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SERVING THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD ® MARCH 2020
BUILDING
COMMUNITY CHANGING LIVES WITH
+
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
IN TRAINING: KEY LEADER HELPS TEENS
CLUB DIVERSITY: BUILD A CLUB THAT LASTS
LASTING LEGACY: CLUB CELEBRATIONS WITH IMPACT
J AN UARY/FEB R UA RY 2020 1
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INSIDE
KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to
improving the world one child and one community at a time.
2019–20 OFFICERS, KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
PRESIDENT Daniel Vigneron, Howald, Luxembourg
Contents
PRESIDENT-ELECT Arthur N. “Art” Riley,
Westminster, Maryland, USA
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT James M. Rochford,
Peoria, Illinois, USA
VICE PRESIDENT Peter J. Mancuso, North Bellmore,
New York, USA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stan D. Soderstrom,
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
TRUSTEES Katrina J. Baranko, Albany, Georgia, USA; Greg MARCH 2020 • VOLUME 105, NUMBER 2
Beard, Alexandria, Louisiana, USA; Gunnsteinn Björnsson,
Sauðárkróki, Iceland; Chian Chu-Ching “George,” Taichung
City, Taiwan; Gary “Coop” Cooper, Fayetteville, North Carolina,
USA; George R. Delisle, Westfield, Massachusetts, USA;
Elio Garozzo, Catania, Italy; Charles R. “Chuck” Gugliuzza,
Homestead, Florida, USA; Tony Gunn, Mordialloc, Victoria,
FEATURES DEPARTMENTS
Australia; David W. Hurrelbrink, Kansas City, Kansas, USA;
Richard G. “Dick” Olmstead Jr., Lancaster, California, USA; 12 BUILDING COMMUNITY 4 VOICES
Ernest Schmid, Einöde, Austria; Sam Sekhon, Sandy Hook,
Manitoba, Canada; Ronald E. “Ron” Smith, Fountain Hills, A family builds a new life and a President’s Message; Executive
Arizona; USA; Cathy Szymanski, Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
new home with help from Habitat Perspective; Letters
2019–20 OFFICERS, KIWANIS CHILDREN’S FUND
for Humanity and Kiwanis.
PRESIDENT Ann Wilkins, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, USA 8 NEWS
PRESIDENT-ELECT Norman A. “Norm” Velnes,
20 ALL IN THE FAMILY Now you can ShopKiwanis; medi-
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT George E.H. Cadman, Q.C., To create and maintain a successful eval city to host European con-
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Kiwanis club, embrace diversity. vention; assist youth conventions;
TREASURER Robert M. “Bob” Garretson
Fort Collins, Colorado, USA March for Babies; convention news;
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stan D. Soderstrom, 26 LEADERS IN TRAINING
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Kiwanis storyteller retires
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Ann Updegraff Spleth,
The Kiwanis program Key Leader
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA helps teens develop the skills they 42 SHOWCASE
TRUSTEES Patricia “Patti” Barsotti, Concord, California, USA; need to succeed as adults. Top boxes; the race is on; free ride;
Matthew Cantrall, Lakeland, Florida, USA; Filip Delanote,
Koksijde, Belgium; Peter J. Mancuso, North Bellmore, New York, birthdays
USA; Robert S. Maxwell, Topeka, Kansas, USA; Benjamin R. 36 LEAVE A LEGACY
“Ben” Osterhout, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, USA; Serena Quek,
Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia; Armand B. St. Raymond, Vestavia From building playgrounds to 50 BACK PAGE
Hills, Alabama, USA; James M. Rochford, Peoria, Illinois, USA;
planting trees, celebrate your Is your club inclusive?
John Tyner II, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Chien-Kung “C.K.” Yang,
Hsinchu City, Taiwan; Amy Zimmerman, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA club’s anniversary with a high-
MAGAZINE STAFF impact project. Cover photo by Greg Dolan
EDITOR Stan D. Soderstrom
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Ben Hendricks
PUBLISHER/CIRCULATION MANAGER Jack Brockley
MANAGING EDITOR Kasey Jackson Leaders in training - Page 26
ASSISTANT EDITORS Curtis Billue, Julie Saetre
ART DIRECTOR Andy Austin
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Tony Knoderer
KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196
800-KIWANIS (in US/Canada), 317-875-8755
Fax: 317-879-0204
Email: magazine@kiwanis.org
Website: kiwanis.org
Magazine website: kiwanismagazine.org
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116 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL 60654-4655
800-440-0231 (US/Canada), 312-644-3888
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Email: adinfo.kiwanis@foxrep.com
FUTURE CONVENTIONS
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, June 17-20, 2020
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, June 23–26, 2021
Manila, Philippines, June 22-24, 2022
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, June 21-24, 2023
KIWANIS (ISSN 0162-5276) is published monthly except
February, May, July and November by Kiwanis International.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Kiwanis, 3636
Woodview Tr., Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196. Periodicals
postage paid at Indianapolis, IN and additional mailing
offices. (CPC Pub Agreement #40030511)
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Kiwanis,
2835 Kew Drive, Windsor, ON N8T 3B7.
Member’s annual subscription is US$8. Nonmembers may
subscribe for US$12 per year.
0 The information in this magazine is for illustrative and
discussion purposes only. It is intended to provide general
information about the subject matter covered and is provided
with the understanding that Kiwanis is not rendering legal,
accounting or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate
counsel or other advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, tax
or accounting obligations and requirements.
Copyright ©2020 by Kiwanis International
MA R CH 2020 3
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VOICES
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE
DANIEL VIGNERON • KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT STAN SODERSTROM • KIWANIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Club building vitally important Fellowship and the future
Clubs and members are the club who needs a lift, offer When we talk about the someone who saw them in
most important links in our one. If you need a lift, don’t be future of Kiwanis, we talk a action.
chain and the more we have, afraid to ask for support. No lot about retaining mem- It’s a form of fellowship —
the more we can accomplish. one should feel left out. Every bers. And we should. But it’s a way of telling them they
That is why we must maintain now and then we might need not just a matter of Kiwanis matter to us. Think of the
our club-building momen- a reminder that through our clubs. Consider the younger impact of a Kiwanis connec-
tum, to sustain the viability of Kiwanis service, we create op- members of the Kiwanis tion for a college student
Kiwanis for future generations. portunities, improve lives and family — particularly those in a town they aren’t from.
