Inclusion in Altrusa Leadership

If you were at the 2011 International Convention in Rapid City, S.D., you saw the unveiling of Altrusa’s logo and heard a little bit about our brand drivers: clarity, flexibility, and inclusion. An organization’s or company’s brand drivers are what they use to define themselves; when you see Altrusa’s logo, we want you to immediately think of clarity, flexibility, and inclusion.

Today: Inclusion. We recently asked our Facebook group members (if you aren’t one, you should be) what “inclusion” in Altrusa leadership means. The responses fell neatly (the blogger thanks you) into three categories.

Diversity

Being inclusive means recognizing the need for diversity in our clubs. It means opening your membership to potential Altrusans of all races, sexes, ages, creeds, statuses, etc. But on a deeper level, leadership by inclusion means you not only accept diverse traits in people, but you also embrace them. Leadership Committee Chair Bev Herzog commented that finding the personal connection is important. While you capitalize on the unique qualities that every new Altrusan brings, you also forge a relationship with that person by looking past your differences to find common ground. Embrace what makes us different, rejoice in what makes us the same.

Involvement

Former Altrusa Executive Director Josie Lucente reminded us to get new members involved early. Another definition of inclusion is allowing (Yes, allowing! Let go of your need to control, leaders!) new members to have their voices heard and to get involved right away. Remember, many of us became Altrusans to provide service; allow those new people to get their hands dirty right away. They are our future leadership; consider this on-the-job training! Don’t let their enthusiasm (or their idea of what Altrusa inclusion is) wane.

Leading by Example

International President Silvia Silverman summed up inclusion quite nicely by borrowing a slogan from Nike: Just do it! Be a leader and lead by example to ensure that inclusion permeates every aspect of our organization. It’s not enough to think you are a leader; you must also act like one.

Please comment below to share your own wisdom and thoughts.