Spring Is In The Air | March Newsletter
Published: March 15, 2024
Author: MT District of Kiwanis
Category Tags: NEWS
SPRING IS IN THE AIR!
Can you believe that just 2 weeks ago, we were in Belgrade at the MidWinter Conference? I want to drop a BIG THANK YOU to the Belgrade Kiwanians for all their help at the MidWinter! Also to the Circle K for the tailgate games, so much laughter and fun! And to all of you who came and hopefully learned some new things and met some new friends….THANK YOU!
As Spring approaches, so do the many projects that our Kiwanis Clubs do that make an impact in our communities. Do you have enough members in your club to do the projects?? Now is the time to invite potential members to come and help and see what Kiwanis is all about. How about inviting your SLP clubs to come and help you. GET IN THE GAME KIWANIANS!
I know many of the clubs have volunteers that are not Kiwanians help them, but have you ever asked them to join? They obviously love the project or they wouldn’t show up. Let’s all make an effort to invite that potential member and increase our impact in our communities!!
Now ask yourself…..”DID I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?” The lyrics from this song really ring true. We are all caught up in the daily grind, the push and shove of life. Take stock of yourself and ask, “WHY DID I JOIN KIWANIS?” I’m going to bet you feel that you can make a difference in your communities and schools. Get involved with the Builder’s Club and Key Clubs. Oops, you don’t have one…..WHY? They are the FUTURE! Remember…..INSPIRE!!
I challenge you to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
Esther Fischer—MT District Kiwanis Governor
JOIN THE DRIVE
We are just about done with the 2nd quarter of our Kiwanis Year and membership is growing at a slow pace. Our goal is to get Montana back to over 1000 members, so that we can adequately serve our communities and the children of our state, as well as around the world!
The Bitterroot Valley Kiwanis in Hamilton has done an outstanding job of building their club. President, Troy Hanson, has achieved the Ruby K for personally sponsoring 5 new members and his wife, Kerry, is right behind. I have no doubt she will achieve the Ruby K too! Troy stated that their club could not do the projects for Youth in their community, unless they had more members. They set a goal of adding at least 10 new members. Well, they have reached their goal and then some! Your club can do the same, if you challenge your members and survey what your community needs. Are you making a difference? If you had more members, could you do more?
Don't just ask people to join, invite them to help with a project. They in turn, might just ask you how they can join. Treat membership recruitment just like a service project. Organize, plan, and execute!
LET'S BEEF UP MONTANA KIWANIS!
Ron Fischer - MT District Membership Chair
GOVERNOR'S PROJECT
Governor Fischer has set her project for the year and has chosen, "HEART OF MONTANA, FARM IN THE DELL," in Lewistown, MT. This is a 501 (3C) organization that is
dedicated to providing a lifelong home in an agricultural setting for adults with developmental disabilities.
The Farm has been purchased and they are currently trying to raise monies to build the house. The Farm will provide a residential and vocational opportunity for these adults.
The Montana District Kiwanis Board has approved the selling of raffle tickets for a quarter of a beef. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Farm. Tickets are selling for $25 for one or 5 for $100. The drawing will be held in Missoula on August 3, 2024 at our DCON banquet. Contact any of the District Board members for tickets!
Want to know about Heart of Montana? Visit their website by clicking below:
HUMAN & SPIRITUAL AIMS
Do we REALIZE the HEALTH BENEFITS of expressing THANKFULNESS?
• Reduces depression
• Lessens anxiety/stress
• Supports heart health
• Improve Sleep
Just the act of expressing thankfulness will trigger the production of cortisol in the brain, along with triggering the release of dopamine and serotonin which are associated with happiness.
Mmmmmm, kind of interesting that the Creator of the Universe knew exactly what he was doing when He told us to be THANKFUL. It has physical benefits for our bodies, not just spiritual benefits.
Focus on what you HAVE, and be THANKFUL.
Julie Berg, MT District Chair
Rise and Lead Camp - Chaperone Sign-Ups
RISE & LEAD is an exciting opportunity for high school student to discover what it takes to be an outstanding leader in the world today. Learning skills such as
Resilience, Innovation, Strategy, Excellence, Leadership, Exploration, and Discovery. We are committed to ensuring that this event is a resounding success, and your
support can play a pivotal role in making it happen.
WE NEED CHAPERONES!! The camp is the weekend of June 14th, 2024 at the Beartooth Christian Camp near Fishtail, Montana.
Please feel free to contact Angela Mendoza Leadership Coordinator at 406-851-8085 or amendoza@semdc.org.
Come and Explore the Possibilities with us at the Kiwanis International Convention in Denver. The dates are July 3rd – 6th, you can celebrate the Anniversary of the Objects of
Kiwanis and the Birthday of America!!
Regular registration is only $399 until May 31st. There are some add-ons such as the Signature Project Breakfast for $40, Kiwanis SLP Showcase of Service Luncheon for $35, Kiwanis Children’s Fund Breakfast for $50 and the Gala – Kiwanis Dancing Through the Decades (ticket includes dinner) for $80.
Be sure that you choose the Hilton Garden Inn, when you are registering (look for the tent), Montana is staying at this hotel. It is conveniently located across the street and down about a block from the Colorado Convention Center. Currently, the Kiwanis rate is $179 + tax.
Friday night we will have a FUN get together from 6 pm – 8 pm and the cost is only $40 per person. This is a prepaid event, stay tuned for details.
Not only should you attend for the FUN, but you can be a voice for your club. There are important elections and choices to be made for the future of Kiwanis and YOU can have a say. Talk to you club secretary about being a delegate for your club.
Please call/text Kristel at 406-490-2452 or send an email to districtsecretary@mtkiwanis.org. YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT, get registered today.