We talk a lot about growing revitalize communities. We do in Key Club and CKI. Or the life lessons about
clubs and inviting new mem- it together; no one should feel One day soon, they will service you give to a student
bers. When things are new the need to go out the back graduate and begin an un- who chooses the military.
and fresh, you want to make door or turn their backs to the known future. What then? As you assist young
a good impression. There is impact that we have. Their future in the Kiwanis adults, remember our youth
more attention to detail and If you need a kick-start, or family depends on how they protection rules. For exam-
enthusiasm comes naturally. are interested in Kiwanis fun feel about us today. That’s ple, don’t offer counseling
But what happens when the and education, join us in June where you come in. Mem- or support to a Key Club
shine of being a new member at the 2020 Kiwanis Interna- bers of different programs member without making
starts to wear off? tional Convention in Indianap- often bond around joint the club faculty advisor or
Yes, we want and need olis. This year’s theme is Play activities — but mentorship parents aware.
growth, but we cannot risk with Purpose. The education matters too. We have amazing young
losing valuable, longtime tracks have been redesigned. It’s not just the service you leaders in this organization.
members because they no Inspiring stories will be shared do with them. Kiwanians We should do all we can
longer feel engaged. We must and there will be plenty of can play a role in helping to help them — and keep
make our activities and ser- time to socialize. Key Club members select a them. That work starts now.
vice projects fresh and innova- There are new pricing college or university. They
tive to keep existing members structures to allow you to cus- can provide scholarship Speaking of leaders, this is
involved. We open the front tomize your convention expe- support, including recom- the farewell issue of Kiwanis
door to welcome new mem- rience. Get the most for your mendations and referrals. magazine for Jack Brockley,
bers. At the same time, we money by taking advantage of What better testimony than our longtime editor and pub-
must close the back door. discounted early registration, from someone who has seen lisher. Jack is retiring after 35
We don’t want veteran open through April 10. Your a young person’s leadership years with the organization.
members leaving us. They are club can pay up to US$299 for skills up close? Much of what we know about
valued and have invested their each member’s registration That kind of influence can Kiwanis — from the latest
time and resources. We want fee from its service account. also be enormously helpful news to historical events —
them motivated and fulfilled The Kiwanis Education Con- for CKI members looking is because of his work and
by their service and sense of ference qualifies as an accept- at internships or post-col- talent. I hope you’ll join me
belonging. able educational legiate work. in thanking him
Teamwork expense of the Specific skills for the continu-
and friendship club. and projects ing quality of
are among the The more you look good this publication.
privileges of get involved, on a young Kudos and best
belonging to Ki- the more likely adult’s resume. wishes to the
wanis. If you see you are to stay So does the Storyteller of
someone in your involved. endorsement of Kiwanis.
4 K IWA NISMAGAZI NE.O R G
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p004-005_KIM_0320_Voices.indd 5 1/30/20 9:50 AM
VOICES
Letters
READERS OF KIWANIS MAGAZINE AND ITS BLOGS RESPOND TO RECENT FEATURES.
JOIN THE CONVERSATIONS AT KIWANISMAGAZINE.ORG OR EMAIL MAGAZINE@KIWANIS.ORG.
in some of the projects was humbling as Shaking things up
the work being undertaken in Nepal is
SERVING THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD ® JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020
having a huge benefit for children, youths I just read the Jan/Feb 2020 Kiwanis mag-
and families. I am looking forward to my azine and want to make an observation.
return to Nepal in March to participate in Fundraising ideas: All the articles and club
the 2020 Kiwanis Asia-Pacific Convention. events listed revolved around alcohol.
I realize that this is a way to recruit and
Peter Zander include the new generation, but my Ki-
Kiwanis Club of Brighton, New Zealand wanis values have always been centered
WELCOME, around “serving the children of the world.”
NEPAL
I wish to express my thanks to the mem- As a former Boy Scout leader, we were
bers of Kiwanis within the Nepal District. always cognizant to make sure alcohol
While our committee focus is from was not associated with the organi-
KIWANIS’ NEWEST DISTRICT IMPRESSES WITH birth to age 8, we know that children’s zation. I always felt this was a good
+
STRONG GROWTH AND THOUGHTFUL SERVICE
development and learning does not stop practice for Kiwanis too.
DETECTING DECEPTION: AVOIDING SCAMS
SHAKEN AND STIRRED: SPIRITED EVENTS at that age. Still, the more emphasis that
COMMUNITY TREASURE: THE ALABAMA NATIONAL FAIR
This being said, my current Home-
can be placed on the younger years, the
J A N UA RY/F E B R UA RY 2020 1
stead-South Dade Kiwanis Club has also
greater the likelihood of student (and
begun hosting happy hour events. Yes, we
adult) success later on.
have brought in new, younger members,
Welcome Nepal Congratulations, my fellow Kiwanians, but we’ve also lost some really great older
Blessings and congratulations to the and best wishes as you continue to help members. How do you balance being
Kiwanis Nepal District for reaching this your country’s children. children-focused and including alcohol?
goal and doing so much for the benefit
Wil Blechman, MD Sharon Gold
of the children.
Co-chair, Kiwanis International Committee Kiwanis Club of Homestead-South Dade,
Juana Saltos Calderero on Young Children Florida
Kiwanis Club of Manta, Ecuador
Excellent work, Nepal. Congratulations FUNDRAISING
FUNDRAISING IDEAS
IDEAS
for making Kiwanis service great.
