In order to achieve these goals, Sertoma has undertaken a multi-faceted approach by launching programs that address both the treatment and prevention aspects of hearing health.
These three men are now recognized as the Founding Fathers of The Co-Operator Club of Kansas City, Missouri, and of Sertoma International.
Attending were 32 delegates representing six Clubs: Kansas City, Topeka, Manhattan, St. Louis, Chicago and Omaha.
On May 27, 1929, Andrew Ernest Foye of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was elected President of the Cooperative Clubs International.
The board of directors narrowed the list down to seven to present to the 1948 Albuquerque Convention: Ambassadors, Century, Cooperators, Monarch, Operative, Sertoma and Sponsors.
Noble W. Hiatt, then President of the North Indianapolis, Indiana Club, coined the name SERTOMA from the slogan, SERvice TO MAnkind, and his idea was selected.
Plutarco Guzman became the first Sertoman who was not a United States citizen to be elected President of Sertoma International.
The attorney from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, was elected at the 1972 International Convention in Dallas, Texas.
Further milestones included the 1997 introduction of the Sertoma Fantasy Baseball Camps and the surpassing of its $10 million goal by the Foundation for the Building A Legacy endowment campaign.
Additionally, the first issue of the Sertoman Digest was published in November 2002, providing readers with an organizational focus.
Coalition, a health education campaign of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).
In 1963, after a long search for an international sponsorship, Sertoma Clubs were encouraged to help the more than 24 million Americans who have speech and hearing disorders.
Four years later, the foundation began to encourage affiliation with existing speech and hearing facilities and departments.
Today, the Foundation continues to place strong emphasis on financially supporting the programs of Sertoma International through annual, planned and endowment giving.
Approval of the "plan of merger" by the membership authorizes the Boards of Sertoma International and Sertoma Foundation to file, amend, and consolidate legal, governing, and operational documents and procedures necessary to implement the plan and meet the statutory requirements of the State of Missouri.
These scholarships, worth $1,000 each, are awarded in the spring to help offset the cost of tuition, books and fees incurred during the following school year.
This relationship results in greater service to people with communicative disorders by supporting the professional staff and programs of the affiliate.
This goal can be achieved by promoting and assisting in installing looping technology of public buildings and facilities.
Limited to college-enrolled students, this program promotes growth of the individuals, good government, leadership, mutual tolerance and understanding among all people, and friendship and fellowship as opportunities for Service to Mankind.