april 2009 -...

Take action. Th

e Earth is i

n your hands.

April 2009 www.keyclub.org

A Kiwanis-family publication

for starters

02| Key Clubmagazine www.keyclub.org April 2009

Contents

03 News

05 Key Trends

06 Save the Earth

10 Stop Spinning

15 Annual Report

16 Standing Out

17 Center Stage

22 Your Space

Key Club is published at 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, to promote the Objectives of Key Club International, a high school organization incorporated not for profit under the laws of the State of Illinois and representing Key Clubs worldwide. Key Club is published three times each year—September, January, and April. Standard postage (CPC Publication Agreement #40030711) rate paid at Indianapolis, Indiana, and at additional mailing offices. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Kiwanis—2835 Kew Drive, Windsor, Ontario N8T3B7 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Key Club, 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268. A single subscrip-tion to Key Club is provided to all members of Key Club International. Additional member subscriptions are avail-able for $4 a year. Subscriptions for nonmembers are available for $8 a year. PRINTED IN U.S.A. COPYRIGHT 2009 by Key Club International.

President|Kia Albertson-RogersSpencer, New York

Vice-President|Jonathan Yang, Cerritos, California

trustees| Anyssa Black, Efland, North Carolina; Frances Bruce, Rochester, Minnesota; Robbie Cocchiarella, Niceville,

Florida; Cooper Domgard, Lincoln, Nebraska; Allana Ingram, Kingston, Jamaica; Adam Joslyn, Plymouth, Wis-consin; Yihwan Kim, Burbank, California; Katie Lewandowski, Molalla, Oregon; Jessica Morris, Jamesville, New York; Samantha Olsen, Anacortes, Washington; Curtis Strubinger, Weldon Spring, Missouri.

editor| Michael Downs chief Marketing Officer| Carolyn Mosby-Williams content Manager | Alyssa Chase Pr Manager | Joedy Isert Managing editor| Jack Brockley executive editor| Shanna Mooney Advertising director| Kim Stephenson contributing editors | Eileen Dennie, Dick Isenhour, Kasey Jackson, Amberly Peterson

2008-09 Key Club International BoardWho are we?

Magazine staff

Get your green onGreen is the new black. It’s everywhere. Has it taken hold in your club?

Truly there’s a shade for everyone and every club. Whether you’re recycling, planting trees or cleaning up a beach, going green is the thing to do.

But environmentalism goes way beyond fashions, be-cause whether you wear Prada or polyester, you live on the same Earth—and it needs a makeover.

So as you peruse these pages (which, beginning with this issue, are printed on paper made with recycled content), think about what you and your club can do to make the world a little cleaner, a little healthier for everyone. Ideas

large and small are given throughout this issue.Many readers helped Key Club magazine get in the green mood. This issue’s cover

was selected by visitors to the Key Club Facebook page. Get involved in future magazine content by visiting www.keyclub.org. Now go get green! —Shanna Mooney

www.keyclub.org |03Key ClubmagazineApril 2009

Key trends[ trends, notes and random thoughts ]

John Gaines confirms what many Key Clubbers suspect: Community service hours are a good thing when it comes to getting into college. And Gaines should know; he’s director of undergraduate admissions at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

But, he stressed on Teen Kids News, you don’t need to travel overseas and do an expensive, impressive-sounding proj-ect. Just keep doing what you already do

best: “Working on a community-service project that means a lot to you and your family. That can be as powerful as travel-ing around the world (to college admis-sions officials),” he says.

One more tip: Stress quality, not quan-tity. “You don’t have to join every club and organization to impress college officials,” Gaines says. “But be involved somehow and make the most of what you do.”

You’ve got a leg up, Key Clubbers!

Are you still heading to the coffee shop every time you need a jolt of caf-feine? Please say no: It’s expensive and bad for the environment because of the gas you use to get there and the cup you throw away with each latte. Sure, you can reduce waste (and save a few cents) by tak-ing your own reusable cup (stainless steel is best), but there’s an even better way: Brew your own!

You can save money and the environ-ment while impressing your friends with this easy (and yummy) recipe. Note: The recipe makes enough to share unless you prefer to venti-size it.

Ingredients: 11⁄2 cups half-and-half2 tablespoons brown sugar2 cups strong coffee or espresso1/4 cup chocolate syrup1 teaspoon vanilla extractwhipped cream

Directions:In a saucepan, heat half-and-half over medium-high heat, but do not boil. Remove from heat, stir in brown sugar until dissolved, then add remaining ingredients. Serve warm or over ice. To make it a frappuccino, blend with ice. Top with whipped cream.

by the numbers

300Number of large glaciers worldwide; most are shrinking.

20Pounds of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere for every gallon of gasoline burned.

30Percentage of the world’s land area still covered by forests.

100Years it will take the world’s rain forests to vanish at the current rate of deforestation.

1 millionYears it takes fossil fuels to form from decomposed plants and animals buried in the ground.

