Tips to help speakers succeed

Tips to help speakers succeed

May 29, 2024 | General interest, Leadership | 0 comments

Whether a guest presentation goes well depends a lot on club preparation.

By Julie Saetre 

Most Kiwanis clubs know that inviting speakers to meetings adds interest for members — helping them learn about potential service projects or partnerships. For community leaders, it can also be an effective introduction to Kiwanis. But to ensure that the experience is productive and positive for both parties, it’s important to prepare. These tips can help.  

Establish clear guidelines. Give the speaker as much information as possible so they can make the most effective presentation: 

  • Confirm the meeting date, place and time. 
  • Make sure you and the speaker agree on their content. 
  • Request the spelling and pronunciation of the speaker’s name and a resume to help you (or the appropriate club member) make a proper introduction. 
  • Let the speaker know the meeting’s agenda, the time allocated for the speech (and the Q&A session if you offer one), and the approximate time the meeting will end. 
  • Provide the number of members expected to attend. 
  • Detail any available equipment the speaker can use (e.g., screen, lectern, audiovisual equipment, computer, etc.). 
  • Explain the club dress code, if any. 

Make the speaker feel welcome. Ask an officer or member to greet the speaker upon arrival and introduce them personally to other members. Provide a guest or speaker’s badge and seat them at the head table (if applicable). Have water available within easy reach of the speaker during the presentation. Designate an officer or member to officially introduce the speaker and provide their credentials before the presentation. 

Promote Kiwanis. If the speaker agrees, invite local media to attend the meeting and presentation. Kiwanis International has tips and tools to help. And don’t forget to add a properly branded Kiwanis logo to your podium or lectern for photo opportunities. 

End on a positive note. When the presentation concludes, thank the speaker and offer an inexpensive token of appreciation. Consider a donation on the speaker’s behalf to a cause that reflects your club’s focus on service and community.  

Follow up. A day or two after the presentation, send the speaker a note of appreciation on behalf of the club. And don’t forget to invite them to join Kiwanis! 

Connecting to the community through bocce

Connecting to the community through bocce

May 21, 2024 | Fundraising, General interest | 0 comments

Need a fresh fundraising idea? In recent years, one Kiwanis club has partnered up for an annual competition.

By Julie Saetre

A sports-related fundraiser is no stranger to the Kiwanis family. But when the Kiwanis Club of Methuen in Massachusetts, U.S., initiated a new event two years ago, they didn’t go with a golf, basketball, baseball, soccer or even a hockey tournament. The Methuen club rolled in a different direction: a bocce tournament.  

In part, the fundraiser is a good example of a Kiwanis club knowing its community — and taking advantage of the potential partners and resources around them.  

“We’re blessed to have a Sons of Italy Bocce Center in our town,” says Eileen Giordano, club secretary. “Many cities and towns have community bocce courts outdoors.”  

So, in 2022, the club launched its bocce tournament, in which teams of four compete for the Gold Cup Award. All skill levels are welcome, Giordano says.  

“This game is easy enough to learn, so no experience is needed to have a good time,” she adds. “The tournament director gives a brief tutorial at the beginning of play.” 

Fees and partners
To raise funds, the club charges each player an entry fee to compete. That fee also entitles competitors to breakfast pastries and coffee, as well as lunch donated by a local restaurant. Prior to competition day, club members send letters to business and community partners asking for support through goods or services — or by sponsoring a bocce lane, the “pallino” (the small target ball during play) or the event itself.

The Methuen Sons of Italy Lodge provides the tournament director and two referees. The top four teams receive trophies.

The 2024 tournament included players from Kiwanis clubs representing six communities, including Methuen.  

“Methuen Kiwanis made almost US$6,000,” Giordano says. “[The members] built relationships with other club members who, hopefully, will return next year.” 

Are your fundraisers getting stale?
If your members are losing their enthusiasm or the public’s interest is waning, a new approach could be just the refresher your club needs. Take time to brainstorm with your club members. What resources in your community could be an inspiration — and a partner — for a new fundraiser?  

To see what works for other clubs, scroll through the fundraising category on the Kiwanis International blog.  

3 ways to reward recruiting for a stronger club

3 ways to reward recruiting for a stronger club

May 16, 2024 | Club building, General interest | 0 comments

Recruiting is serious business, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun — especially when members succeed.

By Tony Knoderer

Thriving Kiwanis clubs make recruiting a challenge, not a chore. Does your club reward current members for bringing in new members? At your next club meeting, mention these methods for building enthusiasm: 

  • Ruby K pins. For every five new members a current member sponsors, recognize them with a Ruby K pin — at no cost to the club. Details and a link to the request form are available on our awards and recognition webpage.  
  • Savings and swag. Each time a current Kiwanian brings in a new member, present them with a gift card, Kiwanis-branded attire or other items that honor their effort. 
  • Online outreach honors. Social media is a powerful tool — your club should use it! Encourage individuals to share information about the club on their Facebook, Instagram and other social media accounts. Reward them when their online information results in a new member. 

Whatever your club’s method for rewarding recruiting, make it an event. Put the presentation of rewards and congratulations on the meeting agenda! Show everyone that recruiting matters enough to be a continuing part of club culture.