Governor
Art's Corner
by Gov. Art Riley
Potential is a word I find myself using more frequently
as I travel the Capital District. This word, of course,
symbolizes power that can be developed and that is
what I have seen and experienced these past months
from my perspective as Governor. As Governor I have
been able to witness potential converted into action
as well as potential that is still awaiting action.
As the 2007-08 year began we as a district talked
a lot about the many avenues that clubs could utilize
to improve community service and grow individual
clubs. As the 2007-08 year nears the beginning of
2008-09, I am more convinced than ever that the following
areas have great promise if developed in the coming
months and years.
Potential #1: Local, divisional and district promotion is essential to promote Kiwanis and the Capital District. This may seem like a simple statement, but there is great possibility if we can find the right formula. The formula must be created by the District Communication and Publicity Committee and be disseminated to all clubs. Clubs must be trained on how to implement the formula. The formula must be a comprehensive utilization of electronic and print communication and adapted annually to utilize advances in technology. The need for communication and promotion of Kiwanis to the outside world is enormous and an action plan needs to be developed and implemented now.
Potential #2: Club growth will yield new service ideas as well as more service hours. Daily I receive membership inquires from Capital District residents interested in serving and knowing more about Kiwanis. These inquires are forward to Lt. Governors for action and hopefully recruitment. If more than 300 inquires a year are received, think about the number of people in your community that are interested in Kiwanis. At least three clubs in this District now believe this because they have taken the initiative and have posted net gains in membership in double digits. If each club puts a plan into action, growth will occur at levels that are astounding.
Potential #3: New club building is the life-blood of energizing existing clubs. Clubs that sponsor new clubs report that they accomplish more than building a new club. They gain new members in the sponsoring club, they raise Kiwanis awareness in the community, they increase service in the community, they produce greater Kiwanis enthusiasm and more new ideas, and there is more community pride. The foundation of several new clubs now exists in the Capital District and they should become new Kiwanis Clubs soon.
Potential #4: Service leadership is what we say we are about and now is the time to take our money and time and convert the potential into reality. How many schools within the boundaries of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia do not have a K-Kids, Builders Clubs or Key Club? How many of these schools need to develop students into leaders of tomorrow? How many of these students will become service leaders without Kiwanis assistance? The objectives of Kiwanis International expect Kiwanians to contribute to communities with a purpose of greater good than benefit to themselves. If we don't help develop these service leaders we have not met the challenge. This challenge also encompasses growing the adult leadership capabilities through CKI and Aktion Clubs.
Potential energy remains as such until a force converts such energy into kinetic energy. As Kiwanians we have the responsibility to develop the potential in our communities. The great news is there is a way for each Kiwanian to participate and be the one that makes a difference. Let's keep the Richmond spirit by implementing what was learned at the District Convention and making new Kiwanis stories by developing all of our potential!