Sources: The National Geographic Society, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

and Geophysical Research Letters of the world’s land area still covered by forests.

Make your own mocha

College tIp

Keep Key Clubbing


neWs [ the news you can use today and tomorrow ]

Kiwanis-family life goes on with CKI and Kiwanis

Your Key Club fun doesn’t have to end just because of a little thing called graduation. In fact, staying a member of the Kiwanis family offers benefits you haven’t even thought of.

“I joined Circle K so I could continue to stay networked to the people I got to know through Key Club and continue to give back to my community,” says Grant Lin, member of the Circle K Club of Indiana University and former Key Club International president. “I would definitely encourage Key Club members to stay involved in the Kiwanis family to continue to serve their homes and com-munities, but also to take the leadership lessons they’ve learned from Key Club and apply them to their lives as they move on from high school.”

CKI is a great next step, but some Key Clubbers join a Kiwanis club if their college doesn’t have a CKI club or if they step into careers after high school.

Your options don’t end there. Young professional and Internet clubs also offer attractive opportunities for people want-

ing to continue with all the leadership, service and fellowship Kiwanis-family clubs offer.

To find out what’s available in the area where you plan to live after gradua-tion, go to:

Kiwanis: www.kiwanis.org/findaclub.Circle K: slp.kiwanis.org/CircleK/

areyou.aspx.

Bylaw-backup One of Key Club International’s core values—inclusiveness—just got official

Bylaw backup.The Kiwanis International Board approved action taken by Key Club delegates

at the 2008 International Convention in Denver, Colorado, to adopt the following wording: “The membership of individual Key Clubs shall consist of students from the

four upper classes (or the five upper classes in the Canadian provinces where high school is of a five-year duration) of the high school in which they are

enrolled (or in ungraded schools whose members shall be of age comparable to the four upper classes of high school), interested in service and qualified scholasti-cally by school district requirements for extracurricular activities and of good character. No potential member will be denied the chance of membership in a Key Club

due to previous service experience or lack thereof.”The Kiwanis Board also accepted a second Key Club House of Delegates decision

to reduce Key Club magazine to two printed issues, effective the 2009-10 Key Club year.

Keep on growin’

Key Club can now boast service sisters and brothers in 28 countries as clubs expand worldwide. Welcome to the family:1. Aruba 2. Australia3. Bahamas

4. Barbados5. Bermuda 6. Canada7. Cayman Islands8. Colombia9. Costa Rica10. Dominica11. Germany12. Guadeloupe13. Italy 14. Jamaica15. Malaysia16. Martinique17. Netherlands Antilles18. New Zealand 19. Panama20. The Philippines21. Singapore22. South Korea23. St. Lucia 24. Taiwan25. Thailand26. Trinidad and Tobago27. Turks and Caicos Islands28. United States of America

Who has the largest membership? The United States, Jamaica and Canada.

Stay and serve

Following high school, Key Club members continue to serve and lead through membership in Circle K. Others join Kiwanis clubs.


neWs[ the news you can use today and tomorrow ]

By Jennifer HowsePresident MarCh of DiMes founDation

Students and service: Both are key to Key Club and to the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes relies on student leaders like you to be Champions for Babies. Everything you do makes a difference—from signing our Petition for Preemies to participating in our largest fundraiser, March for Babies, in the spring.

Just last summer you raised more than US$15,000 at your international convention in your Baby Steps walk—keep up the great work! Each year, you raise more than $8 mil-lion for the March of Dimes and make an impact in raising awareness of the problems of premature birth. And we are so proud of Key Clubbers who have joined our top student lead-ers as members of the (U.S.) National Youth Council.

You give back to your communities too. You join us in March for Babies, and every Novem-ber you get involved with Prematurity Awareness Month. I encourage you to get involved as a volunteer year-round: Build leadership skills and network among like-minded student leaders.

In November 2008, the March of Dimes released the United States’ first report card on premature birth—and the results showed the nation is failing hundreds of thousands of citizens on the day they are born.

You can view the Report Card online and send a message to lawmakers by sign-ing the 2008 Petition for Preemies (marchofdimes.com/petition).

It is unaccept-able that the U.S. is failing so many preterm babies. We are deter-mined to find and implement solu-tions to prevent preterm birth, based on research, best clinical practices and im-proved education for moms.

Youth vol-unteers are so important for our mission. The Teen-2-Teen series educates middle and high school students about the mission of the March of Dimes and how your in-volvement, behav-ior and attitudes ensure that babies of the future are born healthy.

To find out more about March for Ba-bies teams, our peer education program or volunteering, visit www.marchofdimes.com. Or check us out on Facebook—we have a Cause, a Fan Page, and a Group. Search for March of Dimes. Thank you for being Champions for Babies!

