Sertoma

Sertoma
Name	Sertoma
Formation	1912
Headquarters	Kansas City, Missouri
Type	Nonprofit service organization
Purpose	Hearing health and community service
Region	United States

Sertoma is a civic service organization founded in the early 20th century that focuses on hearing health, speech and language development, and community service. It operates through a federated network of local clubs and national programs, engaging volunteers in fundraising, education, and advocacy. Over its history the organization has partnered with medical institutions, philanthropic foundations, and public officials to advance initiatives related to audiology, deaf education, and veterans' services.

History

Sertoma traces its roots to social service movements of the Progressive Era, with origins contemporaneous to organizations such as the Rotary International, Lions Clubs International, and Kiwanis International. Early 20th-century civic engagement influenced its formation, paralleling initiatives by the American Red Cross, the Y M C A, and local Chamber of Commerce efforts. During the interwar and post-World War II periods Sertoma expanded programs similar to those developed by the March of Dimes and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People by emphasizing health outreach and community welfare. In the late 20th century Sertoma redirected much of its programmatic focus toward audiology and hearing-related services, aligning with research institutions like the Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Mayo Clinic, and the National Institutes of Health. Partnerships with professional associations such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association influenced policy engagement and clinical program development. Throughout the 21st century Sertoma has continued adaptation in response to shifts in public health policy tied to actions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and legislative developments in the United States Congress.

Organization and Structure

Sertoma operates as a federated non-profit composed of national headquarters and autonomous local clubs modeled similarly to networks such as United Way Worldwide and Habitat for Humanity. Governance includes a national board of directors, regional directors, and club presidents who coordinate with state-level entities analogous to structures used by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Administrative offices manage finance, volunteer coordination, and program oversight, interacting with regulatory bodies like the Internal Revenue Service and state charity regulators. Strategic planning often references standards used by accreditation bodies such as the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance and reporting practices comparable to the Council on Foundations.

Programs and Services

Sertoma's signature programs concentrate on hearing healthcare, youth speech competitions, and community service projects. The organization conducts hearing screenings and hearing aid donation programs partnering with clinical sites including the Cleveland Clinic, the University of California, San Francisco medical centers, and regional hospitals. Educational outreach mirrors initiatives by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services by promoting early hearing detection and intervention. Youth programming includes speech and debate-style contests modeled after events run by the National Speech & Debate Association and scholarship offerings akin to those from the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. Community services encompass disaster relief collaborations with agencies like Federal Emergency Management Agency and local relief efforts coordinated with the Salvation Army.

Advocacy and Public Policy

Sertoma engages in advocacy on legislation and policy affecting hearing healthcare, veterans' benefits, and disability access. It has submitted position statements and partnered with coalitions similar to those led by the American Association of People with Disabilities and the National Council on Aging to influence hearings before committees in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Policy priorities often address funding in federal programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services and regulatory actions by the Food and Drug Administration related to hearing devices. Sertoma's advocacy has intersected with initiatives from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and civil rights enforcement guided by the Department of Justice's disability rights work.

Membership and Chapters

Membership is club-based and includes volunteers drawn from professions such as medicine, law, business, and education—professions represented in organizations like the American Medical Association, the American Bar Association, and the National Education Association. Chapters are geographically organized, reflecting models used by Optimist International and The Elks, with local fundraising, service events, and community partnerships. National conferences and conventions provide training and networking similar to gatherings hosted by the National PTA and the American Public Health Association. Outreach to student groups mirrors collaboration strategies used by campus organizations such as Circle K International.

Funding and Partnerships

Sertoma funds programs through a mix of member dues, community fundraising, grants, and corporate partnerships. It has historically sought support from foundations in the mold of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, while corporate sponsorships have paralleled relationships seen with corporations like Medtronic and Becton Dickinson. Fundraising events include galas and service auctions comparable to those run by Save the Children affiliates and regional arts organizations. Grantmaking and fiscal oversight follow nonprofit best practices promoted by entities such as the National Council of Nonprofits.

Awards and Recognition

Sertoma confers awards to recognize volunteer service, leadership, and contributions to hearing health, modeled on honors similar to those given by the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and the Civic Leadership Award programs. Individual clubs and the national organization have received community distinction comparable to accolades from the United Way and municipal proclamations issued by mayors and state governors. Peer recognition and partnerships with professional societies such as the Academy of Audiology underscore the organization’s role in promoting audiologic care and public awareness.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in the United States