Governor Art's Corner
by Gov. Art Riley

Orlando, Florida provided the "back-drop" for the 93rd Kiwanis International Convention and many of the Kiwanians are returning this week following a spirited and informative meeting. The Florida District under the leadership of Governor Mark Taylor was a superb host and the Orlando area provided many attractions for families and for Kiwanians between sessions. The opening session provided recognition of the Kiwanis leadership team and a festive start to the convention. On Friday and Saturday business sessions were conducted with the most important business being the election of Sylvester Neal of the Pacific-Northwest District as International Vice-President for 2008-09. The schedule of seminars during the convention provided a broad range of club improvement topics that enabled attendees to gather ideas that can be applied to individual clubs. On Saturday afternoon the closing session provided President-designate Don Canaday (Indiana District) the opportunity to look forward to next year and the challenges that will be tackled.

Too often the value of the International Convention to local Kiwanis clubs tends to be minimized. The value Kiwanians gather at the convention can be categorized into four distinct areas:

1. Club similarity: As Kiwanians exchange observations, ideas and experiences during the different forums and activities, members realize that Kiwanis clubs from all parts of the Kiwanis world face the same opportunities and challenges. The need for additional and innovative projects exists in every community and the needs of children are also similar.
2. Fresh ideas: Each Kiwanis club can use ideas for new service projects or new fund raising ideas. This is a natural result of the formal and informal interaction of Kiwanians during the convention. More new ideas may the exchanged in the restaurants and hotel bars than during the meetings.
3. Renewed enthusiasm: Each time I attend a Kiwanis convention it provides me with a new commitment to service. This reaction seems to be universal and probably the most important reason many Kiwanians return to the convention year after year. If your Kiwanis enthusiasm needs a boost, resolve now to attend more conventions and energize your Kiwanis batteries.
4. Enduring friendships: There are no better people in the world than Kiwanians and there are no people who are more dedicated to community service. This provides a basis of friendships that are born at conventions and are nurtured at each succeeding convention.

These opportunities are available to every Kiwanis member. As we move toward 2008-09, I encourage each Capital District Kiwanis Club to plan for the 2009 convention in Nashville. Each club can benefit through the ways outlined above and I am certain the most successful clubs place a high priority to sending delegates to learn at the International Convention.

Additionally, during the Nashville convention the Capital District will need to show support for Jerry Peuler. Jerry has been endorsed as a candidate for International Trustee and if he is to be successful against the field of candidates, the District needs to provide a lot of "Kiwanis power" in Nashville.

It is also not too early to begin planning for the International Convention in Las Vegas in 2010 and Geneva, Switzerland in 2011.