Serving the children of the world

MiniBuilder the newsletter of the Capital District

June-July 2009 Dave Maloney, Editor

What is a Kiwanian? by Governor Tom Ganse

[I am saddened to report that Gov. Tom's mother passed away June 1, 2009. The below article is an "encore" message from Tom who is, understandably, preoccupied at the time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom and his family. Tom’s address is on page 2 of this MiniBuilder - Editor]
What Is A Kiwanian, Anyway?
by Governor Tom Ganse
How much change can Kiwanis accept and still be Kiwanis? At what point will we be so different that we lose our distinct identity as Kiwanians?
Have we abandoned what it means to be a Kiwanian if we don't start a meeting with a song or offer a Christian blessing? Can we have a meeting without a meal, or a guest speaker? Are we still good Kiwanians if we don't wear our lapel pins, regardless of whether or not we have lapels? Where do we draw the line to say "enough is enough"? At what point will we lose our elder members because "this is not the Kiwanis I joined"? What is a Kiwanian, anyway?
The answer is really pretty simple when you get down to basics. A KIWANIAN IS SOMEONE WHO BELIEVES IN, AND PRACTICES, THE SIX OBJECTS OF KIWANIS. Period. Everything else is window dressing. Tradition. Ritual. Habit. Call it what you want, but the bottom line is that, if it doesn't further the Six Objects of Kiwanis, it can change and adapt without jeopardizing our identity as a Kiwanian.
Let's take a minute to focus in on those Objects:
To give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life.
To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.
To promote the adoption and the application of higher social, business, and professional standards.
To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive, and serviceable citizenship.
To provide, through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service, and to build better communities.
To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism which make possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism, and goodwill.
I don't see anything in there about a dress code or mandatory meeting protocol. If your club's membership continues to evaporate, I encourage you to look beyond the club's "style points" (or lack thereof in a 21st Century society) and focus instead on the behavior; the acts. We form "enduring friendships" by welcoming new members and doing things with them. We "promote ...higher social, business and professional standards" by example - reply to e-mails and phone calls, pay your dues when you get your bill, treat your fellow citizens with respect even when their views are different. I could site an example for each object, but you get the point.
Now consider the following topic as presented in Kiwanis International CEO Rob Parker's November 2008 edition of "The Insider". It's called "Classic Refresh".
"While we all agree that Kiwanis has a rich history of service and leadership, most of us also recognize the world has changed dramatically since our founding in 1915. Although Kiwanis has adapted to some of these changes, our decline in membership over the past 20 years would suggest that we still have some changes to make to remain relevant to both this generation, and the next. While the development of Kiwanis NEXT is an ongoing process, there are also some things we are working on to "refresh" our classic model of Kiwanis. Leaders and members from all over the Kiwanis world are sharing their ideas with us in answer to the following question: "If you could change anything about Kiwanis, what would it be?"
Following is a brief summary of what people have been telling us:
Decrease the frequency and length of meetings.
Create a fun atmosphere that makes people want to come back.
Design the meeting with a focus on interaction between the members and planning our service projects, rather than around a program/speaker.
Reduce the reporting requirements and make things simpler.
Focus service efforts on fewer things that will have a greater impact.
Stop promoting district and international fundraising projects so often.
Clearly, we must adapt if we have any hope of remaining relevant in today's society, and we need to do it more swiftly. We have a lot of catching up to do. Things are moving at the District level, and not simply just for the sake of change. We are aggressively pursuing new strategies to bring our image up to modern standards, be more financially astute (which is not the same thing as being frugal - "you have to spend money to make money"), and provide an operating environment and support structure that allows our clubs to prosper and grow.

A kiwanian is someone who believes in, and practices, the six objects of kiwanis

Vote “Jerry” for KI Trustee at Convention

(cont’d on page 2)

What is a Kiwanian? (cont’d from page 1)

Clearly, we must adapt if we have any hope of remaining relevant in today's society, and we need to do it more swiftly.