Luz Marina Jiminez
Kiwanis Club of Granada-Meta, Colombia
Shaking things up
SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHANGE TO BE
SUCCESSFUL. THREE CLUBS SHOW HOW TO CREATE
A STIR WITH THESE SPIRITED EVENTS.
Congratulations to the Kiwanis Nepal W
hile alcohol and children should
never mix, a mixer featuring al-
cohol for children’s causes can be
None of that happened. We crossed
our T’s and dotted our I’s. And af-
ter five years, nothing stupid
District. Your fruitful work has led to
a winning combination. When thought- has happened.”
fully and conscientiously planned, Suzannah Hobley of the
alcohol-tasting events can be both Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club
profitable and classy, organizers say. in Indiana chaired the 2019
great achievements that are inspiring for When the Kiwanis Club of Lakeland,
Florida, launched a rum-tasting festival,
some long-time members resisted,
version of a successful craft
beer fundraiser.
“It’s all in the details,” she
other clubs and society in general! envisioning hordes of disorderly, intoxi-
cated guests. The club’s president at the
time, Matthew Cantrall, felt confident
says. “It’s a lot of organization to
make a huge event go smoothly.
You’ve got to have a good team
the event would meet his goals: make a behind you. It’s a huge undertaking,
good return on investment and attract but it was worth all the planning
Ida Diana Alcivar Alcivar younger members to the club. Still, the
doubts crept into his mind.
“Was I scared to death? You bet-
to go into a four-hour event and
make that much money. It’s a
huge payoff.”
Kiwanis Club of La Concordia, Ecuador
cha,” he recalls. “That first year, I was Each of the following clubs
wondering, ‘What’s going to happen? chose a different type of
Are the naysayers going to prove me adult beverage for a festival
wrong? Will people get drunk and stu- focus. All events are for those
pid, and fights are going to break out?’ ages 21 and older.
Story by Julie Saetre
It was a pleasure to be involved with the Photo by Tina Sargeant
expansion of Kiwanis Nepal into a full dis-
trict, and to present the district charter to
my dear friend Sujan Shrestha was an ab-
solute honor. Seeing and being involved
26 KIWANIS MAGAZINE.OR G J ANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 27
6 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p006-007_KIM_0420_Letters.indd 6 1/30/20 9:34 AM
my pride in being a member of this
wonderful organization.
W. Scott Chadwick Jr.
Kiwanis Club of Marietta, Georgia
Let’s go build a ger
I thought the rule was for the door of
the ger to face east. That is the way
all the gers I saw, and lived in, were
situated. The one in the present story
faces south. I’d sure like to know more
Song and dance Editor’s note: History Untold includes
about that.
historical insights from an unpublished
Lanny Langston (who co-founded document written by O. Sam Cummings, Paul Brenner
Placerville, California’s Imagination Kiwanis International’s first secretary. Kiwanis Club of Spencer-Daybreakers,
Theatre featured in the December Read the story at kiwanismagazine.org. Iowa
2019 magazine) passed away this week
after a long battle with cancer. He will
Editor’s note: According to our research,
be missed by all.
ger doors face south or southeast, possibly
SERVING THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD ® DECEMBER 2019
Dee Ann Kraus to allow more sunlight into the home.
Kiwanis Club of Placerville, California
Untold history
Your article about Kiwanis’ unpublished
history provides interesting details
about distant days of almost 105 years
CHARACTER
STUDY
ago. Our organization’s name, “Nunc
Kee-wan-nis” can be interpreted to
mean: “We enjoy sharing our talents.”
Myriam Yolande Deleu A PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL IN TURKEY USES DRAMA,
+
ART AND MUSIC TO HELP CHILDREN LEARN
Kiwanis Club of Ottignies-Coeur de Ville,
Belgium
SONG AND DANCE: THEATER IN CALIFORNIA
BUILDING A GER: HOUSING HELP IN MONGOLIA
HOLIDAY LIGHTS: CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR IN KENTUCKY
O. Sam Cummings’ unpublished history
offers interesting details of those days Proud of my “K”
of almost 105 years ago. I’m proud
Congratulations on the December
to be a Kiwanian. The most beautiful
issue of Kiwanis magazine. As a Kiwa-
thing in life is to serve a child and a
nian for 30-plus years, I can honestly
needy old man.
opine that it has done the best job of
Alexis Rodriguez setting forth just what Kiwanis does for
Kiwanis Club of Puerta de Oro de children — and others — worldwide,
Colombia, Colombia day in and day out. It has reinforced
MA R CH 2020 7
p006-007_KIM_0420_Letters.indd 7 1/30/20 9:34 AM
NEWS
What’s happening
TRENDS, TIPS, FACTS AND FIGURES FROM KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
t Visit ShopKiwanis p Medieval city to host
Now you can ShopKiwanis for an European convention
expanded inventory of Kiwanis Registration for the 53rd Annual Kiwanis
products, from shirts to bow International-European Federation
ties, banners to mugs — it’s all Convention is now open.
branded and ready to order. This year’s convention will be held June
These products are produced 5-7 in Bruges, the capital of West Flanders
by authorized licensees who in northwest Belgium. Bruges is a UNES-
take the guesswork out of CO World Heritage City.
designing products with the
Kiwanis logo. You can com- Aside from the official program comprised
parison-shop for products and of workshops and the House of Delegates,
view custom items used by clubs for there are optional visits to medieval Brug-
service projects, fundraisers and events. es, the Zwin Nature Parc, the Belgian coast
and the historic battlefields of Ypres. Learn
Shop now at ShopKiwanis.com. more at kief.kiwanis.eu/2020-convention.
8 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p008-011_KIM_0420_News.indd 8 1/30/20 9:35 AM
Assist youth conventions u
Kiwanians are encouraged to
sponsor members of Key Club and
CKI to attend their conventions,
where they can learn more about
leadership and service.
Make youth conventions a topic
in your next meeting agenda.
Promoting these types of events
helps create stronger leaders for
the Kiwanis family — and you’re a
big part of that!
