--A few thoughts..... .

 As we work on our plans for the new year every committee, its chair and members, needs to critically look at their committee’s objectives. What is the purpose of the committee? What will be its goals or objective for the 06-07 service year?

We need to critically look at what we have been doing over the past years and ask ourselves ..... Is it still relevant? Are we doing the same things just because we did it last year? Can our goals be achieved in a more effective manner?

Are we a “service” club that does service or have we become a club of “check writers” ? Do we question if our effort will "Make a Difference"? Personally, I think that many small efforts, well planned and  done in combination with others,  CAN make a BIG impact.

Can we find partnerships with others that will expand the impact of our service? Kiwanis has many good programs but we need people to implement them — if we don’t have the members then WHO can we work with to get the job done.?

Give me your thoughts and comments----

What Are We About?

The following is how Rotary defines itself: "Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world.” Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas."

As an organization WE have defined ourselves in one succinct statement:
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.--- as adopted October 2004.

The international web site says we are an organization of service and community-minded individuals who support children and young adults around the world. Currently there are more than 600,000 Kiwanis-family members in 96 countries.

Each club is to make their mark by responding to the needs of their communities and by pooling of resources to address worldwide issues. DO WE? Is our Club focused on this “big picture”? Are we making a meaningful impact on the needs of our community and its children?

Just some things to think about. Your thoughts, comments---

Have You Heard ??

My phone interview with Larry Spicer at WLM radio Saturday morning Aug 5th — no fines for this one as it was all Kiwanis related !!

Joe Morrow has done a great job of getting the word out about our KIWANIS KASH raffle. There are weekly ads in the paper letting the public know where they can go to buy tickets. We have the availability of a space at the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings to promote our organization and sell the raffle tickets. All his hard work has led to being asked for an radio interview to talk about our Kiwanis Kash Raffle.

I was able to mention on the radio those businesses who are handling tickets: Pascal at Bill Marine Auto, Business Equipment Company, Al at Bloomingdeals, Elderly United, Java House and Gourmet Gift Baskets.

I have setup an toll free number to call in for tickets – 877-246-7976 and a front page link on our web site.

The committee has worked hard in making the public aware of Kiwanis and this funding activity, however, it still will be up to the average member to ask for the sale if we want to reach our goal. Remember that service requires both TIME and MONEY. You supply the time and we ask the general community for monetary support of our services.

You are needed

In our newsletter Secretary Paul indicated that I am now recruiting committee chairs for many of our numerous committees. My intent is to spread out and diversify the operation of our Kiwanis Club

Via email and phone I am soliciting member input and willingness to serve on our committees. Committee membership has become static. Over time our interests and time availability have changed. I am trying to revive the Club into one that meets the needs of All of our Members A club that offers both fellowship and the ability to Make a Difference with our service projects

Our weekly meetings are for fellowship and community information. To feel that you are a member of Kiwanis it is important that you try to attend at least 25 percent of our meetings (12 a year or one a month)

All of our service is to be handled through the committee structure. It is within the committee that we appraise the community needs; select a service objective for the year; organize and implement the programs. And it is through the committee structure that we assign tasks and solicit members service by participation in projects.

Your participation in a committee gives you a chance to meet your fellow Kiwanis members. It is the point where your input, direction and leadership is important if our Kiwanis Club is to Make a Difference in the Springfield community. Every member should be actively involved in at least one service committee. Participation can not only include attendance at project planning meetings of the committee but also can be the volunteer service hours given to a project.

Volunteer service is a key part of being a Kiwanis member.

What are your thoughts??