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Altrusa International of Fargo outlines literacy and service projects to Moorhead Human Rights Commission
Summary
Altrusa International of Fargo co-president Katherine Chilton Warner told the Moorhead Human Rights Commission about the group's literacy-focused projects, international and district structure, local volunteer work (including backpack drives and donations to Habitat for Humanity) and membership details, including a $105 annual dues total and limited local fundraising capacity.
Katherine Chilton Warner, co-president of Altrusa International Club of Fargo, spoke to the Moorhead Human Rights Commission about the service organization's history, programs and local activities.
Altrusa traces its founding to 1917 in Nashville and now reports hundreds of clubs worldwide. Warner said the Fargo club focuses on literacy, youth leadership and community service and described projects that include backpack drives for unaccompanied homeless teens through Matthew's Voice Project, donations to the emergency food pantry, toothbrush and sewing-bag drives in partnership with First Lutheran for Ecuador projects, a solar-oven mission, and long-running support for Habitat for Humanity dedication gifts.
"Thank you so much for having us tonight to expose you to what Altrusa is and the things we do for our communities," Warner told commissioners. She said the Fargo club has 12 members and reported 233 volunteer hours last year; she described the club's modest fundraising methods and a local foundation (a 501(c)(3)) that helps support activities.
Warner gave membership and operational details when commissioners asked. She said the combined international, district and local membership fee is $105 and that the club maintains a "sunshine" or "angel" fund to assist prospective members who cannot immediately afford dues. On project costs, Warner said the solar ovens distributed in a past mission required "a very small fee" to encourage ownership by recipients but she did not have the exact amount available at the meeting.
Warner cited specific program outcomes: the club reported donating 61 bookcases filled with books for Habitat for Humanity home dedications as of July 8, 2025, supports backpack and personal-hygiene item drives for youth experiencing homelessness, and participates in Days for Girls and other international projects. She encouraged commission members and community residents to consult Altrusa's website (altrusa.org) and the Fargo club's social channels for details and upcoming events.
Commissioners asked how to join and about costs; Warner said volunteers are always welcome and that the club posts opportunities on its Facebook page. She also noted an upcoming district conference and local meeting dates, and distributed brochures and bookmarks to attendees.
The presentation concluded with thanks from the Commission and an offer to follow up for volunteers or partnership opportunities.