Get movin’An awesome packet of new tools is

re-energizing Key Clubs. A spring mail-ing, sent to each club this past March, in-

cluded improved planners, public relations and marketing materi-als, convention information, guidebooks and a

Make Your Meetings Move booklet.Make Your Meetings Move packs

44 ways to energize your club and step-by-step info on fun activities that stoke creative thinking, leadership and much more! Inspired by Key Clubbers, this short, fun read is packed full of inspirational quotes, tips, discussion and brainstorming topics, trivia and other goodies that will transform your club and help retain members year-round.

Uruguay needs youWith millions of dollars raised and

many lives already enriched through their partnership, Key Club and UNICEF are teaming up again. This time, the recipi-ent is Uruguay.

Related to a recent rise in poverty within Uruguay is a sharp increase in school drop-out numbers. Key Club aims to raise US$1.5 million to help send kids back to school, empower families to take care of their children and ensure access to health care.

Details will be announced at the Key Club International Convention this sum-mer in Dallas, Texas.

See you in SeptemberThis is the last printed issue of Key

Club magazine until September 2009. Don’t despair: Up-to-date info’s available 24/7 on www.keyclub.org.

September’s 2009 Key Club magazine will be packed with tips to make your Key Club experience one of the highlights of high school. Add your two cents now with story suggestions by e-mailing [email protected].

Roar like MarchBy now you have a rockin’

team ready to March for Ba-bies. Here are some last-minute tips to rally the troops:• Give a pep-talk so mem-

bers remember the reason behind the march.

• Make sure your club/team has all money accounted for before March for Babies. Ask your local MOD chapter about “bank days” when you can turn in money, or just bring your contributions the morning of the march.

• Enjoy March for Babies day, knowing you are doing amaz-ing things to help the cause!

• Afterward, send thank-you e-mails or cards to everyone who helped or donated to your March for Babies campaign.

Partners for babiesKey Club and March of Dimes, together again


EarthSave

theYou already know what it means to be green. Now it’s time to take it to the next level.

By Abigail Mieko Vargus

Sure, you throw your soda cans into the recy-cle bin in the cafeteria. You regularly turn off

the lights, stereo and computer when you leave your room each morning. You even wear extra sweaters all winter long so your parents can keep the thermostat low. And when you think of those things, you realize something: Being green can be boring.


DRESS GREEn. Being trendy is easy when “green” textiles are in. Look for clothes made from organic or recycled materials.

www.ecofashionworld.com

LoaD uP youR iPoD. Hey, if it means you can skip the CD—and its packaging—it’s a great green idea. (And if you’ve already got a Kindle, all the better!)

SEaRch in thE DaRk—onLinE, that iS. Blackle is a Google-based search

engine that uses a black background, which gets you the info you need without wasting extra energy.

www.blackle.com

PLan a SPa PaRty, But with Eco-fRiEnDLy PRoDuctS. It’s a great way to pamper yourself while teaching your friends about planet-safe cosmetics.

PooL a RiDE. Tell your mom to stay home; mooch a ride from one of your teammates or

classmates. Why ride with the ‘rents when you could be cruis-ing with a friend anyhow?

LoG on. There are hundreds—probably thousands—of e-mail listservs that include action alerts. All you need to do is open your messages to find out new opportunities for being green.

BaG it. Grab a cute tote bag or a cool messen-ger bag, or just any old collaps-ible shopping bag. It’s a great excuse to hit the mall, and an even better excuse to say no to plastic bags.

Go Back to SchooL. Elementary school, that is. You and your fellow Key Clubbers can embrace the Live to Learn initiative by helping kids learn about the environment. Volunteer an afternoon with grade-schoolers. You can find plenty of eco-curricula online, including fun stuff like building a skimmer to keep streams clean.

Go aPPLE-PickinG. Local produce is the next big thing in green. Make it fun by picking it yourself. Take it a step further: Make it organic!

www.pickyourown.org

takE a hikE. Most parks have a per-car fee, so it’s cheaper (and more fun) with more people in one car. Meanwhile, you get a double-bonus: carpooling and supporting land conservation.

Not anymore! The great thing about eco-consciousness is that even a small effort makes a difference. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of ideas to help you have fun and save the planet at the same time.


think outSiDE thE REcycLinG Bin. It’s a pretty safe bet your school’s already recycling paper, plas-tic and aluminum, but you can raise money with some less-common recyclables. Think cell

phones, ink cartridges and even yogurt cups and cookie wrappers.

www.terracycle.net and www.recyclemycellphone.org

wait in LinE. The water fountain is the best place to get gossip, and you skip bottled water.

SwEEtEn youR woRLD. The honeybee population has fallen drastically thanks to a mysterious disease, putting everything from biodiver-sity to crop production at risk.

Support your local apiarists by buying honey and other beeswax products.

www.vanishingbees.org

cELEBRatE Eco-hoLiDayS. Whether you take over the morning announcements or plaster the halls with posters, you can raise awareness of different issues, such as Wetlands Month (May), America Recycles Day (November) and Elephant Appreciation Day (September 22).

hoSt a PaRty. Just make sure the party favors are preprinted letter templates for writing your local representatives about environmental issues. Show a documentary to get every-

one in the mood—and in the know.

