Each new Kiwanis year provides an opportunity to renew and refresh our commitment to provide much needed service to our communities and the children of the world. It is a time to set new goals and examine our priorities. It is a time when new leadership emerges to refocus our efforts and seek consensus on the ways and means of meeting the needs we have identified.
First Lady Carol and I are, first of all, members of a local Kiwanis club. We, like you, find our personal satisfaction in giving our time and energy to the improvement of life in our community through the work of our Kiwanis club. We understand fully that the strength of each Kiwanis club comes from the individual members. All Kiwanis success comes from the combined efforts of individuals who have chosen to give of their own personal resources to see that needs are first identified and then met.
It is our goal in the 2009-2010 Kiwanis year to visit Kiwanis members across the Ohio District and express appreciation for the work they do. We also hope to educate club leaders about ways to improve the member experience, promote membership growth, support our sponsored leadership programs, create greater awareness of the district and international foundations, and to encourage even greater service. We hope to provide guidance and resources for clubs to develop working membership growth plans so that they will have more hands to do their service projects and fundraising.
We encourage all Ohio District Kiwanis members to make use of District and International resources and assistance. These resources are many and varied. The District has District Chairs who are ready and willing to help you in any area you may be seeking to improve. The District Office has capable staff to help you in many ways. The Kiwanis International website www.kiwanisone.org has a wealth of information and resources. Your dues pay for these services and resources. Please take advantage of these offerings.
Finally, First Lady Carol and I want to tell you how honored we are to serve with you and can’t wait to meet you and thank you for the good work you are doing and will continue to do.