The MiniBuilder is published six times a year in February, April, June, August, October, December by the Capital District of Kiwanis International
Dave Maloney, Editor dave@maloney.com P.O. Box 2049 Frederick, MD 21702 301-228-2279
Deadline email submissions to dave@maloney.com last day of the month preceding publication
Capital District Kiwanis International
Organized August 23, 1918
Governor Tom Ganse P. O. Box 1074 Lusby, MD 20657 410-326-5117
tganse@earthlink.net
Secretary-Treasurer Ellis H. Stroup 7307 Coventry Drive P.O. Box 855 Middletown, MD 21769-0855 301-371-4650 ehstroup@comcast.net
Governor-Elect Don Dudey
1110 Kingsbury Rd.
Owings Mills, MD 21117
h-410-356-5707 c-443-794-1112 cell
ddudey@verizon.net
Immediate Past Governor
Arthur Riley 250 Uniontown Road Westminster, MD 21157 c-443-398-6148 h-410-857-0656
RxArthur@aol.com
Capital District Foundation
Executive Secretary Charles P. Adams 1601 Charrington Drive Midlothian, VA 23113 804-794-1019 govadams@aol.com

(cont’d on page 3)

What is a Kiwanian (cont’d from page 2)

To My Kiwanis Friends
Many thanks to all of the compassionate Kiwanians who have shared their thoughts and prayers for my family during this challenging time of my mother’s passing. My mother, Bette Ganse, was born and raised in Hershey, PA. She was a loving and caring wife, mother of six, grandmother, great-grandmother and homemaker who dedicated her life to serving and nurturing her family, friends and neighbors. Although not personally involved in activities outside the home, she was the loyal partner who supported her husband and his many charitable service endeavors within the local and greater world community.
Many have asked about flowers or contributions. My mother’s expressed desire was to have donations in lieu of flowers, and that they be sent to:
Asera Care Hospice 315 Primrose Lane, Suite 101 Mountville, PA 17554 -or- St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church 359 W. Areba Avenue Hershey, PA 17033
Thanks to all of you once again for all of your caring and concern. With a Kiwanis servant’s heart,
Tom Ganse, Governor, 2008-2009

Children Helping Children: Middle Schoolers Raise Money for Africa
by Raga Elim, Ph.D., Chair, Capital District Committee on International Understanding
In May, middle school students in Williamsburg, Virginia, contributed $125 to the Initiative for Africa.
Students at Berkeley Middle School bought raffle tickets for the chance to put pie in the face of an 8th grade teacher. Seven teachers volunteered for the event, which was held at the school "block party."
Students decided to contribute to the Initiative for Africa after their teacher, Deborah Kendall, invited me to speak to their social studies class. She had read an article I published in the local Williamsburg newspaper.
Students were shocked to hear that 26,000 children die from hunger and disease each day in developing countries, many of them in sub-Saharan Africa. The students were concerned about the conditions I described in Africa and intrigued by our Initiative to help African children by helping their families buy human-powered irrigation pumps so they can grow food and start small businesses. As a result, the families can feed themselves and, in addition, pay for education and medicine and opportunities for their children.
At the end of class, several students said they would like to contribute to this Kiwanis project. Their fund-raising efforts resulted in the $125 contribution this month. Children in the United States helping children in Africa-truly an inspiring result.

Students were shocked to hear that 26,000 children die from hunger and disease each day in developing countries

Message from Gov.-Elect Don by Gov-Elect Don Dudey

As you read my previous article about my goals and objectives for next year, you would remember that one of my goals was to improve the use of the District Club Support Committees.

