CKI Membership, Development and Benefits Committee

Doing Service During the Summer

2009-05-24T18:08:00.001-04:00

Being members of CKI, we are all addicted to service. We can all see that by the thousands of hours of service that we all put in every year. With the school year coming to a close, we all have two words on our minds: SUMMER VACATION. For many of us, that involves being hundreds or even thousands of miles away from our campus where we do service. Even though we are away from the place we know and love to do service, that does not mean that we have to stop doing service. Here are some great ways to stay involved during the summer.

One way that will work for the first part of the summer is to find a CKI club where you are during the summer and do service with them. This will only work if that school is not out for the year. It would be amazing if this happened, and it would allow CKIers from different schools to meet!

You can also find a local Kiwanis club and attend some of their service projects. Kiwanians always love to hear about CKI, and there is no better way than to do service with them. In fact, I am going to be helping out a local Kiwanis club this summer with their fireworks stand they put on every year.

A third option if you are near your school is to organize a summer project and let all of your members know. There may still be members around campus during the summer, and this would be a great way to interact during the summer.

Don't forget, there is LSSP and the blood drive before ICON to get that little dose of service. Yes this is a plug, but a worthy one none the less.

No matter where you are this summer, find some people and do some service. I just gave you a few ideas on how to go about this, but there are obviously many more ideas you can take advantage of to do service this summer. Just remember one word over the summer: SERVICE.

Written By: Cale Middleton

If Only I Knew: Key to College

2009-05-09T21:06:00.000-04:00

I have several days left till my graduation from college. I would have to say that this as been one of the best times in my life. Not only did I receive a higher education but I also learned about new studying habits, management, budgeting, and cultural diversity. Luckily, I have an older sister who taught me most of this so I didn’t have to worry too much about my transition from high school to college. However, not many newly high school grads have that same resource as I did and would most of the time have to experience it the hard way: actually being IN college. And I’m sure you have experienced that sometime of your college life, thinking…man, I wish I knew about this before. Making the lives of future college freshmen easier and more knowledgeable, Circle K International has designed a program to help with the transition from high school to college called Key to College.
Key to College was created to help mentor and advice high schoolers about college. The program doesn’t just target high school seniors but also those students who are interested in going to college afterwards. Additionally, students don’t have to be part of Key Club to attend.
Through this program, Circle Kers give high school students an insight about college. We can tell them about a normal day in school and can advice them about how to time manage studying and fun. We can also provide tips such as what to expect living in a dorm, how to schedule for classes, and how to study. Not only is this program aimed to inform what is coming ahead but also to help get into college. Circle Kers can help explain the application process and provide hints to make a great application.
Overall, Key to College is a great program to help prepare high schoolers for college as well as encourage them to continue working hard to get in. Talk to your CKI club about setting one up in your area! On the international website, we have resources to help you out, which include a pre-made flier and Powerpoint presentation, but you are more than welcome to create the program your own way. So let’s help out those high schoolers get into college, and maybe…just maybe, tell them to join Circle K International as well ;).

Written By: Melissa Kong

2009-04-17T14:49:00.000-04:00

Who Doesn’t Love Free Money?!

2009-04-07T00:33:00.001-04:00

Of course everyone loves free money! Especially when the economy is so bad right now, we should all take up any offer that we can get our hands onto. Luckily for us, we have the Tomorrow Fund, which are grants that are given out every year exclusively for CKI clubs! With the help of the Kiwanis International Foundation, clubs can receive funding aid ranging from US $200 to $2,000 for service projects.
Applications have always been accepted till July 15th and awarded in August at International Convention. However, the International Board has decided to change this deadline. Now applications are due December 1st of each year. Thus this year, all applications are due on December 1, 2009.
Why are we changing the deadline, you may ask. Well, the Kiwanis Office every year has to rush through all these applications along with Key Club’s to ensure that everything is ready for International Convention. Relieving some of the stress, this new deadline will give more time for the Service Committee to thoroughly assess each application. Additionally, this gives many new club officers a chance to apply for the grant after commencing their new terms. Overall, this change will benefit both the Kiwanis Office AND individual CKI clubs.
So definitely use the extension to start brainstorming some great service project ideas and work together with your clubs to plan them out. Just remember, don’t forget the new deadline. You don’t want to miss your chance to win free money.

