Kiwanis districts and clubs operate autonomously within the policies and bylaws set by Kiwanis International and club dues can only be established, set or altered by individual Kiwanis clubs. The Ohio district voted against an amendment to their bylaws not because they do not support the troops - but because local clubs are in an ideal position to decide what is best for their members. That said, Kiwanis clubs from around the world have supported and continue to support active military personnel and their families in various ways, including letter-writing campaigns, gift baskets to military personnel and sponsorship of children of military personnel at summer camps.

Please feel free to use this information to explain the decision to our members. You also have my permission to use this paragraph in Letters to the Editors of your local papers. Please share this email with the leaders of your club.

Dave Whiteman
District Secretary
Ohio District of Kiwanis International