As you read my previous article about my goals and objectives for next year, you would remember that one of my goals was to improve the use of the District Club Support Committees.
These committees are designed to provide direct support to each individual club in their respective areas. Each has 8 members, one for each region including a committee chair. Each develop their own goals and objectives with the help of the governor-elect. These goals are ways that the committee can provide ideas, programs and suggestion for clubs to work in the committees specific area i.e. community service committee could provide ideas and suggestions on new and different service projects clubs could perform during the year. Each committee has the knowledge and resources to help your club, if your club asks and is receptive to such help and suggestions. Clubs just have to ask to receive this assistance. The committee is a resource not a dictator in regards to this information and assistance. They are there to help. To obtain this help, just contact your Division LTG or you can always give me a call.
In conjunction with the District Club Support Committee, the district is always looking for volunteers who would like to work on a district club support committee within their respective region. This position would be promoting the committees programs and ideas to clubs within their respective region. This can be done by email, telephone conversations and sometime attending division council meetings and conducting a short program on the committee's ideas. You set the time when you can work with the committee within your region but may be a little controlled by scheduled meetings if you have to attend them.
If you are interested in any one of the 16 committee, or want more information about a specific committee, please give me a call or email and I would be glad to discuss this matter with you.. The 16 committees are: Administration and Club Operations; Aktion clubs; Builders clubs, CKI; Club growth; communications and public relations; Community service; Inclusion enhancement; International understanding; Key club; Key leaders; K-kids; Meetings; Leadership and development; New club building; YCPO.
I can be reached at
ddudey@comcast.net home 410-356-5707 cell 443-794-1112
I look forward in hearing from you.

Club Newsletter Contest Underway!
Entries are now being solicited for the Capital Division 2009 Newsletter Contest. All entries are to be submitted by July 30th. Links to contest details as well as the contest entry form can be found online in the June eBuilder. Note that beginning this year, all entries are to be submitted in digital format to facilitate judging.

Governor-Elect Candidate by Sec. Ellis Stroup

In accordance with the Capital District Policy Statements, qualified members who have filed their intention of being a candidate for the office of Governor-elect may have their candidacy announced District wide beginning on the second Friday in January.
The Kiwanis club of Ashland, Virginia, has presented Thomas A. Varner (right) as a candidate for the office of Governor-elect of the Capital District for the 2009-2010 Administrative year.

Bring a Book: Literacy Project at Nashville International Convention by Gov. Tom Ganse

Led by the Florida District, several Districts will be bringing children's books to Nashville at the upcoming International Convention, in support of literacy projects for children. As a District that includes part of Appalachia, this is a natural fit for Capital.
I am personally asking that every delegate and attendee consider bringing at least one children's book with them to Nashville where the books will be collected for distribution to the service areas. Please note - if you identify your contribution as coming from the Capital District, it will be earmarked for a literacy project within the Capital District.
Thank you for considering this worthwhile project, and feel free to spread the word through every channel.

Crofton Club Fixes Up Aging Home by Joe Narcavage

I am personally asking that every delegate and attendee consider bringing at least one children's book with them to Nashville

The Crofton Kiwanis Club recently took part in the annual Rebuilding Together Program by assisting local homeowner Hisae Kanahan in fixing up a few things in her aging home. Kiwanis members Bob Sharpe, Russ Shipley, Dick Kemezis, Nancy Scaggs, Dennis Clark, Dennis Robin, Ed Callahan, David Schickel and Bruce Jackson took part. Other friends helping included Tricia Sharpe, Charlie Dotson and Tom Mulry. Another local organization, BNI, supplied helpers, including Bob Gilgun, who provided breakfast. The Cornerstone Church of Bowie provided lunch. This is the 15th year Bob Sharpe has led the Crotton Kiwanis club in this program.

Call to District Convention by Sec. Ellis Stroup

In accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws of the Capital District Kiwanis International, official notice is hereby given that the Ninety First Annual Convention of the Capital District Kiwanis International will be held in Dover, Delaware at The Sheraton Dover Hotel, August 21-23, 2009.
Each chartered club in good standing in the Capital District shall be entitled to three (3) delegates, two of whom shall be the President and President-elect. Each chartered club at the time of selection of delegates may choose one alternate for each delegate. Delegates and alternates must be active, privileged, or senior members in good standing in the clubs which they represent. In the event a chartered club does not have a delegate to represent it at a District Convention, it may designate one Past Lieutenant Governor, with that person's concurrence, who is an active member of a club of the same Division, to serve as its delegate to any District Convention.
Financial indebtedness to the Capital District and Kiwanis International must be cleared before club delegates may be seated in the house-of-delegates at the convention.
Attention is called to the fact that the house-of-delegates will be convened on Saturday afternoon, August 22, 2009 to handle routine business such as amendments, resolutions, etc. A second delegate session will be held on Sunday morning, August 23, 2009 at which time the election of officers will be conducted.
Forms for use in certifying the Election of Delegates and Alternates to this convention will be mailed to each club secretary of record.

