Division 3 Newsletter #4

Planning Ahead

I'd like to thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Lieutenant Governor for 2015-16.  As my predecessors tell me, the second year is even more fun than the first time through since you know the people, the clubs and the activities and are comfortable in the role.  I am really looking forward to continuing to build on our service together.

Having said that, we are searching for an LGE - someone who is willing to serve as LG in 2016-17 and who will work with me for the up-coming year to make the transition a smooth one.  There is a PLG committee working on this and we would welcome any nominations, volunteers or suggestions.  It is a great job - one with many rewards and benefits, the best of which is an opportunity to work with great people who work together to improve their communities.

Club Growth

We are now up to 18 new members with more applications in hand.  We continue to share the love or Kiwanis with our new members.  Our Key Clubs are growing with consistent member attraction and retention.  Key Club Leaders will benefit greatly from attendance at their convention coming up - and thanks to PLG Don Burnard for his mentoring of this group of young people.

Awards and Incentives

Congratulations to the Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent for achieving the LG Award for the first quarter.  Sarnia-Lambton Golden K was a very close second.  Both clubs had 4 new members in the quarter,  supported Service Leadership Programs and participated in numerous service projects during the first 3 months of the Kiwanis year.

We don't want to break down all the good work we do in Kiwanis into bits and points but the point is that items recognized on the monthly reports and awarded for the LG Quarterly ribbon represent good practice.  Our focus for each quarter is acknowledged and our completion of those activities is rewarded.  The recognition of club growth, member education (including modules and orientation) and service - Service Leadership Programs like Aktion and Key Clubs, Branded Service Programs like Bringing Up Grades and Terrific Kids, as well as ELIMINATE donations are all key components of an effective Kiwanis Club.

Also - remember that one club in each division will receive $750 to spend on two convention registrations for the 2016 convention in Hamilton Ontario for the highest member growth for the year.  Right now Windsor is running away with the lead.

More Kudos in the Division

Congratulations to the Forest Club  which has been recognized as the distinguished Club for 2013 – 2014.  And also to PLG Bud Orr and Jackie Orr who have both been named  distinguished members for 2013 – 2014.  What a well deserved honour!

ELIMINATE

Eliminate Coordinator Mary Alice Marchand and I would like to arrange to meet with your club members before the end of June to recap our work to date and to share additional information on the project.  Every member is aware of Eliminate but not everyone knows what is currently happening and what the plans are for the future.  We hope you'll be able to find a spot on your program roster for us.

EC&C Convention in Aruba - May 20-24

There is still time to finalize your reservations for the EC&C Convention.  So far we have 6 members of Division 3 signed up and we hope for more.  At some point we will have a Division 3 gathering while in Aruba.

KI Convention in Indianapolis - June 24-27

Are you in?  Remember to contact Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown secretary Alan Bloomfield: alanbloomfield6@gmail.com. to see if there is still room on the bus to save yourself the bother of driving to Indianapolis.  There's lots of information online about the program and activities to take place during the convention.  How special it is for us to be there to join Kiwanis International President Dr John Button in the 100th anniversary celebration of Kiwanis.

Caucus Meeting - April 11

We had a very successful Caucus meeting on January 17 with sharing of successes, challenges and next steps.  Thanks to all who participated and took this opportunity to share ideas.  The next caucus meeting is April 11, again at the Active Lifestyle Centre, 20 Merritt Ave, Chatham from 10 until noon.  The agenda will be sent two weeks prior to the meeting but one of the highlights is the introduction of Kiwanis Kiosks:

·        Membership Survey - CK                                                                               

·        Membership Growth - SL GK (recruitment breakfast),

·        Membership Growth - Windsor (call to service first, membership will follow)

·        Program ideas - SL GK, CK + ideas from participants

- how to get good speakers so members will come                                       

- bring 3 or 4 program ideas that have been successful in your club (with contact information if available)

·        Spirit and Service over the summer - open discussion about living Kiwanis while on holidays; club programs and meetings during the summer; Division 3 gathering

Thanks to the members who have willingly taken on the invitation to present some of the great work in their clubs.  Every Kiwanis member is invited to attend and this meeting will be of particular interest to chairs of membership and program. 

Yours in Kiwanis Service ~

Cathy Telfer, 2014-2015 Lieutenant Governor

Kiwanis EC&C Division 3 - St Clair Bluewater

519-351-4378

ctelfer@sympatico.ca