In 1917 Dr. Alfred Durham, seeing the increase of women entering the workforce because of World War I, founded the Altrusa Institute in Nashville, Tennessee. His vision for the Altrusa Institute was that it would establish clubs across the nation where women could come together and exchange ideas. The Dayton Chapter of Altrusa was the second club in the nation, founded in 1917. In 1918 Mamie L. Bass furthered Dr. Durham's vision by helping to make it a classified service organization for women. By 1922 there were 20 clubs nationwide and the name was changed to the National Association of Altrusa Clubs to reflect this. In 1935 Altrusa became international when it welcomed its first club in Mexico
Later activities by Altrusa International include sending a representative to the United Nations in 1946. In 1966 Altrusa established a program targeting teenage girls 13-21, to help support and encourage them in their education, professions, and service to society. In 1977 literacy was officially adopted as the main focus of many of their service projects. In 1997 the Altrusa Foundation, the non-profit philanthropic arm of the corporation, adopted Camp Safe Haven for children with HIV/AIDS. Altrusa clubs are still active across the country and in other countries including the club in Dayton, Ohio.
From the guide to the Altrusa Club of Dayton, 1934-2012, 1980-2004, (Wright State University, Special Collections and Archives)
