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Summer 2015 Vol. 3, number 1 The quarterly newsletter for Altrusa International - District Six
Governor’s Message
Chris DeVlieger 2015-2017 District Six Governor
Inside this issue Governor’s Message District Conference Wrap-up International Convention Club News News to use
Plant a Seed and Watch it Grow…this was the theme of our most recent District Six Conference. Thank you to everyone – my fellow District Six Board members, those of you who brought items for the Conversation Café, Swap-n-Shop, Displays & Exhibits or our District Six service project – and especially our hosts (and my fellow club members) the Altrusa club of DeKalb-Sycamore IL. It was a memorable weekend for a variety of reasons. Just like the flowerbeds in my yard, the Conference was filled with a variety of ideas for service projects, fundraisers, membership, leadership development and lots of fellowship. I love playing in the dirt and working with flowers/plants. It relaxes me. The same is true for Altrusa – expect I don’t play in dirt. However, I have the opportunity to grow and develop as a leader and become friends with people I might not have had the chance to do so otherwise. Gardeners think about, plan, and plant their gardens for a variety of reasons. Sometimes our gardens provide beauty, or a necessity for healthy food – or may be simply a labor of love. Just as every garden needs a few basic things, so do Altrusans. We need to: Work the soil with the belief that flowers, like members, thrive in an environment most conducive to growth. When we belief in each other and those who lead and coach, everyone has the best opportunity right from the start for long-term success. Plant seeds with encouragement and a positive expectation to succeed. Provide the nourishment of learning because work isn’t done after planting. In order to reach our maximum potential, we must continue to learn and monitor our growth. A little fertilizer and a sense of humor doesn’t hurt either. Often plants need to be adjusted or pruned while growing, or even staked to help them develop. We must provide feedback and communicate joys, concerns, and opportunities with each other to help us reach our maximum potential. Things change. Life happens. Gardeners know conditions change and adapt. The same thing occurs in our district and clubs…changes with membership, service projects or community needs, leadership, fund raising, etc. Take time to discuss and plan what is or isn’t working in your club. Make your succession (or strategic) plan fit your club’s needs. Now I want you to close your eyes. Imagine all the different flowers and plants in your garden. Big, small, fragrant, purple, yellow, pink, etc. The sun is out; there’s a slight breeze; and you just finished pulling out all the weeds. Utopia. But wait…let’s add to your garden by asking new members to join you. It is fun to have a variety of perspectives and experiences to share. Plant a seed by inviting someone to join Altrusa and watch them grow. In the next several weeks and months as my journey as Governor begins, I am glad I can count on your support and friendship as I continue to learn and grow. I know the District Six Board, District Six Committee Chairs and all of you serving in a leadership role feel the same. It’s a wonderful time to be an Altrusan. Mark your calendar to join me and fellow District Six Altrusans on July 17 – 20, 2015 for the 54th Altrusa International Convention in Kansas City. Let’s JAZZ IT UP! With Altrusa Love, Chris DeVlieger, Governor Altrusa International District Six