Sertoma International

Sertoma International
Name	Sertoma International
Motto	"Making a Difference by Helping Those Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing"
Formation	1912
Type	Nonprofit service club
Headquarters	Kansas City, Missouri
Region served	International
Membership	Clubs across United States and Canada

Sertoma International is a service organization founded in 1912 focused on hearing health and community service. It concentrates on improving quality of life for people who are deaf or hard of hearing through local clubs, national programs, and partnerships. The organization operates through a network of volunteer-led clubs, national initiatives, and public-awareness campaigns.

History

Sertoma emerged in the early 20th century alongside organizations such as the Rotary International, Lions Clubs International, Kiwanis International, Optimist International, and Zonta International as part of a broader civic-service movement that included entities like the Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, and Girl Scouts of the USA. Early activities paralleled philanthropic efforts by the Carnegie Corporation and benefactors associated with the Progressive Era. During the mid-20th century, Sertoma expanded programs in tandem with public-health campaigns by the American Medical Association and initiatives similar to those advocated by the March of Dimes and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The organization’s evolution reflects trends also seen in the histories of the YMCA, YWCA, and regional service groups such as the Junior Chamber International.

Organization and Structure

Sertoma’s governance resembles the structures used by American Legion, Lions Clubs International, and Kiwanis International with national boards, regional districts, and local clubs. Leadership roles include national presidents and district governors comparable to offices in Rotary International and Optimist International. Administrative functions interact with accreditation and nonprofit regulations overseen by agencies like the Internal Revenue Service and filing practices shaped by precedents from the Better Business Bureau and nonprofit advisories associated with the Council on Foundations. Club-level activities are often coordinated with municipal institutions such as public libraries, school districts, and regional healthcare providers like Johns Hopkins Hospital or Mayo Clinic in collaborative efforts.

Programs and Services

Sertoma runs hearing-focused initiatives analogous to programs by the Hearing Loss Association of America, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Services include hearing screenings, the distribution of assistive devices, and public-education campaigns similar to outreach by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization. Educational programming mirrors curricula developed by institutions such as Gallaudet University, Boston University (Communication Sciences and Disorders), and community-based efforts like those organized by the Easterseals network. Sertoma also supports scholarship programs paralleling awards from the Fulbright Program and grants modeled on foundations such as the Ford Foundation.

Membership and Activities

Membership in Sertoma clubs follows volunteer patterns comparable to Rotary International and Lions Clubs International, engaging professionals, retirees, and civic leaders much like Junior Chamber International chapters. Typical activities resemble fundraising and service events similar to benefits organized by the United Way, community drives aligned with the Salvation Army, and advocacy efforts akin to campaigns by the National Association of the Deaf. Regular meetings and conventions echo formats used by organizations such as the American Legion conferences, state associations like the California State PTA, and national conventions similar to those of the AARP.

Notable Projects and Partnerships

Sertoma has partnered with public-health and educational institutions comparable to collaborations between the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the National Institutes of Health. Projects often involve collaborations with local hospitals like Cleveland Clinic or university programs at institutions such as University of Iowa and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Partnerships with corporate and philanthropic entities mirror alliances seen with organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and community foundations modeled on the Rockefeller Foundation. Campaigns and signature projects have interfaced with national awareness efforts similar to observances by the National Council on Disability.

Awards and Recognition

Recognition for Sertoma’s clubs and members has been conferred in forms analogous to civic awards distributed by the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, state governors’ proclamations, and local civic honors similar to awards given by the Chamber of Commerce and municipal governments. Scholarship recipients and program partners have been acknowledged in ceremonies reminiscent of those held by academic institutions such as Gallaudet University and national nonprofits like the National Endowment for the Arts when public service intersects with cultural programs.

Criticism and Controversies

Like many long-standing nonprofits, Sertoma has faced scrutiny similar to that directed at organizations such as the United Way and legacy service clubs regarding governance, fundraising practices, and program efficacy. Critics have raised questions comparable to debates around oversight in nonprofits like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, particularly related to allocation of funds, transparency, and adaptation to evolving best practices in disability advocacy promoted by groups such as the National Association of the Deaf and Disability Rights Center.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in the United States