Gov. Art's Corner
by Gov. Art Riley

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Each new year brings a sense of hope and optimism and 2008 is no exception. For me this optimism is based on the Kiwanis enthusiasm that I have witnessed during the last three months. I have observed many examples of this enthusiasm including: Kiwanis Clubs inducting multiple new members, increased interest of clubs and divisions in growing membership and building new clubs, innovative ideas from members on ways to increase service offered by clubs and continued growth in all Service Leadership Programs.

As January begins it is essential that this optimism and enthusiasm be translated into results. It is time to translate ideas into action. These steps are what will insure Kiwanis growth and continue to strengthen the Capital District. Kiwanians involved in leadership positions within the District are working hard to insure these results, but the real growth of the Capital District will be achieved when each Kiwanian takes a personal interest in the success of their club, division and district. How, you might ask, is it possible for individual Kiwanians to affect results? The answer is in the following 10 steps that will insure success. Please consider these steps and incorporate them in your Kiwanis life:

1. Recruit a new member. Each member of the International Board of Trustees has pledged to recruit 3 new members. It would seem that all members should recruit at least one new member or commit to the "golden key" program and recruit 3 new members.
2. Participate in building a new club. During the coming months at least 10 Capital District Kiwanis Clubs will be asked to help form a new Kiwanis Club. If your club is one that is asked, help with the planning or logistics of the new club building process. If your club is not asked to help to build a new Kiwanis Club, build a new K-Kid, Builders Club, Key Club, CKI or Aktion Club.
3. Volunteer to join a District Club Support Committee. There is a District Club Support Committee that addresses most every aspect of Kiwanis. Volunteer for the committee that works in the area that interests you.
4. Increase service hours. Help design a new service project for your club or at least increase the number of service hours you devote to serving your community.
5. Attend a regional mid-winter meeting. Attendance at these mid-winter meetings is growing and the Kiwanians who have attended over the past couple of years leave with new knowledge and enthusiasm for Kiwanis.
6. Meet the International President. Kiwanis International President Dave Curry will visit the Capital District January 26-30. Attend one of the events to gain a new insight into how Kiwanis is growing.
7. Increase attendance. Your personal attendance at club meetings is important to the overall operation of your club. Make attendance a priority.
8. Support Service Leadership. Your personal attendance at Key Club, CKI and other Service Leadership Program meetings will assist in training and provide mentoring to these leaders.
9. Assume a leadership role. Your leadership talents are needed in club, division and district positions. Agree or volunteer to serve.
10. Promote Kiwanis. At every opportunity promote Kiwanis by telling your Kiwanis story, send articles about Kiwanis to newspapers, arrange for public service announcements on radio and television stations, distribute Kiwanis literature and wear Kiwanis logo apparel.

These 10 steps will make Kiwanis in the Capital District even more exciting. If you are a past Governor or Lt. Governor it is your responsibility to put your experience to work. Show new members how to make Kiwanis a real adventure and encourage and recruit members to participate in new ways for greater service. The participation of each Kiwanian will make Capital District Kiwanis in 2008 even greater.