New Capital District Growth Team Meets
by Rosemary Cummings

The new Capital District Growth Team met for its first strategy and planning meeting June 16-17 at Williamsburg, VA. Trustee Jack White, Chair introduced the current and new members of the New Club Building, Growth and Retention, and Communications Public Relations and Marketing Club Support committees indicating together, the committees constitute what was formerly, the TAG Team. Jack White said, “The Growth Team has the full support of the people in our top leadership positions. They are looking to us to help reestablish membership and club growth as part of the DNA of the Capital District. It has been a long time since that was the case, but we are encouraged about the prospects and very much enthused about our work.”

Jack then welcomed Gov Bob Cressy who stressed we need to “Get Back to Basics”, as the work these past few months is starting to show results with a net increase of plus 57 members, which includes two new clubs, both built above charter strength. Gov Bob said Capital District needs strong clubs to serve and added past leadership stands ready to provide advice and counsel. Gov-Elect Art Riley indicated his plan is for Growth in Service, Growth in Committee Involvement, Growth in Communications and PR, and Growth in District Service Leadership Programs.

Scott Zimmerman, Past President of the Williamsburg Kiwanis Club challenged the team to implement a strategy of Diversity, with the operative word, Inclusiveness, as we share our life of service with others use the opportunity the combined effort to solve problems. Jack White then explained the steps necessary to prepare a Club for Growth and invited panel members Tom Ganse and John Montgomery to discuss, ‘Why Clubs Get in Trouble”, and “What to Do When a Call comes for Help”. Factors affecting a troubled club include Poor Meetings, Poor Projects, Complacent Attitude, Cliquish Club, and a club Control Group. Someone observing the Club has to give constructive criticism if the club is to improve. The panel agreed, new members should have a mentor to help them grow into Kiwanis.

New Club Chair, Tom Ganse and Jacki Bledsoe, a SWVA Region Kiwanian and former Kiwanis International staff member for New Club Building, gave a crash course in New Club Building. Tom indicated the planning process must lay the proper foundation, assess the community needs, send invitation letters to prospects with a follow-up call, be ready to accept membership applications and checks, and use reasonable time parameters. Jacki advised Clubs to recruit members for leadership positions, have standard presentations, and have expectations, for example, a member will attend meetings, and a member will perform service. At the end of the evening, communications, Public Relations and Marketing members, Rosemary Cummings and John Montgomery explained, "What is the Message we communicate and how are we communicating our message." Kiwanis service is critical to a community and to our children. This is the message we must convey to the Public through the media. More importantly, every Club member must know and convey this message consistently to the public, and privately as they ask their family, friends, and business associates to collaborate in their Kiwanis service efforts. Look for a strong “Prescription for Success” PR campaign.

Jack White reviewed the District-approved DVD Closing the Back Door, and invited members to discuss procedures for taking this tool to the District Clubs to promote discussion and feedback at the Club level as a tool to retain members and revitalize their Clubs. The Growth Team members will be available in each Region as a resource available to all Clubs. The thee committees expect to have a strong presence at the District Convention to all District Kiwanians know the resources available to continue the growth momentum started under the past two Governors.