GLovE woRk. Whether you remove inva-sive species, start a compost pile at home or at school, or just plant a tree on Arbor Day, donning gardening gloves is a great way to go green.

Go to a faiR. Many local fairs let you hand out information. Even better, you don’t have to do it alone. Con-tact an environmental organiza-tion that deals with an issue you want to champion. They’ll love

to hear what you’re doing, and they’ll probably have fliers you can hand out.

coMMunE with natuRE. Sit in the woods (or even a park bench) for a half-hour and count what you see. Scientists, naturalists and conser-vationalists all benefit from better knowledge of what’s out there. Believe it or not, you can volun-teer to count anything from frogs to pigeons.

It’s hard to believe such little things can do much, but don’t sell yourself short. Each action is a positive action—and it may lead to more positive actions, by you, by your friends, by your family and by your community. There’s no reason to be daunted by the giant concept of “being green.” Just pick something and go with it.

Key Clubmagazine www.keyclub.org April 200910|

www.keyclub.orgKey Club

magazineApril 2009 |11

High school students often scurry into

leadership positions with all the

fervor of a hamster intent on outracing the

wheel. Keeping your enthusiasm robust,

even as you assume yet another leadership

role and additional responsibility, is any-

thing but a breeze. Here, Key Club leaders

share some perspective on how to keep

things moving while keeping it all together.

Though it’s thrilling to assume a signifi-

cant leadership post—especially after you

worked so hard to get there—the grind can

be surprising. “It’s always more than what

you expect,” says Chris Weathers, governor

of the New England District. “Once you see

what it’s all about, then you’re able to take

it all in and know what you have to do.”

How do they get it done?

leaDership

When responsibilities pile up, a leadership role can feel like a jog on a hamster wheel—a whole lot of motion without much progress. Here’s some advice from experienced Key Club leaders to help you stop the wheel from spinning. by barbara KleMt boxleitner

Stop spinning

Key Clubmagazine www.keyclub.org April 200912|

Here are a few of their best ideas:

KnOw wHAt yOu dOn’t KnOw.

There’s no substitute for experience, especially on-

the-spot training. After serving as a fundraising chair-

man and lieutenant governor, Chris realizes how he

could have done things more effectively. Now, he

shares those lessons with incoming leaders.

PlAy tO yOur strengtHs. Take

advantage of your skills, and let someone else deal

with the stuff you’re not so good at. “If you don’t

work together and if you don’t delegate, it’s not go-

ing to get done,” says Stephanie Nicholson, Pacific

Northwest District governor. “Key Club teaches you

pretty quickly.”

ride tHe leArning curVe. “Learn as

much as you can,” says Michigan District Governor

Erin Lin. “Make mistakes. Don’t freak out when

something happens.”

recruit underclAssMen. In addi-

tion, leaders say, new members and underclassmen

can be counted on to produce, oftentimes because of

their own aspirations. Stephanie remembers how, as

a freshman, she thought about all she wanted to ac-

complish, and sure enough has done it. As Erin says,

“The lower classmen work harder because they have

something higher to go to next year.”

Though teens have their own leadership style,

which keeps the Key Club lifeblood fresh, effective

Camas, Washington, high school senior Stephanie Nicholson is governor of Key Club’s Pacific Northwest District, plays varsity tennis, plays flute in the school band, serves as president of the school’s Science Olympiad and volunteers four hours a week at the local hospital.

She also has a personal life.In this ultra-competitive age, a Key

Club leader’s personal obligations can become downright overwhelming.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend, that young people explore interests “without feeling pressure to excel in each area.”

Health, school extracurricular perfor-mance and relationships may suffer. But all that can be avoided.

“Balance is important,” advises Ellen Vaughan, assistant professor in counsel-ing and educational psychology at Indi-ana University-Bloomington. “Although they’re very committed to serving others, teens need to take care of themselves.”

Vaughan says it’s important to main-tain lifestyle habits—eating, sleeping and exercising well—and allot downtime.

Brockton, Massachusetts, high school senior Chris Weathers is New England District governor. He usually spends Sunday at home. “I like to do stuff really

low-key and relaxing,” he says.If you’re feeling the stress, don’t

wait until the burden becomes too great. Be realistic about how much you can accomplish.

Don’t give until it hurts; give until it feels good.

Don’t give until it hurts

pho

to il

lust

rati

on

When you take on officer duties, be realistic about how much you can accomplish.



time management is a basic. To monitor the pulse

of activity, Stephanie regularly checks e-mails,

answers and makes telephone calls and is available

for visits. Getaway days from school offer relief.

“Anything I can get done, I get done on weekends,”

she says. “I have more time to do the work, and

I’m not so stressed.”

yell fOr HelP. Leaders shouldn’t hesitate to

seek help from other members for fear their reputa-

tion as an authority figure might be compromised.

