February Message

Dear Kiwanis Friends,

I just got a message from Dale Brackin, who posts my monthly message on the web site. He said, “Governor, aren’t you a little behind? Your February message is due and we’re already 5 days into the month!” Actually, he didn’t say it in just those words but I got the idea. I did know that it was time but everything came due at once and I had to prioritize. Hope I’m forgiven and I also hope all of you have someone like Dale to keep you focused!

When I said to my “lovely husband” David I wasn’t sure I had much to say because the month was pretty quiet his answer came in the form of a funny look. Then it hit me. This WAS a month with a lot of significant things going on. Traveling in the district has now become almost second nature and I have such a great time doing it but the best part of what I hear is having the opportunity to share it with all of you. Here’ a smattering of things on my mind.

You still have until February 14^th to register for our first of a kind combined Kiwanis Mid-winter Conference and Key Club Convention. Don’t be left behind as we bring our two great organizations together in fellowship, learning and fun, fun, fun! Not only is this a unique event but also as an added attraction Circle K International President Amanda Badali and Kiwanis International Vice President Paul Palazzolo will be there to keynote sessions.

I spent time in the Philadelphia area and attended a meeting at the Kiwanis Club of Lower Perkiomen where Governor-elect John Burke laid out a growth plan for the club that no one could refuse. I was so excited I was ready to hit the streets to invite new member that night! During the same trip, groundwork was laid for two Aktion Clubs to be started in nursing homes. I know this might seem strange to you but the only definition for an Aktion members is “adults with disabilities.” This will bring a new range of opportunities for our frail aged population.

At the January 26^th District Board meeting a New Club Mentoring Program was adopted. The concept is designed to give new clubs the best chance of long-term success. Additionally, it will reduce the burden of the sponsoring club to more of a supporting role and leave the day-to-day operational help to a team, headed by a New Club Mentor, Club Leadership Educators and even the governor in whose year the club was opened.

I was privileged to attend the Charter Presentation Ceremony for the Kiwanis Club of Bethlehem on January 19^th. It was an evening of celebration and nothing could match the enthusiasm of new members as they begin their Kiwanis journey. Right now they are planning projects and couldn’t be more excited to do their first Bringing Up Grades presentations.

Did you know that anyone who brings in a member (or two or three) is eligible to receive a bronze, silver or gold key from Kiwanis International? Along with the key, your name will be entered, up to three times, in a contest for a number of really great prizes with names of winners being drawn at the convention in Orlando. This plays right into the dues refund a club can receive from Kiwanis International as a reward for a 25% membership increase over last year’s numbers as of September 30^th. And while we’re on the subject of new members, the district has a great contest taking place that will give clubs monetary incentives (and special reserved seating, too!) based on percentages. Get additional information about all of these programs from your Lt. Governor.

Have you made plans for participation in Kiwanis One Day? All across the Kiwanis world the entire K-Family will be coming together in service. From helping Habitat for Humanity in the NW to conducting reading programs we all need to be involved. There’s a contest going on for this too. The division with the highest total point (ask your Lt. Governor about scoring) will win – well I think I’ll let your division leader tell you all about the “prize.”

I’ve about used up all the space Dale allows me so I think I should spend a sentence or two on words of encouragement. We all know that service and fellowship are the cornerstones of our organization but I won’t sugar coat the need for us to bring in new members to existing clubs, keep the ones we have and open clubs in areas that don’t have the opportunities a Kiwanis clubs can give the kids in a community. We can call increasing membership anything we like but you are big people and don’t need this sugar coated. Ask someone you think is worthy of being a Kiwanians to join you in a service organization that will change the world, if we have the members to do it.

Finally, I want to share something that was very moving to me. When I visited the Kiwanis Club of Glenshaw in Division 5 I read a thank you note that was from a mom who was given a small amount or money to help with Christmas for her son who is in grade school. The note thanked the club because she was able to buy jeans for her son so he could look like the other kids and, this is the part that really got to me, there was enough money left to buy underwear and socks, too. How many of you have to worry about where money for socks and underwear for your kids, nieces or grandkids is coming from? This club made a difference. Because they made a difference, you made a difference, too. We all share a small part of what every Kiwanis club does. Go out and “Share Our Story” and change the world.