Written: Melissa Kong

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

2009-03-23T13:33:00.004-04:00

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

CKI Happenings

2009-03-15T21:15:00.002-04:00

Hello CKI,

Many MDB Committee Members thought it would be a good idea to update you on what has been going on at the international level of CKI. First of all let me direct you to three different websites that can keep you up-to-date with all of the international happenings. http://www.circlek.org/ is the official CKI website and you can access all sorts of resources there for your club and for yourself. It is updated often so check back on at least a weekly base. The next website I want to direct yourself too is the International Presidents blog. Kristen does a great job keeping her blog up to date with all sorts of helpful hints and everything that CKI is up to, the website for her blog is http://ckiprezsayz.blogspot.com/. Finally the last website I want to point you too is the International Vice Presidents blog, again like Kristen Rico does a wonderful job keeping his blog up to date and full of resources, you can find his blog at this address, http://ckivp.blogspot.com/.

The three main things that have been taking place is at the international level is the change in the alcohol policy, the change in the Tomorrow Fund Grants and recently the change in international awards. Please check the out the CKI Insider editions that have been sent out on the alcohol policy and the Tomorrow Fund Grants regarding the changes that were made. International awards have just been sent out and published. We have discovered errors in them and we are planning on fixing them ASAP for that. Please keep checking the CKI website and the International Presidents Blog for more details when they become avalible.
Written By: Eric Hotchkiss

What is the Membership, Development and Benefits Committee?

2009-03-02T22:03:00.001-05:00

Many times Circle K International (CKI) has all of these committees available to members and many times members do not even know what each of these committees do throughout the year. The Membership, Development and Benefits Committee or MDB as it as known is in charge of any information that can help develop Circle K International (CKI) members. This can include producing articles about various CKI topics, create resources for the CKI website, inform CKI members of special benefits they receive as CKI members and much more.

Currently we are working on many different directives such as researching perks that can be given away to International Convention attendees in Birmingham, AL, creating information for international student benefits, filling out and applying for a Tomorrow Fund Grant and publication of CKI in a Minute 3x5 cards.

If you have any ideas for the MDB Committee to be working on please feel free to contact the MDB Chair Eric Hotchkiss at subregionf@circlek.org.

Break Into Service

2009-02-22T16:57:00.002-05:00

Spring Break is here, which means you are probably home with your family, doing nothing but sitting around and being bored. Even though CKI is temporarily on break, it doesn’t mean you have to. Despite the fact that this is the season to be giving, we all know that service truly never stops, so why let it? Here are some great ideas to keep you active during break and continue serving your community:
- Donate your old clothes. There are a lot of people who need clothes now that spring is coming soon. So why not go through your boxes of old, unused clothes to do some spring cleaning? If you haven’t touched them for years, donate them to someone who really needs them.
- Caroling for cans. Singing is one of the many joys in life, so go on and share it! Organize a can drive by singing cheerful songs to your neighbors. Bring that spring spirit up and provide food to the hunger.
- Donate a toy to Toys-for-Tots. Now, that it is the spring season, lots of children are excited to see that brand, new toy for their birthday; but unfortunately, not every child has that same opportunity. So let’s help them out! Buy a new, unwrapped toy for a needy child in your community.
- Make a Child Smile card. A simple card can brighten a child’s heart, so why not give one to a terminally ill child? Go to http://www.makeachildsmile.org/ to see how you can help bring a smile to a child’s face.
- Tutor children. Unlike college, K-12 grade students might not have a Spring Break, so it’s likely they may need help with school work during our break. Since you have the free time, give them an hour a week to help them out.
- Work at a soup kitchen. A lot of homeless people are in great need for food. Why don’t you help cook and provide this for them? After all, they deserve a good home cook meal, too.

Know anymore? Don’t let this list limit you. There are plenty more volunteer opportunities around your neighborhood. If you see something that interests you, definitely go for it! Share your talent or just provide that helping-hand. CKI is a part of you, so just let everyone know!
Written By: Melissa Kong

Untapped Resources You Need To Know About

2009-02-15T13:00:00.002-05:00

You’re officially a part of an amazing collegiate volunteer organization, but are you truly getting out of it everything you possibly can? I am a firm believer that what you put into this organization equates directly to what you will receive from it in return. With all of that extra energy you’re devoting to changing the world; why not make sure you’re also taking advantage of the numerous resources and benefits that Circle K International has to offer that you may not have known even existed? I urge you to continue reading to understand more completely several of the wonderful ways that Circle K differentiates itself from the other competing volunteer organizations to be, indubitably, the best.