“They’re there to help you,” says Chris. “Just because

you are the top in command, it doesn’t mean you

need to do everything yourself.”

The nature of the Key Club member is to be avail-

able, anyway, so it’s not like members will hesitate to

help. “The people are in Key Club because we love

everything about Key Club,” Stephanie says. “We

enjoy doing it. We mix work with fun.”

tAP intO yOur PAssiOn. Erin says she’s

efficient and thorough, with a personal touch. She

prefers writing individuals cards—not shipping e-mail

blasts—to board members and giving them little gifts

at holidays, all to show appreciation of their efforts

and to sustain enthusiasm for their purpose. “If

you’re really passionate about Key Club, they tend to

follow you more,” she says. “I try to be a motivator

for everybody.”

KeeP An OPen Mind. Because leaders

work with others from Key Club and the community,

they encounter diverse populations regularly. So, dis-

trict governors say, it’s important to be open-minded

and to accept input. The right attitude is essential as

well, says Rocky Mountain District Governor Mario

Hernandez. “Always stay positive,” he says. “Attitudes

are like ripple effects, and staying positive can have a

huge impact on your life and those around you.”

With a variety of Key Club positions to their

credit, the teen leaders feel satisfied with the strides

they have made and the effect they have had.

“My biggest goal is to not only accomplish all the

duties of my work,” Mario says, “but to inspire others

along the way and leave more than just work behind

me, leave inspiration for future leaders.”

Spin control

Multitasking magic

Sources: Mario Hernandez, Rocky Mountain District governor; Erin Lin, Michigan District governor; Stephanie Nicholson, Pacific Northwest District governor; Chris Weathers, New England District

governor; and Ellen Vaughan, assistant professor in counseling

sound sleeping• Teens need 8½ to 9¼ hours; adults 7 to 9 hours• Insufficient sleep may contribute to the onset of chronic diseases and

conditions, including depression Sources: U.S. National Sleep Foundation and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Healthy eating

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in their 2005 “Dietary Guidelines for Americans”

regular exercise• Adolescents should do at least one hour of physical activity per day• Adults should do 2½ hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every

week and muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week; 1¼ hours of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week and muscle strengthening at least two days; or a combination of moderate and vigorous and muscle strengthening two or more days

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Delegate duties• Ask for help• Be organized• Manage time effectively

• Be realistic about capabilities• Stay positive• Allot downtime• Consult school authorities

• Consume a variety of food• Balance diet in addition to

physical activity

• Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and grains

• Choose a diet low in fats and cholesterol



STATEMENTS Of fINANCIAL POSITION 2008 2007Assets Cash and equivalents $362,167 $361,485 Investments 821,832 972, 474 Other assets 136,994 33,419 Total assets $1,320,993 $1,367,378

Liabilities & Net Assets Due to Kiwanis International $274,935 $247,018 Accounts Payable 3,527 — Other liabilities 2,615 512 Net assets 1,039,916 1,119,848 Total liabilities and net assets $1,320,993 $1,367,378

STATEMENTS Of ACTIVITIES 2008 2007Revenues Membership dues $1,515,645 $1,509,115 Convention fees 230,465 257,461 Investment income (loss) (150,642) 104,623 Subsidies from Kiwanis International 172,788 249,982 Grants, advertising and other 52,910 113,614 Total revenues $1,821,166 $2,234,795

Expenses Governance $98,052 $99,748 Convention 227,354 247,520 Leadership, education and development 359,426 459,562 Magazine 184,550 240,210 Membership services 345,150 314,531 Marketing 103,270 87,295 General and administrative 583,296 664,727 Total expenses $1,901,098 $2,113,593 Surplus (Deficit) $(79,932) $121,202

Paid membershiP Paid Clubs234,528 2002 4,690243,563 2003 4,737245,607 2004 4,786243,422 2005 4,812238,071 2006 4,847244,106 2007 4,900244,175 2008 4,9304.1% since 2002 5.1%0.0% since 2007 0.6%

annuaL REPoRtKey Club International

presents its 2007-08 financial statement. for a copy of the audit report, send your written request to Kiwanis International, Attn: Audit Report, 3636 Wood-view Trace, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, or e-mail your request to [email protected].

Key Clubmagazine www.keyclub.org April 2009

standIng out a person going above and beyond

16|

Alex LuongKey Club of Piscataway, New Jersey, High School

On Key Club’s importance “Key Club is a great way to help out not only with your community, but also people around the world. It’s an excellent way to make a difference. Every hour of volunteer work counts.”

Why I love Key Club “Key Club gives everyone an op-portunity to help the less fortunate, no matter how small the cause. I also love the attitude and the willingness of fellow Key Club members to serve. I know I’m not alone in my desire to do whatever I can to help.”