More Effective Club Communications: It's as Easy as 1-2-3 by Bill Butts, Capital Dist. Comm/PR Chair

Effective communications, PR and marketing practices have as much value for a non-profit and service organization like Kiwanis as they do for a for-profit group, company or corporation.

Effective communications, PR and marketing practices have as much value for a non-profit and service organization like Kiwanis as they do for a for-profit group, company or corporation.
Clubs across the Capital District interested in generating more publicity and improving their club's communication practices can now turn to a new Communications & PR Template that has been developed to assist clubs in this regard.
Effective communications can help a club:
Increase its ability to promote itself and its value to the community,
Develop its membership and grow as an organization,
Generate more favorable impressions to help Kiwanis stand out in the community,
Attract prospective new members
In addition, improved communications enhances the ability of your club to retain members because they will feel value in belonging to the club, and supports the general public being more aware and motivated to support the service projects and fundraisers sponsored by your club.
Step #1:
The new District Comm/PR Template is now posted on the District website. Go to the "Member Resources" section of the website and click on "Comm-PR-Mktg Template PDF.
Step #2:
We're looking for at "Contender Clubs" in every region that are interested and committed to improving their club's communication effectiveness.... That's right, we're are asking for volunteers to raise their hand that they will undertake to implement some of the practices outlined in the Template this year with the goal of getting better. Our goal is at least two clubs in each region (or better yet, at least one club in each Division), so let us hear from you today. Email us with your interest.
Step #3:
We're also looking for "Resource Clubs" in each Region/Division. These are clubs that are already enjoying a level of effectiveness with some of their comm/pr/mktg practices. We are asking these volunteers to be a resource to the Contender Clubs, to share experience and insights and serve as a sounding board and mentor. Again, the goal is to identify at least two Resource Clubs per Region.
So, there you have it.... Building Your Club's Communications Effectiveness... As Easy as !-2-3!
The new Template is now posted on the District website. Go to the "Member Resources" section of the website and click on "Comm-PR-Mktg Template PDF.

Bill Butts

In Memoriam

May 2009
Floyd Vetter Bull Run, Va. Leroy Rogers Blue Ridge, Va. Albert Meadows (Past Lt. Governor) Grafton, Va.
April 2009
Mildred Hardy, Alleghany Highlands, Va. Harold J. Schaden, Frederick, Md. Dart Way (Past LTG) Greater Ocean Pines, Md.

Capital District Convention Aug. 21-23, 2009 Dover, DE

The DelMarVa region is now accepting registrations for the Capital District Kiwanis 2009 Convention at Dover Delaware. We will be staying at the Sheraton Hotel. Please call early for reservation at 1-888-755-1450 or on-line at sheratondover.com. The reservation code is "Capital District Kiwanis Convention". Make payment to “Capital District Kiwanis” and send to Capital District Kiwanis 2009 Convention, Mary Anderson, Kiwanis Club of Greater Millsboro, P.O. Box 285, Millsboro, Delaware 19966.

MiniBuilder the newsletter of the Capital District

David Maloney, Editor P.O. Box 2049 Frederick, MD 21702
Phone: 301-228-2279
dave@maloney.com

We’re on the Web!
capitaldistrictkiwanis.org

Suburban Frederick Club K-Family Night by Christine Semon

The Kiwanis Club of Suburban Frederick recently held its annual K Family Night to recognize the efforts of the Service Leadership Programs the club sponsors. Organized by club SLP Chairperson, Christine Semon, this year's program featured members from the Walkersville Key Club, Tuscarora Key Club, and the Middletown Builders Club.
Joining the event were club advisors, family and friends. Each club reviewed achievements from the past year and its goals for the next year. Division 9 Key Club LTG Marvin Gee was also present and offered his assessment of his administrative year. Marvin noted that Key Club had a significant positive impact on his term in high school.
Pictured left are SLP members along with their club advisors. On the far left is SLP Chair, Christine Semon. On the far right is club president, Dave Maloney.

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MiniBuilder June-July 2009

MiniBuilder June-July 2009

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Gov. Elect Don Dudey