Important dates
March 2-6: Aktion Club Week
March 16-20: Builders Club Week
April 10: Kiwanis International
convention registration fee increases
p Convention news
There will be lots to see, learn and do during the 2020 Kiwanis International Con-
vention in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, June 17-20. Don’t miss out. Here are a few
highlights: p March for Babies
It’s that time again! Find your purple
• Discount for early registration ends April 10. Commit early and save money! shirt and join March for Babies to help
• Come for a day … or two … or three. Take advantage of the new registration give all moms and babies a healthy
options. start in life. Money raised during this
event is a lifeline for babies in the
• Education rules the day at the Kiwanis International convention. Download the
neonatal intensive care unit, connect-
app and add sessions to your agenda now. They fill up fast!
ing them with critical treatments and
• You’ll need a room. Book your hotel room in the Kiwanis block and earn a US$10 needed care. The community you’re
gift card for use in the Kiwanis Family Store during convention. joining helps moms at every stage,
from preconception to the annual fam-
• Spots are filling fast for ticketed events. Don’t miss out on the extra fun.
ily walk day. Sign your team up today
Learn about all of this and more at kiwanis.org/convention. at marchforbabies.org/kiwanis.
MA R CH 2020 9
p008-011_KIM_0420_News.indd 9 1/30/20 9:36 AM
NEWS
A fond farewell
JACK BROCKLEY, KIWANIS MAGAZINE PUBLISHER,
RETIRES AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE.
By Chuck Jonak
Kiwanis magazine executive editor, November 1984–September 2002
W
hen Jack Brockley neared whom learned their trade at Indi-
the end of his impres- ana’s Ball State University, from
sive job interview for an which Jack graduated. These during his 35 years working for
assistant editor’s position with dedicated, multi-skilled writers/ the betterment of Kiwanis. A
Kiwanis magazine a few de- editors/photographers devel- late-breaking story develops?
cades ago, he was asked a crucial oped well-honed skills at their Give the assignment to Jack and
question: Do you have a favorite positions on the magazine staff, it will be written post haste.
baseball team? He responded, the which is not unique. What is Need a sharp set of eyes to edit a
Cincinnati Reds. Despite giving distinctive, however, is how Jack Kiwanis history book? Sure, Jack
the wrong answer, he was offered earned their respect and rose to can handle that mammoth task in
the job and an admirable new positions of leadership through his spare time. Looking to create
career launched. the years. a Kiwanis International website
Kiwanians may not be aware of Masterful proficiency, endless from scratch? Nobody’s fingers
it, but their organization’s inter- energy, level-headed judgment — fly over a keyboard faster or
national magazine is produced those are but a few of the ways with more originality, so let Jack
by skilled journalists, many of to describe how Jack performed develop the new communication
medium.
A member of the Kiwanis
Club of Zionsville, Indiana, Jack,
with his thousands of published
stories and million-plus words,
brought insights to Kiwanis
magazine readers. Through
nuanced sentences, concise
descriptions and informative nar-
ratives — which sometimes were
complemented by his creative
photography — Jack provided an
invaluable service to Kiwanians
worldwide.
Yet, to this day, he still gives
the wrong answer. He should
have said the Chicago Cubs. But
nobody’s perfect. K
10 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
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p008-011_KIM_0420_News.indd 11 1/30/20 9:36 AMCOVER STORY
BUILDING COMMUNITY
A FAMILY BUILDS A NEW LIFE AND A NEW HOME
WITH HELP FROM HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND KIWANIS.
Story by Curtis Billue
Photos by Ilene Perlman and Greg Dolan
H
“How can people ome is where the
heart is, espe-
get motivated, cially when you
put your heart
so motivated into building
to come out for that home from scratch. Board by
board, wall after wall, the house
others and do that Julia and Juan Boria built
something so
was constructed with the help of
Habitat for Humanity, a global
beautiful?” nonprofit housing organization
that builds affordable housing,
and the kindness of strangers.
But it wasn’t an easy road to
find their own piece of paradise in
Danvers, Massachusetts.
Julia had journeyed a long way “I would have never thought
from her origins in Puerto Rico, that (would happen),” Julia says.
where as a victim of domestic “Despite going through some
violence she escaped an abusive very difficult moments in my life,
husband. With the help of a rela- I’m very grateful.”
tive, Julia and her three children At one point they were living in
left Puerto Rico and found their a host house while transitioning
way to New England. to an apartment. Space was limit-
She eventually met Juan Boria. ed with only a few rooms.
They got married, moved into an “The kids didn’t have their own
apartment and expanded their personal space and environment
family to seven. After a host of they could personalize,” she says.
transitional shelters and temporary “Now they can invite their friends
housing, and thanks to Habitat for to come over and play cards, eat
Humanity of the North Shore, they together and watch movies in the
are now proud homeowners. living room.”
12 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
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COVER STORY
14 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p012-019_KIM_0320_Habitat.indd 14 1/30/20 9:37 AM“When all the volunteers came
together and I saw all those
people working, I started to cry.
I couldn’t believe it.”
anxiety. A sound-bar- “It might sound absurd, but
rier fence blocks road that was the case,” Julia says.
sounds, reduces sensory “Our dog was sleeping all day,
overload and keeps him never moving. Now, as soon as
from wandering away. I open the door, she runs free
“Thanks to the fence and happy. Her whole life has
And then there are the bath- he can run freely in the back- changed as well.”
rooms. The family used to share yard,” Julia says, “and we’re not
a small bathroom. But now there concerned that he might get into 400 HOURS
are two large ones. the street.” Habitat for Humanity requires
“The bathrooms are great, a The backyard also offers the that applicants must put in 400
beautiful gift from the Lord,” perfect place for the family to hours of “sweat equity,” mean-
she says. play with their dog, who seemed ing the owners invest their own
With the new location also depressed before they moved into time and work in the building
came new opportunities. Her kids their new home. process. According to Habitat’s
received fresh starts at school.