Current service “Once a week, we volunteer during the hospital’s recreational therapy. The activities range from playing with dolls to playing video games. Children’s Specialized Hospital has really changed the way I view everyone to-day. I realize that everyone doesn’t have the same abilities and intelligence, but we all do have one thing in common, the ability to learn and improve.”

What sets me apart from my peers “My desire and sheer determi-nation to accomplish my goals. As a varsity athlete and a competitive hon-ors student, determination is essential to my success. My lifelong goal is to become a doctor. Though achiev-ing that goal requires a tremendous amount of work, anything is possible if you put your mind to it. By being a doctor, I can continue to fulfill my other goal in life: to help the needy. The hard work to become a doctor will be worth the enjoyment of saving lives.”note: A random computer process picked Alex to be profiled in “Standing Out,” demonstrating that every Key Club member is a leader.


Center stage[ your club in view ]

sIde

In18 | Don’t just hug’em, plant’em

19 | All is irie, mon

20 | Lone Star service

21 | Service in brief


Center stage [ your club in view ]

After a big storm in Seaside, Or-

egon, destroyed trees and made a general

mess of the city this past year, officials

turned to the Key Club of Seaside High

School for help.

Always eager to do the green thing,

the club, along with its sponsoring

Kiwanis club, planted trees to replace

those lost in the storm, but members

also cleared debris that littered the

area, all in the name of environmental

goodness—and Kiwanis One Day.

“For our tree-planting project, we

went to a family park where people have

barbecues and family reunions,” says

Key Club President Jaime Oxley. “A lot

of the trees in the park were dying or in

really bad shape. We planted new trees

and cleaned up the park so it was family-

friendly once again.”

When the work was done, the Key

Clubbers joined others to celebrate.

“Our sponsoring Kiwanis club treated

us to hot dogs, chips and cookies in the

park,” says Key Club advisor Tamara

Lewis. “It was a great day.”A Seaside High School Key Club member plants a tree after a storm made a mess of a local park. Volun-teers first learned how to help the trees survive by digging the right size hole.

Don’t just hug‘em, plant ‘em

Tree tipsJaime Oxley, president of the Key Club of Seaside

High School, offers these tips for tree-loving clubs:• Talk to your city officials before planting.• Make sure your proposed planting site doesn’t have

water pipes or other utilities in the way.

• Recruit many volunteers. Trees can be pretty heavy, so the more people you have the better.

• Borrow plenty of shovels and other tools to dig dirt.• Dig a hole three times as wide as the root ball, but

don’t go any deeper.• firm the soil around it and water thoroughly.• follow up with frequent waterings.



If you’ve been to a Key Club International conven-tion, you know Jamaican Key Club members are a close-knit group. One reason: Clubs frequently join to-gether for large-scale projects, such as the Ocho Rios Town Beautification Project. That’s irie, mon. That means: Excel-lent, man.

On hand were members from the Key Clubs of Mona High School, Merle Grove High School, Jamaica College, Wolmer’s Boys School, Calabar High School, Holy Childhood High School, William Knibb Memorial High School, Knox College and Browns Town High School—in addition to several Kiwanis and Circle K clubs. They all spent several hours picking up garbage and tidying up the scene in Jamaica’s famously pristine environment.

“Key Clubbers were busy making the streets of Ocho Rios a cleaner place, and several motorists flashed their lights and gave a thumbs-up signal for the work being done,” says Mona club mem-ber Alanzo Small.

“To our amazement, several motorists pulled up beside Key Clubbers and handed over garbage they had for disposal.

“We were also pleased to see that many citizens were using the trash cans located along Main Street.”

After they collected 23 bags of garbage, the volunteers hit the beach for a fun afternoon of swimming, beach volleyball and lunch, proving that Jamaican members who work—and play—together, stay together.

Extra hands make quick work when picking up litter. By working together, Jamaican Key Clubs increase the benefits to the environment and enhance their fellowship.

All is irie, mon

What’s next?What’s next?

Keep your commitment to Key Club values. Renew your passion for UNICEF. Join Circle K International (CKI), the largest collegiate community service, leadership development and friendship organization in the world.

Learn more at www.circlek.org.

College? Career? CKI.


Center stage [ your club in view ]

Key Clubs in the Dallas, Texas, area might be gearing up to host the 66th Annual Key Club International Convention this July 1-4, but that doesn’t mean they’re slacking in the service department.

Take the Key Club of North Crowley High School, for example.

“Our signature project is our Meadowcreek Beautification Project,” says Julia Rose, club member and lieutenant governor of Division 1S. “We’re beautifying an older elementary school that doesn’t get the attention some of the newer schools get.” The club received a $2,000 grant to work on the project.

In continuing with the green theme, the club picks up trash around the school once a week. Members also started a recycling program in their school.

But that’s just the start. To ensure each of the club’s 82

members can work a service project into their busy schedule, the club has at least four events going on each week.