Under Kiwanis Umbrella – ella – ella – eh – eh –eh
Have you ever wondered what might happen if you were to be injured while serving others? Ponder this no more! Circle K members are covered under a US1 MILLION dollar liability insurance umbrella and a US 5,000 dollar per incident medical insurance policy during club activities and projects. Fret no longer about potential pains produced from projects, you’re covered under Kiwanis Insurance …and just because you’re in Circle K!

Paid to Serve?
Well, not exactly. It is true; however, that most do not realize the availability of scholarships offered members and the benefits that can be reaped by these honorable scholarships. Scholarship rewards range from $500 to $2,500 with districts also offering their own scholarships. Be sure to check deadlines, however, as they vary based on your district. Every college student needs an extra financial boost; why not partake in the only possible payment process available in CKI?
The After-Life
With graduation looming on my horizons, my every thought seems to linger on the after-college life. Be sure to check with your district’s Kiwanis, as some districts offer a free two years of Kiwanis membership following graduation as a Circle K member. ALL members will receive free international dues for those same two years. You can thus continue on the golden service road through your work in the amazing Kiwanis! That’s definitely something of which to take advantage!

Endowing for Tomorrow
Many clubs are unaware of the Tomorrow Fund grants and how they can help clubs to take action. If you have a pre-existing service project or would like to undertake a community service project in your community, apply for this grant to help support those projects. If funding was ever an issue for one of your service projects, do not let money hinder your efforts any longer! Apply for the Tomorrow Fund!!

Communicable…uhh…Communication Resources
You need something but don’t know how to get it. OR, you need something but don’t yet know that you do? Circle K offers its members ways and means to satisfy all of your needs. If you have a question, need to contact someone, or would like to request materials, feel free to call 1-800-KIWANIS to meet your needs. Can these resources be obtained online? Most likely, so also feel free to check out http://www.circlek.org/ for the latest news, accomplishments, and resources. Wouldn’t it be so much easier if information was sent directly to your email? Sign up on the Circle K Business Reflector to receive pertinent Circle K business directly to your specified email account! Take advantage of these resources to ensure that you’re getting information when you need it, and even when you might not know you need it!

Circle K resources and benefits are more than the membership cards and pins Circle K’ers receive. Many of the resources have remained untapped by members for far too long! I urge you to take full advantage of all of the benefits that go hand in hand with being in Circle K AND to contact the Membership Development and Benefits Committee if there are any more that you feel should exist! Until then, please go out and tap into those hard-earned benefits!
Written By: Bree Boettcher

How to Use Your Membership Slump-B-Gone in the Spring Semester?

2009-01-30T20:33:00.003-05:00

I think that most of us know what I am talking about. We come back from winter break pumped up to serve our communities better than ever, but that same spunk has not resonated with many of our other members. What do we do now? Well, you use your Slump-B-Gone to rid your club of unsightly membership slumps, and keep the spirit alive in your club. On a more serious note, the members want to see the two P’s: passion and personal.

No matter who you are, when passion is exerted by someone, it is contagious. We need to keep this in mind as we return next semester. Be energized and ready to start the semester with a bang. For starters, plan a fun meeting to start the semester. Have pizza or stuff to make ice cream sundaes. This is a great way to reward your members for an outstanding job last semester, and get them ready for the coming one. Also, plan a big service project that requires your whole club to get involved. The more people that are needed, the more that feel needed and are more willing to come back to future meeting.

This leads me into personal. Members want to know that the club is there for them. The best way of doing this is to meet a member in your club that you don’t know, or if you know all of the members in your club, do an activity that lets you get to know everyone in the club more intimately. There is a connection that every CKI member has with one another, why not take it to another level. This will definitely bring everyone closer together. If there are members that used to come to meetings but have stopped, call them and let them know that you miss them. Anyone is more willing to doing something when they feel like they are wanted there. This is no exception for CKI. Everyone wants to feel like they belong, so show that you care and make the effort to make it more personal for everyone. Another great thing is to write notes to other members showing how much you appreciate them being there. People love seeing how much others care about them, and this is a great project to do at a meeting. One last thing, do a “You Rock, Rock” or a “You Rock, Sock.” It can really be anything, but this shows members that people notice the great things that they are doing for the club. Give the item to a member who contributes to the club day in and day out. Then that member will pass it on to another member with these same criteria and so on. The member to member recognition is the greatest form, and it really shows that everyone cares.

No matter what happens with your club next semester, everyone should be prepared with their can of Slump-B-Gone because you never know when you will need it. And with all of these different ingredients, nothing but success awaits your club in the coming months.
Written By: Cale Middleton