They were engaged and earned
better grades, and one played
football. One of her daughters
says she loves the neighborhood
and backyard, but she loves
what’s across the street even
more: Cherry Farm Creamery, her
favorite ice cream store.
Perhaps the “cherry on top”
is the backyard, complete with
a sound-barrier fence — a high
fence that also has no gaps be-
tween the boards. This is good
news for the Borias, because their
4-year-old son with autism finally
has a safe place to play.
For a child with autism, sights
and sounds sometimes can feel
overwhelming, causing stress and
MA R CH 2020 15
p012-019_KIM_0320_Habitat.indd 15 1/30/20 9:37 AM“Thanks to the fence he can run freely in
the backyard, and we’re not concerned
that he might get into the street.”
16 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
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MA R CH 2020 17
p012-019_KIM_0320_Habitat.indd 17 1/30/20 9:38 AMCOVER STORY
website, sweat equity is “not a I couldn’t believe it.”
form of payment, but an oppor- The tears of surprise
tunity to work alongside vol- and gratitude ran
unteers who give their time to down her cheek as
bring to life a family’s dream of day after day volun-
owning a home.” teers came to help.
When Julia realized they had “How can people
been chosen to receive the house, get motivated, so
she was excited and nervous at the motivated to come
same time. She’s a mother dedicat- out for others and do
ed to her children with no experi- something so beauti-
ence in building a house, and 400 ful?” asks Julia.
hours seemed insurmountable. One of those groups
“They were saying it takes all over the course of the
those hours of people working on build was Kiwanis.
the house, and I was concerned,”
she says. And yet she says people READY TO SERVE
told her, “Do not worry. Do not When Kiwanis New
worry. You will see.” England and Bermuda
When she thinks about it, her District Divisions 9 and 12 held a Boria home. They moved piles of
voice begins to tremble. joint governor’s visit, instead of dirt, landscaped, painted, cleaned,
“When all the volunteers came a traditional sit-down dinner, 45 attached house siding, worked on
together and I saw all those Kiwanis members from 18 clubs the shed and built up the indis-
people working, I started to cry. came together to help with the pensable backyard fence.
“For several Kiwanis members,
this was their first Habitat expe-
rience,” says former lieutenant
governor Gayla Bartlett, organizer
of the event. “And they walked
away ready to build again.”
The Kiwanis Club of Dan-
vers also raised US$1,100 for
the local Habitat for Humanity
organization.
“Working together and seeing
our impact is so important,” says
Immediate Past Governor Elyse
Denorfia. “A project like this
speaks to our Kiwanis mission,
how we can impact children and
make the world a better place.
“It’s nice to give back to the
family working so hard with us.
They were so kind, and the hus-
18 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p012-019_KIM_0320_Habitat.indd 18 1/30/20 9:38 AMband was very strong doing the Boria family. fore and I don’t remember their
heavy lifting.” “They are hard workers and a names, but I value them as human
The whole family helped where great family,” he says. In fact, Juan beings, every single one of them,”
they could. Boria has expressed interest in she says.
“I had never laid floor in my continuing to volunteer on other “When you live certain experi-
life,” says Julia. “I worked on Habitat for Humanity housing ences, you really appreciate and
anything that had to do with builds around the Danvers area. understand better. Reminds me
wood, windows and flooring. We Preston also puts the Habitat of a proverb: strength in unity.
learned to do a little bit of every- program in perspective. Together we can do it, make a big
thing everywhere. “It really helps two families,” he difference when everyone joins.
“When you experience it, it has explains. “A family becomes new “My way of showing appreci-
more value. I learned to be more homeowners and frees up a spot ation for what you did for us, for
patient, work in a group and be for another family in need of tran- the effort your hands and time
more appreciative of other people sitional or subsidized housing.” made, knowing what it took, will
as well as what I received.” Julia Boria met many volunteers be taking good care of this house
Don Preston, executive direc- and doesn’t recall which were Ki- and respecting it.
tor at Habitat for Humanity of wanians and which were not. But “This world would fall apart
the North Shore, Greater Boston she has a message to them all. without people like you,” Julia
Area, speaks glowingly of the “I had never seen them be- says. “Thank you. Thank you.” K
MA R CH 2020 19
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MEMBERSHIP
All in the
family
TO CREATE AND MAINTAIN A SUCCESSFUL KIWANIS
CLUB, EMBRACE DIVERSITY. Story by Julie Saetre
A
t the 2019 Kiwanis International Convention, dele-
gates overwhelmingly approved an amendment to
add a revised nondiscrimination clause to the by-
laws, reading in part: “Kiwanis clubs shall not discrim-
inate based upon race, color, creed, national origin, age
or sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity,
when considering membership or during any of their ac-
tivities or operations.”
The “age” and “sex” categories were a new and wel-
come addition to Kiwanians like Donovan Gaylor of
Albuquerque, New Mexico, a 23-year-old serving as the
2019-20 president of the Los Altos Kiwanis Club. Or like
Miguel Sarasa, who founded the LGBT+ Kiwanis Club,
an internet-based club in southern California.
Gaylor leads a club membership with an average age
of 70-plus, while Sarasa — lieutenant governor for Di-
vision 47 in the California-Nevada-Hawaii District —
started a club to focus on the needs of LGBT+ youth.
The revised bylaw reinforces what they strongly believe:
Serving the children of the world is a goal everyone, no
matter their differences, can embrace together.
MA R CH 2020 21
p020-025_KIM_0420_Inclusiveness.indd 21 1/30/20 9:39 AMMEMBERSHIP
“When I think of diversity, I think of different types of
people coming together as one whole being. You put all
the opposites and differences aside, and you emphasize
the main goal. And for Kiwanis, the main goal is to serve
children and the communities in which we live.”