“We always do enough projects to help all kinds of groups, from the poor to little children,” Julia says. “And we definitely don’t settle for less! We always set our standards high and achieve our goals.”

Julia lists her club’s high-achieving projects: • Every Saturday it hosts story time at Barnes & Noble, reading a book and doing a craft with the children.• Frequently members set up furniture with Catholic Charities, which provides homes and supplies to refugees.• In the spring, the club conducts an Easter egg hunt and operates a face-painting booth.

• The club decorates a float every year in the school’s homecom-ing parade. This year the theme was The Little Mermaid.

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Gardening with smiles | The Key Club of Davis High School in

Kaysville, Utah, teamed up with the school’s Operation Smile and Davis Pride clubs to work

on a truly green project: gardening around the school’s flagpole.

Together, the students pulled weeds and planted tulip bulbs and other perennials.

“You get more school spirit (by do-ing service for the school),” Key Club member Heather Gurr told The Salt Lake Tribune. “You respect the school and teachers more.”

Recycling saves trees | “We’re sav-ing the environment one 11-by-8-inch piece of paper at a time,” says Oscar Hernandez, vice president of the Key Club of Chickasha High School in Oklahoma.

The club doesn’t set a fundraising goal, because its main motivation is to save the environment, especially trees. Instead, members encourage their schoolmates and the community to drop used paper into recycling containers. Raising money always helps too. So the club sets out collec-tion boxes for students and teachers to chip in.

Celebrate inclusiveness | The Key Club of North Brunswick Township High School in New Jersey celebrat-

ed diversity and raised money for the local Children’s Spe-cialized Hospital in by painting

faces during the town’s Heritage Day festival.

The festival’s ethnic food, displays and performances put a spotlight on the many different area cultures.

“I think it’s really good that every-one gets to come out and be togeth-er,” Key Club member Sonja Moss told a local newspaper. “We all have to live together, so we should all get along and understand each other.”

Disaster donors | Michigan’s ford-son High School Key Club wasted no

time collecting money after Hur-ricane Ike hit the Gulf of Mexico. Shortly after

the storm, members spent their lunch periods working the cafeteria crowd and accepting classmates’ donations for the American Red Cross.

servICe In BrIef

fill whatever | Builders Clubs in the Pennsyl-vania District wanted to “fill something” with pop tabs to support a local hospital hospitality house. The Kiwanis family, including Key Club, joined the “fill the Whatever” project and ultimately loaded a 14-foot moving truck with more than 1.5 million tabs collected throughout the course of a year. The project concluded with a celebra-tion at a Ronald McDonald House attended by more than 100 Kiwanis-family members.


your spaCe [ your words, pictures, art ]

What’s your favorite service project? Here’s what fellow Key Clubbers say:• Playing games with seniors

at a senior living facility• Story time at the public library• fire prevention with elementary

school children• Hygiene drive for domestic

violence victims• Tijuana orphanage

• Habitat for Humanity• Adopt-a-road• Busing tables for chamber

of commerce dinner• Extreme home makeover,

Key Club-style• Pancake Day with Kiwanis• Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Home• Ronald McDonald House• Sno-cones at Kids ‘R’ Best fest

My name is Brianna Ontiveros, and I am a member of the Key Club of Humboldt County Homeschoolers. Our club was started in 2002, and it’s the sec-ond homeschool Key Club in the world. We currently have nine members and meet twice a month at the local American Cancer Society’s office. Our parents are our advisors, and our local Kiwanis clubs help with financial support. We attend a Kiwanis meeting every month.

I heard about our Key Club from other homeschoolers and decided to try it out. I have been having a blast ever since! This is my fourth year in Key Club, and I have enjoyed making new friends. I have been the bulletin editor/Web master for two years.

Our club is very active. We partici-pated in the Relay for Life two years in a row, collecting $5,000 and earning special awards each year. Our club was honored as the recipient of the Single Service Project Award in the Bronze

category at our district convention.Other service projects:• Soup kitchen• Food bank• Buddy walk• American Cancer Society Thrift Store• Salvation Army bell-ringing.

My favorite project is serving lunch at the soup kitchen because it’s differ-ent than most of our projects. It’s fun to serve the food with friends. It doesn’t feel like work at all.

When people ask me how I feel about being in Key Club, I tell them, “I feel GOOD. Oh, I feel so good. Uh! I feel fine, all of the time! Abooga! Abooga! Abooga-booga-booga!”

—Brianna Ontiveros

random thoughts

What do you consider the best invention ever?

“Light. Every-thing would be dark inside without it.”

—Molly Deminck, fargo North High School, North Dakota

“The telephone, because you get the opportu-nity to converse with close friends and fam-ily without actually seeing them, and that’s cool.”

—Kaydia Cunningham, Saint Mary High School, Jamaica

“Sliced bread, because of PB&J, of course!”

—Casey Crandell, Lake Havasu High School, Arizona

“The printing press, because I would die without books. Oreos are awesome also!”

