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There are no ‘past’ leaders

Are you a past Kiwanis leader? I don’t think so!

Have you served as a club president, lieutenant governor, governor or in any other Kiwanis leadership position in the past? If you have, that does not mean that you are a past leader.

The only thing that past leaders have in common is that they are all dead. You may be a past president, past lieutenant governor or past governor, but you are still a leader.

Your club, your division and your district still need you to be a leader. You gained some extremely valuable experience and knowledge as a leader and Kiwanis needs you to now to share that knowledge and experience.

You can help mentor current and upcoming leaders with your tactful counsel, support and encouragement. But don’t force it upon them. Nurture them as leaders, encourage them, empower them. Help them feel comfortable about asking you for advice and direction.

Let them know that you want to be on their “team” and that you are willing and available to help and assist them any way you can. And be available to them when they call. Be a resource for them, be a friend.

Let your success as a leader help them succeed as leaders. Your Kiwanis club, division and district – and the children of your communities and the world – will benefit.

When you depart from this life, we will then give you the title of “past” leader.


Posted Aug 31 2009, 04:05 PM by Curtis Billue

Comments

Stewart Ross wrote re: There are no ‘past’ leaders in Kiwanis
on 09-05-2009 2:43 PM

I particularly enjoyed Don's column on "past leaders."  I would add that we make a further error by giving "past leaders"name tags to wear that exclaim, "past leader."  I have always thought it made more sense to put the years the person was in that position rather than give a badge that says, "past governor," or "past Lt. Governor."  Perhaps districts can revisit this odd practice and instruct the district secretary to move to putting the years of leadership on the badges rather than using the "past" word.  Better yet, why not give these Kiwanians a badge that says, "leader for life!"

Pauline Samuels wrote re: There are no ‘past’ leaders in Kiwanis
on 09-06-2009 11:56 AM

I agree with Stewart Ross, eliminate the badge saying "past President" and instead use "leader for life - President 2000-2001".  This will help to make Presidents who have served their club aware that they are now a 'leader for life', for not just their club, but for any Kiwanian who may come to them for guidance.

Cindy Champer wrote re: There are no ‘past’ leaders in Kiwanis
on 09-06-2009 9:43 PM

I really enjoyed Don's column on "Past Leaders". As a "Past Governor" and "Past Lt. Gov" and several other titles, Don is correct that previous leadership experience can help to grow Kiwanis, lend it the leadership and support we all continue to need. God bless you Don for your many inspirational messages and the thoughts that propel this premier service organization forward.

Deony Bebita wrote re: There are no ‘past’ leaders in Kiwanis
on 09-08-2009 6:39 AM

I'm a past club Pres. of Kiwanis Club of New Kapis, Roxas City, Capiz , Philippines. Leadership in kiwanis  does not stop after adding "Past"in our designation only we start again as being a member and looks for other opportunities to serve  others but this time more resourceful and being able to help others to become leaders also.  

Carole Coley wrote re: There are no ‘past’ leaders
on 09-15-2009 6:31 PM

I plan to use portions of President Don's exceptional reminder piece at my installation as president. Too often 'veteran' members and former club officers/board members tend to 'sit back' and let the newer members fend for themselves. Maybe by incorporating his words in my presentation may help them realize that they are indeed still leaders in our club and still very much needed.

Richard O. Granados wrote re: There are no ‘past’ leaders
on 09-28-2009 12:58 AM

I confirm International President Don statement, "No past leaders". Kiwanians have an commitment to lifetime of service to your club, communities and the children of the World. Kiwanians are given talents to share with others to bring goodness to underprevilege and underserved world's existence.

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