A proven track record of over 19 years of award-winning, devoted service to Kiwanis.
Stephen T. Hill
Candidate’s Position PaperPage 3
Candidate’s Position PaperPage 3provided by them is absolutely amazing. We could learn from them in many ways. Their “can do” attitude produces incredible results. Participating with our youth is such a rewarding experience and energizes the adults who serve as their advisors. Many clubs however are not very active with their service leadership programs and do not have much of a relationship with them. This is unfortunate. Smaller clubs should look at these groups as not having one more thing to do, but rather an asset to help them both achieve mutual goals.
•Alternative Membership Options through E clubs, Satellite clubs and Corporate memberships – While most of us have come to think of Kiwanis in very traditional terms it has become necessary to consider alternative options to maintaining and growing our membership. Traditional breakfast, lunch or dinner clubs will always be part of the Kiwanis world. However, the ultimate goal of Kiwanis is “service.” If service can be achieved through an alternative route such as E clubs or having satellite clubs than these efforts should be embraced. It is not that our existing structure is going away but rather that it is being enhanced. In communities where there is a strong commercial presence Corporate memberships would seem to be ideal. Having the corporation be the member rather than the individual would ensure continuity in the club of a membership slot.
Alternative Membership Options through E clubs, Satellite clubs and Corporate memberships – While most of us have come to think of Kiwanis in very traditional terms it has become necessary to consider alternative options to maintaining and growing our membership. Traditional breakfast, lunch or dinner clubs will always be part of the Kiwanis world. However, the ultimate goal of Kiwanis is “service.” If service can be achieved through an alternative route such as E clubs or having satellite clubs than these efforts should be embraced. It is not that our existing structure is going away but rather that it is being enhanced. In communities where there is a strong commercial presence Corporate memberships would seem to be ideal. Having the corporation be the member rather than the individual would ensure continuity in the club of a membership slot. •Balance of efforts to build new Kiwanis clubs and assist established Kiwanis Clubs – The concept of focusing efforts on new clubs versus old clubs is one that draws diverse opinions and spirited discussions. It is true that helping our existing clubs get back to charter strength and becoming more vibrant is very important. Kiwanis attempts to do this today through the TAG team approach. Kiwanis should always allocate resources to revitalizing clubs that want the help. However, there are clubs in the Kiwanis world that struggle mightily and are very content to stay just the way they are. It is virtually impossible to help these clubs until such time as the want the help. New club building must always be part of the approach in achieving growth. New club building is a challenging activity and is not for everyone. However, the necessity to bring new clubs into the system should be a priority not a “blind” ambition. Building new clubs at the expense of revitalizing existing clubs can not be the only measure of achieving success in Kiwanis. There must be a balance struck in the effort to grow membership.
Balance of efforts to build new Kiwanis clubs and assist established Kiwanis Clubs – The concept of focusing efforts on new clubs versus old clubs is one that draws diverse opinions and spirited discussions. It is true that helping our existing clubs get back to charter strength and becoming more vibrant is very important. Kiwanis attempts to do this today through the TAG team approach. Kiwanis should always allocate resources to revitalizing clubs that want the help. However, there are clubs in the Kiwanis world that struggle mightily and are very content to stay just the way they are. It is virtually impossible to help these clubs until such time as the want the help. New club building must always be part of the approach in achieving growth. New club building is a challenging activity and is not for everyone. However, the necessity to bring new clubs into the system should be a priority not a “blind” ambition. Building new clubs at the expense of revitalizing existing clubs can not be the only measure of achieving success in Kiwanis. There must be a balance struck in the effort to grow membership. What I find interesting is that what we have considered important over the years has not significantly changed. We still speak of orientation, service, relevancy, fun, getting new members and member retention. What is missing though is a system wide focus of energy on a consistent basis to solve these issues. In North America our membership has been on a slow decline for a number of years. In spite of the efforts of some very talented leaders at the International level this has continued to take place.
I believe that the key to winning this battle is focus, communication and energy. These efforts must start at the top of the organization. Our leaders must be highly motivated, good communicators and dedicated. Our leadership must be consistent year to year to create a platform for the clubs to succeed at the local level. Success and recognition of
July 7-10, 2011
in Geneva Switzerland
Contact: John Maihos
New England District International Ledership Chair
Home: 978-922-6311
Office: 978-992-0502
