The Tried and True Benefit of Circle K International: A Service Centered Heart

In my last five years in Circle K International, I have held my own against other volunteer organizations at service fairs, involvement fests and recruitment events. I have quite literally been labeled the walking Circle K bulletin board for the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse Circle K club and could recite at the drop of a dime all of the benefits of Circle K International. Many question why they should join Circle K; even more question the necessity of joining any volunteer organization. Yes, one of the many advantages of being a Circle K member are the benefits that flood in with this membership from immense resume builders to membership pins and unbelievable networking. Truly, the list is seemingly and amazingly never-ending. Throughout these last five years, however, I have also begun to ponder why other members and myself first list these material benefits when at the core and center of this organization lies the tried and true benefit of Circle K International: a service centered heart.

When Gandhi stated that “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” he was unaware of the potential future existence of Circle K International. His intuitive wisdom, however, is not lost upon the current legions of volunteers who clamber to lend helping hands. These volunteers, Circle K’ers included, may not completely understand all of the benefits they are receiving while serving others. Through the years, though, each and every volunteer is slowly creating a strong and perceptive sense of self and a heart that yearns for a better world for not only itself but for all of the world’s children. It is hard to not render any sense out of this: yet again, service IS the benefit to Circle K.

This may not be the clearest benefit received. It is surely not quantitative and there is no direct way to measure whether or not it was received. Can we pinpoint if it was a success or not a success? No. Because a service centered heart resides within and resonates out through immeasurable means likes smiles, encouragement, support, and inner excellence. True, I can count the pins and name badges I have. I can hang on my walls the awards I have received. I can also list off the Kiwanis contacts I have in various cities and write on my resume the number of service hours I have completed this last year. When I go to OfficeMax, I can also receive the (measurable) contract pricing for the sole reason that I am a part of the Kiwanis family. And yes, these quantitative benefits do tie the ribbon on the present of Circle K quite nicely but this is merely the ribbon, the accessory. It is the qualitative benefit that we can no longer fail to mention, it is the gift itself: the service centered heart.

With that being said, I urge the reader and, in general, the volunteer to further examine this benefit and realize the inner reaping of their good deeds. What personal gains have you felt in your heart through your service to others? Emily Dickinson famously writes, “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain. If I can ease one life the aching, I shall not live in vain. Or cool one pain, or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.” A heart in which the focus is easing the aches of the world is immeasurably one of the latent treasures of the world. One in which you, the volunteer, can behold. And so I ask, have you yet realized the tried and true benefit of Circle K International? Written By: Bree Boettcher