“When I think of diversity, I and organizations with a diverse focus on being inclusive and
think of different types of people staff or membership and an inclu- developing solid relationships
coming together as one whole be- sive environment set themselves with all staff members, not
ing,” says Gaylor. “You put all the up for success: just those with whom they
opposites and differences aside, have the most in common,
and you emphasize the main goal. • A 2015 study of nearly 400 retention rates rise.
And for Kiwanis, the main goal is companies worldwide found
to serve children and the commu- that those with the highest In short, Nalty says, diversity
nities in which we live.” levels of diversity in both and inclusion aren’t just nice
Adds Sarasa, “It’s important gender and race/ethnicity concepts to consider. They’re vital
that we’re evolving and under- and a commitment to in- to an organization’s continued
standing that times are changing, clusion were 170% better at relevance and strength.
and we need to be more under- innovation and 180% better at “A statement (alone) is never
standing. Ultimately, we’re here adapting to change. going to do anything. Relying just
on this earth, and we need to help on the statement is not going to
make a difference.” • Research from 2017 revealed make any kind of change happen,”
As it turns out, building a a direct connection between Nalty says. “The future of an or-
diverse membership base and diversity and inclusion and ganization hinges on its ability to
fostering inclusion also make for a better business decisions. transition into the 21st century. Just
more sustainable club, says Kath- relying on 20th century notions
leen Nalty, a U.S.-based educator • Several studies report that around diversity isn’t enough.
and consultant who specializes in when an “outsider” — some- Because this new paradigm of
creating cultures of inclusion to one with a social identity not inclusion requires organizations
help organizations retain talent. shared by other members of to do things differently than they
“There’s a huge business case a group — is included in the have in the past, not just to talk the
for diversity and inclusion,” she mix, higher group perfor- talk, but actually to walk it.”
says. “All the research shows mance takes place. Why? The Gaylor attended his first Los
there are tremendous business “groupthink dynamic” has Altos Kiwanis Club meeting
benefits to be derived.” been altered. when he was around age 4 or 5,
In her report, “The Business as a guest of his great-grandfather
Imperative of Diversity & Inclu- • Research by a Cornell Uni- (then the club’s immediate past
sion (D+I),” Nalty cites multiple versity professor showed that president and a current member).
studies showing that companies when business unit managers So when Gaylor stepped into the
22 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
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presidential role two years after Project, a U.S.-based organization even Kiwanians: ‘Why is there a
becoming a member himself, he providing crisis intervention and need to create this club separate
knew the club already fostered an suicide prevention services to from a traditional club?’ There
inclusive culture. While members LGBTQ youth under 25, shows were a few individuals who
do share a similar age range, they just why that support is need- I think had a hard time even
also celebrate personal differenc- ed. Results revealed that 71% of accepting the whole concept,”
es. LGBTQ youth reported discrim- Sarasa says. “The harsh reality is
“Our club is really diverse,” he ination due to either their sexual it’s still kind of a touchy subject.”
says. “I’m African American and orientation or gender identity, That’s not unusual, Nalty says,
white. We have Hispanic, Mus- 71% had felt sad or hopeless for at because the “birds of a feath-
lim and Jewish members in our least two weeks in the past year er flock together” tendency of
club. And we all have very, very and 39% had seriously considered humans comes into play. Most of
different backgrounds. But every suicide in the past 12 months. us don’t set out to intentionally
Thursday when we meet, we have But support can help reverse discriminate. Rather, we have un-
one goal and one main focus — those statistics. In June 2019, the intentional bias: learned, deeply
which I find really awesome.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control ingrained stereotypes that affect
Sarasa, a former Key Club mem- and Prevention released study re- our behavior without our con-
ber, originally joined the Hemet sults showing that LGBTQ youth scious knowledge.
Kiwanis Club in southern Califor- who have at least one accepting “One of the biggest ones is
nia and served as its president for adult in their lives are 40% less affinity bias, where we gravitate
two years. As he pondered ways likely to report a suicide attempt toward people who are more like
to engage with potential new in the past year. us, who share similar interests,
members, an idea surfaced. Enter Sarasa’s new LGBT+ backgrounds, social identities,”
“Especially now, more than club. The Kiwanis Literacy in Nalty explains.
ever, there’s a need to support Southern California Club became The problem is that when we as-
LGBT youth,” he says. “And I an enthusiastic sponsor, cheered sociate primarily with those most
was thinking, ‘Why not bridge the on by 2019-20 President Doug like us, we create an environment
two?’ It would open up a whole Chadwick and his wife, Jean. Not that’s conducive to attracting
new demographic of potential everyone in the community readi- more people who fit that mold,
new members who want to direct- ly embraced the idea, however. continually leaving others outside
ly impact their own community.” “The biggest challenge was the circle.
A 2019 survey by The Trevor hesitation that we got from some, “One day,” Nalty cautions,
“The future of an organization hinges on its ability to
transition into the 21st century. Just relying on 20th
century notions around diversity isn’t enough. Because
this new paradigm of inclusion requires organizations
to do things differently than they have in the past, not
just to talk the talk, but actually to walk it.”
24 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p020-025_KIM_0420_Inclusiveness.indd 24 1/30/20 9:40 AMMEMBERSHIP
“each club will turn around and evenings and weekends, it’s more that they matter, that we’re here
say, ‘Oh my gosh, this isn’t sus- accommodating to younger people and we see them.”
tainable. We don’t have enough who want to serve.
members.’” Make all members feel welcome.