—Lauren Anthony, Garden City High School, Michigan

“The toilet. Do I really have to explain?”

—McKenzie Matthews, Harnett Central High

School, North Carolina

Home club for homeschoolers

hands-on faves


your spaCe[ your words, pictures, art ]

An involved advisor can make all the difference in a Key Club’s success. Here are tips from Fridley Senior (Minne-sota) High School Key Club advisor and Key of Honor recipient Mary “Crzy Mry” Bowen.

Make a con-nection. Greet members as they arrive at meet-ings. Comment positively on their clothes, hairstyles, test results, recent performance at a sporting event, etc.

never say never. Remember that Key Club is student-led and that all decisions are made by the students. You can guide them tactfully or express your concerns, but never find yourself saying, “No, you can’t do that!”

Make it right. If you realize you’ve made a mistake, apologize.

Keep it simple. It’s better to do one highly popular project than many little ones in which only a few can par-ticipate. Have the club’s publicist submit a news release to your local newspaper before the event.

capture the moment. Take active, storytelling photos at all projects.

show ’em your silly side. Take time to be silly. Our Key Club goes out to the football field in the middle of December and forms a smiley face or the Key Club logo. The students hold colored cards or beach balls to show the design and have their picture made from the press box.

Acknowledge. Recognize achieve-ments with inexpensive gag gifts, weird awards and tokens of appreciation.

Our Key Clubbers of the Month receive a plastic plate with flamingos or mon-keys on it. The plate awards can go with them to college where they serve as a fun reminder of their Key Club experience.

write notes to the students. Enough said.

serve timely treats. Our club serves ice cream bars and hot cocoa during December’s meeting. We have Valentine cookies and play silly games during February’s meeting and celebrate Girl Scout Cookie Day in April.

update the administration. Establish a rapport with the principal. Stop at the office regularly and share your Key Club stories and concerns. Send the superin-tendent and principal monthly e-mail reports of Key Club projects.

Attract attention. Early in the school year, sponsor a popular event, such as a homeless sleep-out. Because only Key Club members can attend, this becomes a useful membership-development tool.

Be open to new ideas. Encourage the students to take risks. Your club’s favorite projects likely were questioned the most, like our teeter-totter marathon.

Now what, new pres?

Now that you’ve been elected club president, you’re faced with many challenges and responsibilities. Here are a few tips to simplify your job.

delegate. Don’t stretch yourself too thin. Allow your officers to take a leadership role in some things. Just follow up to ensure tasks are completed.

Be known. Interact with your fellow members. Greet them person-ally before meetings. Work alongside them in service projects. Show you care. You’re still a Key Clubber.

Be open. Encourage members to approach you with ideas and feedback. Let them help choose future service projects.

Be dynamic. Make your meetings fun and interactive.

Have fun. Being president shouldn’t be a job. Enjoy your year as president. You’ll automatically be easier to work with and easier to follow.

These tips will not eliminate your challenges as president. However, by adhering to them, you’ll reduce stress and be a far more successful Key Club president.

—Blake Adams, president, Key Club of Habersham Central

High School, Georgia

that’s what they say

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to

get better. It’s not.”—Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Advisor’s advice for advisors

Wild ‘n’ crazy getups earned Mary Bowen her nickname, “Crzy Mry,” but her leadership methods garner serious results.

Change ServiCe requeSted

Register today2009 Key Club

International ConventionDallas, Texas • July 1-4, 2009

Visit http://www.keyclub.org/convention

Kiwanis intl. 3636 Woodview tr. indianapolis, in 46268-3196 uSa

Change ServiCe requeSted

Spring 2009April 3-5Camp Conrad Weiser .............. Wernersville, PA

April 24-26Alabama 4-H Center .............. Columbiana, ALCamp Lakeside ...................... Scott City, KSCamp Thunderbird ................. Lake Wylie, SCCamp Wesley Woods .............. Townsend, TN

April 25-26Levittown Education Center ..... Levittown, NY

May 1-3Camp Casey ......................... Coupeville, WACamp Hollywoodland .............. Los Angeles, CA

May 15-17Camp Hayward ...................... Sandwich, MACamp Stella Maris .................. Livonia, NYHowell Conference Center ....... Howell, MIRecreation Unlimited .............. Ashley, OHTrinity Pines .......................... Cascade, IDHanging Rock ........................ W. Lebanon, IN

May 29-31Rock Springs Center .............. Junction City, KSSky Ranch ............................ Quapaw, OK

Take the lead. Do your part.

Get into Key Leader.

www.key-leader.org

As a Kiwanian, you know what leadership is all about. That it’s more about service than glory. That it starts with young people. And that people who help others—and build others’ leadership skills—are the most valuable leaders of all.

Key Leader weekends—for teens ages 14 to 18—give emerging leaders their first taste of service leadership—and Kiwanis values. Send a teen to Key Leader. Make a difference in a young person’s life.

Take the lead.

april 2009 -...

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