Celebrating Your Club's Story

I founded the 'Kiwanis Internet Club of Bayside Inc' in Australia for two main reasons, namely:

1. Membership Growth Australia-wide

2. Providing online "meetings" for members who live in remote areas, or cannot physically attend traditional meetings  possibly due to distance, travel restrictions, time, study, young family,commitments, disability, etc,), but can do 'hands-on community service activities in their local areas and raise funds for Club projects.

Regarding the Community Service and Fundraising, there is not much difference between the traditional clubs and online clubs. We do contribute several hours and raise hundreds of dollars same as most clubs do.

Regarding Membership Growth, the main  concern is the doubling up of Membership Dues, both the Kiwanis International Dues and the District Dues.

Perhaps if KI dues "New Add" fee is reduced during the Kiwanis year, to be at pro-rata rate, we would be able to get more prospective members to join our clubs, be they online or traditional.

In today's poor economical climate many members are cutting down on their personal expenses, resulting in poor attendance at traditional meetings, and loss of Membership.

The saving grace for those attending Online "meetings" in the Club electronic Chat Room  means less money spent than those attending dinner meetings. But then the majority of Kiwanians prefer to attend 'face-to-face' Club meetings.

What we all need is definately much discounted Membership Dues. There are many opportunities out there for people to get involved in serving the community voluntarily without the burden of paying international and district dues. This is the reality. Let's face it and do something about it, please.