Overcoming unconscious bias Diversify club promotions. The Vinton, Iowa, Kiwanis Club
takes mindfulness, commitment The D.C. Young Professionals has two members who are blind.
and work. It won’t just happen, Committee publicizes its projects Ray Lough and his wife have
because good intentions aren’t and events through Meetup, a hosted 73 foster children since
enough. website that allows its members 1995, adopting 11. Carolyn Hibbs
“It starts with awareness and to search and register for opportu- taught Braille before retirement.
going out of your comfort zone nities of interest. Both are active in the Vinton club;
to interact with people who are “There are people who have Hibbs has served a term as pres-
different from yourself, who have never heard of Kiwanis and find ident. Hibbs’ late husband, who
different social identities, who us there,” says Simmons. “Peo- was quadriplegic, also was a past
have different cultures and cus- ple find us on Meetup, come to president and involved member.
toms and preferences,” Nalty says. events and end up joining. That’s “We were grateful the club saw
“The values of what Kiwanis does worked out really well for us.” our abilities to serve, rather than
cross all kinds of boundaries and Go beyond your usual means of the limitations society often places
cultures and backgrounds. But you communication and research ad- on us,” Hibbs says.
have to be purposeful about it.” ditional forms that target different “I am not a joiner,” Lough says,
How to take those first steps? audiences. “but the club was such a great
fit. The members of our club are
Re-evaluate when you meet. Shake up your service projects. truly unique. They go out of their
When former Key Club member When you reach out to a variety way to make sure everyone feels
Stacey Simmons and her husband of groups in need, you introduce included.”
wanted to join a Washington, Kiwanis (and your club members) Becoming a more diverse, in-
D.C.-area Kiwanis club, they to a more comprehensive mix of clusive club is worth the time and
first looked close to home. But individuals. Sarasa’s club works effort. It creates a new pipeline for
that club held meetings during a with two southern California members, introduces fresh energy
workday lunch hour. youth centers that offer support to and inspiration and solidifies
“People in the first few years of LGBTQ+ youth. Some of the young sustainability. And it makes all Ki-
their career, we don’t have the op- people need transitional housing, wanians stronger servant leaders.
portunity to leave work whenever so the club provides backpacks “At the end of the day, we
we want,” Simmons explains. with necessities and comfort items. need to understand that we’re all
“An hour, an hour-and-a-half “A hygiene pack, blankets — humans, and we need to be here to
meeting becomes two hours away anything we can do to show support each other, regardless of
from work. That’s something I LGBT youth that there are adults our differences,” says Sarasa. “Ul-
wouldn’t be able to do.” who are there for them,” Sarasa timately, our mission as Kiwanians
They instead joined the Washing- says. “Unfortunately, we’re deal- is kids and helping them through
ton Kiwanis Club, which has a D.C. ing with a population of children this crazy thing called life.” K
Young Professionals Committee who come out, and their families
with members in their 20s and 30s. don’t accept them and have a Take the quiz: Just how inclusive
Because the committee meets and hard time. We just wanted to be is your Kiwanis club? Find out how
holds projects and social events on that positive light to let kids know you’re doing on page 50.
MA R CH 2020 25
p020-025_KIM_0420_Inclusiveness.indd 25 1/30/20 9:40 AMLEADERS IN
THE KIWANIS PROGRAM KEY LEADER HELPS TEENS DEVELOP
THE SKILLS THEY WILL NEED TO SUCCEED AS ADULTS.
Story and photos by Curtis Billue
I
t’s probably safe to say that as a Kiwa- But the warmth and humor of lead
nian, you find yourself often thinking facilitator Tracey Devereaux gets the stu-
about how to help others, wondering dents laughing and mingling with other
if the work you do is bringing positive students. Soon, a spontaneous “chicken
change to your community. And with dance” erupts and the awkwardness of
the stresses of growing up in today’s meeting new people melts away.
fast-paced, competitive world, it’s also “I didn’t expect to make any friends,”
likely safe to say that most teenagers says student Luke Schmidt. “But I
aren’t focused on the same thing. made a lot of friendships here. People
Key Leader hopes to change that. here are nice and friendly. It was a
good experience.”
GETTING PERSONAL Over the two-day camp run by the Ki-
Most of the youth attending the 15th wanis Kansas District, Devereaux urges
annual Key Leader camp in Rock Springs, the participants to share personal sto-
Kansas, have never heard of servant ries, taking them through a spectrum of
leadership or the Kiwanis family. Some ideas and feelings: empathy; introspec-
are shy and tentative, scared even to tion of values; respect of others and
raise a hand or sit with a large group. self; and the art of listening.
26 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
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28 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G p026-035_KIM_0320_Key Leader.indd 28 1/30/20 9:41 AM
“There are
concepts that
I’ve never really
heard of before,
but seem very
relevant to the
things that I’m
going through.”
S
tudents spend time sharing
personal stories during a break-
out session.
“You made a connection in two
minutes by listening,” Devereaux
says. “Why don’t we do this every
day? Take the time to listen; that’s
what leaders do.”
Key Leader’s unique curricu-
lum, community-building and
soul-searching messages offer
teachings that most other programs
don’t. A focus on the well-being and
growth of those you serve and their
community sets this weekend camp
experience apart.
“There are concepts that I’ve never
really heard of before, but seem very
relevant to the things that I’m going
through,” says student facilitator
McKenzie Gerber. “I am very touched
by all the people I’m meeting and the
new things that I had no idea about
myself that I’m learning — along with
things I can bring back to my commu-
nity and school.”
Chaperone and Kansas District
Governor Jo Schwartz notices an ea-
gerness in the student participants.
“I think they want to do good in
the world,” she says. “They want to
MA R CH 2020 29
p026-035_KIM_0320_Key Leader.indd 29 1/30/20 9:41 AM“I hope to come back next year and
bring more people with me.
I think everybody deserves to have
some taste of this.”
make changes, and this is showing “My heart is pounding, so stress-
them that they can go back to their ful,” mutters a student.
schools and start a Key Club if they Devereaux leads a discussion about
don’t have it.” what values we are willing to give up
when we’re put into certain situations,
VALUES ADDED such as when we’re pressured by fam-
It’s game time. Call it the Game of ily, friends — even strangers. He asks:
Values. Students write down their top Is there an integrity gap between your
eight values on slips of paper, and values and your behavior?
each round they are asked to give up It’s exercises like these that cut to
one. With each round, they anguish the heart of Key Leader. Life lessons
over their choices. Which value will for today’s youth to think deeper
they give up? about choices and hopefully build a
After collecting the papers, De- kinder, more caring world.
vereaux reads them aloud. Working “I hope to come back next year and
hard. Teamwork. Time for myself. bring more people with me,” Gerber
Open-mindedness. says. “I think everybody deserves to
He lets them all drop to the floor. have some taste of this.” K
30 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
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MAKE KEY LEADER YOUR
SIGNATURE PROJECT
E
ven though organizer Cynthia
Bender and the Kansas District can
proudly brag about their successful
Key Leader event, it doesn’t have to be
a district-level affair. A Key Leader camp
can be organized by any Kiwanis club.
