Gov. Tom's Message
by Gov. Tom Varner
First, let me thank all of you for giving me the honor of being your servant leader for the 2010 - 2011 Kiwanis year. I assure you that not only will I work for your benefit, but all of the District Officers will do their very best to allow us to be the premier District in Kiwanis International.
Secondly, I would like to thank Governor Don Dudey for an excellent year of leadership in the Capital District. We have made great strides this past year. This year has set the tone for an even bigger and better Capital District. In addition, I would like to thank Trustees Jim Jacobs, Brian Bell and Don Schroeder for their years of service as District Trustee. Without our dedicated leaders we would not be where we are today.
As I said in Lynchburg, one of my primary goals is to increase the level of education for our Club and district Officers. The first step is making sure that we have elected our Club Officers and Division Lieutenant Governors. Last week only six (6) of the 2011 -2012 LTG's had been elected. They should have been elected in April, 2010 and the Club Officers should have been elected in May, 2010.
Therefore, the first step in improving education is to elect the appropriate officers in a timely manner. This is the responsibility every Kiwanian in the District. Has your club elected its full slate of officers? That means the President, President-Elect, Vice-President and Treasurer and either has elected or appointed its Secretary? If not, ask Why? The timley lection and effective training will start us on the path of even better future leaders.
And, we can ask the same questions of Division leaders, that is, do we have a Lieutenant Governor-Elect who is prepared to be trained?
Once we get caught up with our current Club and Division Officers, we will be on our way to an effective leadership development program. This succession program begins when a new member walks through the door. It is not the time to make them the President, but it is the time to start putting them to work on an active committee. From there, they will move to a committee chair position and then to the Club's board of Directors. Now they will have become knowledgeable about Kiwanis and be ready to assume a leadership role.
These same steps should be followed as members are prepared to take the leadership roles at the Division and District Level. Experience with committees at both the Division and District level will increase their knowledge and make them better leaders.
In addition to the "formal" training that is sanctioned by Kiwanis International, there are many other opportunities to learn and become a better informed Kiwanian. Participation in an interclub is a great way to both meet other Kiwanian, and to get new ideas for your club. Attendance at Council Meetings, Conferences, and Conventions at all levels will help one learn about Kiwanis.
The bottom line - it is every Kiwanian job to develop leadership in themselves and throughout Kiwanis. Are you willing to do your part? It is a small thing, but everyone can make a difference.
