Ready, set, recruit!

May has been deemed membership month for Kiwanis and it’s time for us all to do our part.

Every one of us know people who have Kiwanis hearts—who have time, talent and treasure to share to help make a better world for children. Every one of us know men and women whose work with children—as teachers, as religious leaders, as educators, as counselors and mentors—make them great candidates to be become Kiwanians. Every one of us knows someone—several someones, I bet—that would help us help more children.

It’s time to take a look at our clubs, our meetings, our members. Are our meetings fun? Are they informative, interesting? Do they feature interesting speakers talking about relevant topics to members, children and the community?

Are members involved, engaged? Do new members have the chance to get involved early and to stay involved? Are your projects and programs relevant? Do they benefit children and give members a chance to see their smiles.

These are all important. These are what provide the Kiwanis experience and let members experience the very personal and very special moments of being a Kiwanians, of seeing and feeling the difference they can make in a child’s life.
Great Kiwanians live in every city in every country of the world. They just haven’t been invited yet to be a Kiwanian, to join the “family.”

Membership is important every month, but in May, every Kiwanis club is encouraged to schedule a membership event during May – special guest day, membership roundup, etc. Invite a friend, a neighbor, someone from your church or workplace to attend a meeting to learn more about Kiwanis, to experience what it means to be part of a club that enjoys the fun and fellowship as friends, but also of an organization that makes profound and life-changing differences everywhere in the world.

All it takes is a simple, “Hi, I am (insert you name here). I would like to invite you to join me at my next Kiwanis meeting. I believe you would enjoy the fun and fellowship we share, and I believe that we would benefit from your passion and commitment to children and to our community.”

It’s really that simple. And that important for the children who so badly need Kiwanis help.

Yours in Kiwanis Service,
Donald R. Canaday

President
Kiwanis International