the radio; Little Red Bookshelf; and participation in Santa Land.
Bishop said additional proposals are being investigated, such as “Adopt a Little Library”; Partnering with the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library for Santa Land; and Days for Girls project, in which the members collect feminine hygiene products for young ladies in third world countries.
Michelle Muirhead proposed the service project “One Book at a Time,” which would be a once per month story/craft time for youth from pre-school through second grade.
Linda Oesterreicher reported the membership committee will continue to meet at 5:15 p.m. before the regular monthly meeting in Altrusa Room. The Altrusa board meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15. The monthly meeting will be at 5:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, in the Altrusa Club.