International Board decisions, discussions

The Kiwanis International Board met in Indianapolis this past October 20-22. The following decisions and discussions were brought to the Board through the stated committees, the names and responsibilities of which reflect the goals of Kiwanis International’s Strategic Plan.

Committee on Our Voice

The Our Voice goal states: “Kiwanis International will be a powerful voice for children and communities worldwide.”

• Develop a communication plan to inform and engage Kiwanis club members and clubs in achieving the organization’s goal to have 1 million members by its 100th anniversary, January 21, 2015.
• Make cultural adjustments to membership-development materials and distribute them to clubs worldwide.
• Study of a per-club and/or per-member assessment to share the costs of International conventions among all clubs.
• Approve a tentative 2006 International Convention schedule, which includes events featuring Art Linkletter and a “Spotlight on Broadway” show.
• Implement Kiwanis International’s new marketing and public relations campaign worldwide.

Committee on Leadership Development

The Leadership Development goal states: “Kiwanis International will be the premier provider of programs that develop competent, knowledgeable, and ethical youth and adult leaders.”

• Allow Builders Club members to participate in overnight Kiwanis-family functions “as long as adequate chaperoning is provided by the sponsoring club or district.”

• Approve Constitution and Bylaws amendments passed by the Key Club International House of Delegates at the sponsored organization’s convention in Atlanta, Georgia, this past July.

• Approve all but one Constitution and Bylaws amendments passed by the Circle K International House of Delegates at the sponsored organization’s convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, this past August. The Kiwanis International Board referred to the CKI Board a Bylaws amendment that would have prevented International Board candidates who fail to be elected to fill a Board vacancy.

Committee on Structure

The Structure goal states: “ KI will be structured to facilitate movement toward its big audacious goal. Attributes to consider: global representation, responsiveness to club and member needs, flexibility, effectiveness, resource attainability, and accountability to stakeholders.”

• Create a focus group to study ways to recruit young members.
• Develop a pilot program for two North American districts by appointing a Club mentor and/or a Kiwanis staff team to assist new clubs during their first year of operations.
• Approve changes to the Standard Form for District Bylaws to reflect new district structures, 501c3 tax status, and annual dues payment.

Committee on Finance

The Finance goal states: “ Kiwanis International will create the financial resources to meet the goals, objectives, and strategies outlined in the strategic plan.”

• Develop a Financial Advisor position description, to advertise the opening of the volunteer position, and to assist a selection committee through the interview process.
• Explore options and make recommendations relative to a cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) to be presented as part of a future dues increase plan. (No dues amendment is planned for the 2006 International Convention in Montréal, Québec; this action only authorizes staff to study a COLA option to be considered whenever the next dues increase is proposed.)

Executive Committee

• Renew Kiwanis International’s general liability insurance police, keeping the per-member cost at $11.90 annually.
• Enter an agreement with the Kiwanis International Foundation to raise funds for an auditorium at the International Office in Indianapolis.

Diversity :

The Strategic Plan’s Diversity goal is the responsibility of all committees. The Diversity goal states: Kiwanis will be committed to diversity because of the enrichment that it brings to the organization worldwide .”

A complete list of Board actions will be posted in the near future in the “Headlines” area of the Kiwanis International Web site.