Let Earth Day and these Kiwanis family projects inspire your club.

By Julie Saetre and Erin Chandler

With Earth Day coming on April 22, it’s a great time for your club to discuss service projects that celebrate and support our environment at any time of year. A recent blog post shared Kiwanis service projects that help make the world a better and more sustainable place for everyone. Here are a few more projects that show what it means to be green! 

Green steps across Europe
This year, the Kiwanis Europe Region has launched Green Steps for a Bright Future. Across Europe, Kiwanis clubs are developing and supporting local projects that educate children about environmental responsibility; promote sustainable actions through hands-on activities; engage families, schools and communities in eco-friendly initiatives; and inspire young leaders to build a greener future. Clubs are undertaking projects such as planting trees, preserving pollinators, organizing eco-workshops, cleaning local parks and more. (JS) 

Green studies in Michigan
At Haslett High School in Michigan, U.S., an overgrown courtyard got a new lease on life as an outdoor classroom — thanks to the school’s Key Club and a Youth Opportunities Fund grant from the Kiwanis Children’s Fund. Working with Haslett High School’s Sustainability Club and National Honors Society, the Key Club members leveled the area, filled in a pond and cultivated a native plant and pollinator garden. (Haslett Middle School’s Builders Club and Conservation Club also helped.) The club members even installed seating so teachers and students can use the courtyard to hold classes, study and socialize. Grant funds helped purchase grass seed, mulch, picnic table kits and plants. (EC) 

Green warriors in the Philippines
The Kiwanis Club of Stunning Davao, Philippines, partners with the Department of Education to host its Nature Warriors program. Club members connect with schools in isolated areas that are in critical need of environmental protection. The visiting Kiwanians distribute bags containing school supplies, dental kits and books on nature to the students; install waste segregation stations; and teach kids how to protect the environment by properly disposing of garbage. The program also includes regular coastal cleanups. Each child who benefits from the Nature Warriors program brings home what they have learned — spreading the word about responsible environmental stewardship throughout the community. (EC)

Green sustainably in Jamaica
Kiwanians and Key Club members in Jamaica came together in March to install native plant and tree species at the 100-acre Rand Nature Centre in Freeport, Bahamas. Joanne Nolles, lieutenant governor of the Sunshine Division in the Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District, told a local television station that the group’s goal was to promote environmental sustainability. “We love Mother Nature, and we know without her, we don’t survive,” she said. Braniah Hall, president of the Jack Haywood Senior High School Key Club, said their student leaders are passionate about protecting the environment: “I feel like it’s important to give back when you can. And seeing some of my younger Key Club members coming out in support is really inspiring.” (JS) 

Celebrate America’s 250th with a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

By Tony Knoderer

In the United States, July 4 will be a national milestone: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For that reason, this year’s celebration of Independence Day will be especially meaningful.  

That makes it an excellent opportunity for U.S. Kiwanis clubs to conduct a service or education project. And we have an idea: a public reading of the Declaration of Independence for the 250thhnniversary on July 4.  

It’s the kind of event that can bring people together, both as spectators and participants — from club members to community leaders and many others. And your Kiwanis club can be the guiding force of the event. Here are some steps for making it successful: 

• Appoint a committee. See who is excited about getting involved. You’ll want members who bring the right blend of experience, capability and interest. When the club has agreed upon the committee chair, download and use this guide for selecting members. 

• Secure an event location. What kind of venue do you envision for the reading? How many people do you expect to attend? What kind of audio/visual equipment will you need? Consider these kinds of questions when locating a venue. 

• Find participants. Who do you want to take part in the reading? Reach out to local lawmakers, business leaders, teachers, members of the police and fire departments, and others. Don’t forget to include club members from the Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs you sponsor! 

• Publicize the event and contact local media. Make sure people know about the event. Club flyers and personal interactions matter — but think big. Attempt to interest local media for community-wide coverage. In our “PR Tips and Tools,” you’ll find guidance for working with the media, developing key messages, “pitching” the story (including a template for a news release that you can adapt) and handling a television interview. And make sure there’s plenty of Kiwanis signage at the event. 

• Share on social media and your club website. Include information about the event on your website and post about it frequently on social media. It will seem more exciting to the community if your club seems excited! 

• Follow up. Don’t let the excitement end when the event ends. Post photos, videos and more on the club’s website and social media accounts so that even people who weren’t there can get a glimpse of the experience. They might think about going to your next event — or even about becoming a member.  

For Kiwanis clubs inside and outside the U.S., any major national anniversary or milestone is an opportunity to lead a local celebration of civic pride. On July 4, we hope U.S. clubs will seize that opportunity in their country — and then reflect together on both the event and the larger meaning of the day.