“In many ways, the Kiwanians and Key
Club members who organize Key Leader
programs are equipping future gener-
ations to be values-driven community
leaders,” says Nik Koulogeorge, new busi-
ness development specialist at Kiwanis
International.
“The program is unique to Kiwanis,”
he says, “and offers great potential as a
club’s signature project to recruit new
volunteers and Key Clubbers, and to
give back to the youth in their area in
a meaningful way.”
Learn more at key-leader.org.
32 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p026-035_KIM_0320_Key Leader.indd 32 1/30/20 10:13 AMFIRST PERSON
A PERSONAL JOURNEY
A FORMER KEY CLUB MEMBER AND KEY LEADER FACILITATOR OPENS UP ABOUT HER
EXPERIENCES AND HOW THEY HAVE IMPACTED HER LIFE.
Story by Stephanie Feinberg
I
n August 2008, I remember me. I remember sitting in the base- thing in me. Jim believed I was
standing in front of a bulletin ment one day with my mom, who more than just that “Stephanie”
board full of pieces of paper was genuinely concerned about with no sense of identity written
with every club South Carroll my mental health. She asked me, on that sign-up sheet. Jim invited
High School had to offer. I was a “What do you want to do?” me to attend Key Leader. With
terrified freshman in high school I didn’t want to play sports. I the way I had been feeling, I took
and wanted to find any way I certainly didn’t have a close group it as a way to escape reality for a
could to fit in. I saw the name of friends – I just didn’t know few days.
“Key Club” on one of those pages. who I was. Without even thinking Key Leader is a weekend retreat
Most importantly, I saw my — and I’ll never forget this — I sponsored by Kiwanis that is
sister’s name on it, so there filled with workshops,
was some point of comfort. discussions, team-building
Plus, they had to make keys activities and more. These
or something, so that was activities allow youth to
kind of cool, right? I wrote learn leadership skills to
“Stephanie Feinberg” down change their community
and passed the pen to the and their world. But Key
person behind me. Little Leader changed me and my
did I know, writing my world. After completing
name on that piece of paper an outdoor ropes course,
would turn my life around. I texted my mom telling
You see, the Stephanie I her I got a random boost of
was 11 years ago is nothing confidence.
like the Stephanie I am to- Sure, in Key Club we
day. At that time, I struggled with looked at my mom and said, “I had icebreakers and activities like
my sense of identity. My grand- want to make a difference.” these all the time, so I wasn’t too
mother had passed away a couple As I got more and more sure how long this confidence
years before, and I had a hard involved with Key Club, and re- boost would last me.
time understanding what grief flecting upon it 11 years later, Key But so far, that Key Leader con-
meant and how to allow myself to Club allowed me to make that fidence boost has lasted 11 years
move on like she would want me difference and gave me my sense ... and counting.
to. I was diagnosed with depres- of identity and purpose. Key Leader is a phenomenal
sion and an anxiety disorder. As I became involved in Key program that I could never speak
I found myself in a hole. Club, my Kiwanis advisor from of highly enough. I always encour-
Starting high school is hard for the Kiwanis Club of Mount Airy, age every Kiwanis advisor to find
most kids, but it was harder for Maryland, Jim Jacobs, saw some- at least one Key Clubber in their
MA R CH 2020 33
p026-035_KIM_0320_Key Leader.indd 33 1/30/20 9:42 AMsponsored clubs who they believe impact he has had on my life. And they may never see the results,
in, who they see something in. that’s the thing about Kiwanis. but they must know and believe
Invite them to attend. Kiwanians Kiwanians all work with so many the power that each of them has.
never know how much of an im- children every single day, whether As my time in Key Club pro-
pact that simple invitation, sense through K-Kids, Builders Club, gressed, I realized community
of belief, and Key Leader weekend Key Club, Aktion Club, CKI or service and Kiwanis could bring
will have on that student. members of their own communi- negative things into a new light.
Kiwanians all have that ex- ty. They have the chance to be that I was ready to overcome my de-
traordinary power. I think of all superhero, to leave an impact on pression; I was ready to combine
Kiwanians as superheroes. Jim anyone’s life, day in and day out. the power of the Kiwanis family
may never know how much of an They may never hear a thank you, and honor my grandmother.
After some brainstorming, I
approached the Kiwanis Club of
Mount Airy with an idea. What if
I held a School Walk for Diabetes?
The walk would be in honor of
my grandmother. This walk could
finally give me closure, give me
a sense of purpose. Mount Airy
Kiwanians told me to go for it. I
held the walk for three years, rais-
ing US$10,000 total. Who was the
biggest support at these walks?
Capital District Kiwanians.
As my final year in Key Club
approached, it was time to take
a leap of faith. I was so different
than the “Stephanie” I had writ-
ten on that board freshman year,
and I was ready to take a risk. So
I ran for lieutenant governor of
Key Clubs in Central and Western
Maryland.
As lieutenant governor, I started
five new Key Clubs, my division
was visited by the Key Club Inter-
national director and my division
project was filmed for a Key TV
segment. I won outstanding board
member and I got to go to con-
vention and Key Leader.
When my time in Key Club was
up, I’ll admit, I cried a lot. But I
realized that just because my time
34 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p026-035_KIM_0320_Key Leader.indd 34 1/30/20 9:42 AMYou can also read
