Gov-Elect Tom's Message

by Tom Varner

Last month I discussed the Lieutenant Governors' role as the direct supervisor to Kiwanis Clubs in Capital District. This month let me talk a little about the "MOST IMPORTANT" position in Kiwanis - The Club President. The logic is simple: the Club is the most important element, the base on which Kiwanis rests. Therefore, the Club President is the most important of all the leadership positions in Kiwanis.

When I joined Kiwanis close to 25 years ago, I was impressed that it was about developing leaders. Many of us think in terms of our Service Leadership Programs - CKI, Key Clubs, Builders Clubs, and Key Leader, but we also develop the adult leaders in our communities through committee chairs, directorships, club officers, and finally the Club President.

For some reason today, many clubs do not give this position the respect it deserves. If you missed the annual meeting you might be elected President. Alternatively, what is happening increasingly is that Clubs are not electing their Club Presidents in time to allow them to plan and prepare to guide their clubs. The 2010 - 2011 Club Officers were to be elected no later than May 15, 2009. Yet, we still have many Clubs without a 2010 - 2011 President.

Why is this important? First, many Regions have already had one training session for the 2010 - 2011 Presidents and a second one will be held this month. Those who have not been elected have missed tools they will find useful as they lead their clubs. They have missed meeting with their peers who will be their greatest source of help and encouragement in their year as President.

Kiwanis, like the world, is changing. The traditional Kiwanis Club that meets weekly and then has an additional board meeting is only one form of clubs today. There are many exciting variations to the standard club. These variations are not for everyone, but it does not hurt anyone to know what they are. There are Internet Clubs for people who may be scattered throughout the world. There are clubs made up of young professionals who have common denominators of age, employment, and other demands on their lives. There are clubs located in a given company or business complex that share a business interest or common geographic area. There are clubs who meet formally once a month to conduct their business and to plan and announce their service projects.

By having your Club President elected and in place, she/he will learn about the new tools that Kiwanis has to offer. As your 2010 - 2011 Governor, I would like to see all of our Clubs have 2010 - 2011 Presidents elected by the end of this year. Can I count on your club meeting this goal?