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The Altrusa International District Seven Records document the administrative, philanthropic and service activities of the organization from 1956 to 2017, with a particular focus on the Brookings, South Dakota club. This collection includes meeting minutes, treasurer’s reports, committee records, bylaws, conference proceedings and correspondence, providing insight into the governance and development of a major women’s professional service organization. Notable materials include conference records from 1956 to 1995, featuring programs, reports, banquet menus and minutes from president’s workshops and annual district meetings. Additionally, the collection highlights Altrusa’s involvement in community service, vocational education, and literacy initiatives, such as Books for Babes, Harvest and Harmony, and the Brookings Backpack Program.

This collection is a valuable resource for researchers studying women’s civic engagement, professional service organizations, and grassroots philanthropy in the Midwest. The records illustrate Altrusa’s evolution, particularly its efforts in promoting education, literacy, and leadership development for women. The fundraising documents, including those from the Altrusa Wild Game Dinner and Literacy Lunch, offer insight into nonprofit funding strategies. Additionally, the conference proceedings and administrative records provide context for organizational governance, volunteerism, and community-based leadership. The photographs, newsletters, and media materials further enrich the collection, offering a visual and narrative record of Altrusa’s impact over six decades.