Altrusa is an international nonprofit organization of local women taking a belief and sharing it. They are civic-minded individuals who find great joy in helping others.
Tammi Drewery is president of the 9th District chapter of Altrusa.
"We call ourselves The Mighty Ninth!" Tammi said.
A prime example of an international project District 9 supports is called "Days for Girls." It comes from Beth Blair, who is originally from Texarkana. The project has reached more than 800,000 girls and women in more than 120 countries on six continents.
The effort seeks to break the silence surrounding menstruation by changing the narrative from shame and embarrassment to one of dignity and celebration of this monthly natural function.
"Days for Girls" volunteers make a difference in the lives of girls and women through teaching health education and providing washable hygiene/health kits. Otherwise, in some places, girls are unable to attend school and are even relegated to sheds where animals sleep until their cycle has passed.
The Texarkana chapter of Altrusa began with 16 women in 1941. It began with a pledge to "make our local communities better through leadership, partnership and service." Meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Texarkana Public Library. The local chapter has 30 active members. Most meetings begin with introductions, then dinner and a guest speaker.
What makes Altrusa meetings different is what the members bring.
"Each meeting is assigned to an organization that has a need," Tammi said. "If the 1st Choice Pregnancy center needs donations, then each of our members will bring one item from the list. Each month the newsletter will have the information about the organization and what is needed."
Altrusa is always looking for service-minded volunteers and new members. Tammi said she would like to see the group expand this year so its reach can continue to grow.
In 2019, organizations Altrusa supported local organizations that included For the Sake of One, Domestic Violence Prevention, Randy Sam's Outreach Shelter and 1st Choice Pregnancy Center, Tammi said.
"Every December we put together stockings for the adults and children at Opportunities, Inc. in Texarkana, as one of our regular yearly service projects," she added,
There are seven committees within the Texarkana chapter: service, membership, communications, fundraising, finance, program and awards. The organization relies heavily on fundraising efforts and grants from the Altrusa International Foundation.
The members have hosted bunco game nights and community yard sales. They also have an interest in sponsoring an art workshop featuring members of the organization.
"We have some incredibly talented women in our group, and I think it would be an amazing opportunity for our community," Tammi said.
The organization has also hosted a wellness seminar featuring nationally recognized physician Dr. Patricia Sulak, who is a fellow Altrusan. Proceeds from the ticket sales totaled more than $14,000, which was put back into the Texarkana community.
Becoming a member of the Altrusa organization is a commitment to give personal volunteer hours, as well as time for community and Altrusa projects. To join, you must be invited by an active member and fill out an application. Members then have the opportunity to vote on the potential new member. Tammi said that, upon payment of membership dues, a new member is inducted during a formal ceremony and given a big Altrusa hug and welcome.
Their charge to one another is simple: "We can each volunteer our time to a worthy cause. Our efforts may be small, but they matter." Altrusa.org.
(For more information, contact Tammi Drewery at 903-244-3069 or email her at [email protected].)