By
the time you read this, the proposed Strategic Plan has
been reviewed in two increments by the District Long
Range Planning Committee,
those incremental results have been endorsed by the
District Board, and four of the eight District Regions
have had
the opportunity to attend presentations on "VISION: 20/15", to include the Strategic Plan. Between now and mid-April, all remaining Regions
will share in that opportunity. From there, all input
from all sources will be considered before the Board
endorses a final version of the Plan. That final version
will be presented to the House of Delegates for ratification
in Richmond this Summer. Once ratified by the delegates,
the plan belongs to the District membership and the
District Board will be charged with executing it. Governor
Art's Corner
by
Gov. Art Riley
During the past few weeks in my Kiwanis responsibilities I have encountered several
situations that made me reflect on growth. Not club growth
that is often discussed at Kiwanis gatherings, but personal
growth. Philosophically, Kiwanis growth cannot occur without
personal growth, and if any Kiwanian does not accept the
opportunity for personal growth that Kiwanis offers, then
their Kiwanis Club will not reach the maximum potential
for community service.
Why is this personal growth important? One reason has been reinforced by three encounters I have had during the past month with Kiwanis Sponsored Leadership Programs: the CKI District Convention, the Key Club Board meeting and a charter night with a Kiwanis K-Kids Club. On each of these occasions I witnessed the marvelous work of the SLP members and their mentors and advisors. The CKI members have assumed the responsibility of building a children's library in Honduras. This project has involved countless CKI members not only in the fund-raising, but in the development of an anthology of children's stories that reflect great insight on personal growth. While visiting the Key Club Board meeting the theme of personal growth was evident again as I witnessed the 2007-08 Board complete their final official board meeting of the year and exhibit how they have grown during this past year. I have witnessed some of these board members for a year (some longer) and have seen each one develope personally. They will carry this leadership growth experience into their future lives. Finally, I had the privilege to participate in the chartering of an enthusiastic Kiwanis K-Kids. This group demonstrates the tremendous potential of children in service leadership - during just their first months they have exhibited a caring for school, community and nation. One of their first projects raised $3000 for the fire victims of southern California. Kiwanis must fulfill the support, mentoring and growth promises of Kiwanis SLP to insure the continued growth of SLP members.
It has also been fulfilling to witness the personal growth of Kiwanians who recognize that Kiwanis is changing along with the world. This change will result in stronger and better Kiwanis Clubs if Kiwanians can keep up with the personal growth of our SLP members. The only obstacle will be the inability of Kiwanians to grow into greater service responsibilities by learning from others. King Arthur possessed dominant ideas of chivalry, the love of God, the love of fellow man and the doing of noble deeds. However, King Arthur also had Knights who wanted to maintain the "status quo" and dissension eventually "cracked" the round table. As Kiwanians we have enormous opportunities for individual growth through increased diversity and the implementation of the objects of Kiwanis. The work of Kiwanis is not finished! Therefore, each Kiwanis member needs to place the club growth through personal growth and involvement above the ease and the comfort of the past. The opportunity for personal growth is now. I am confident Kiwanians will assume the responsibility and the Kiwanis family will reap the rewards.
