December 2007

KEEPING IT SIMPLE AND EASY FOR MEMBERS

About the 25th of each month, I gather all my bills, sit down with my coffee, and get the checkbook. It is a habit or routine I have developed over the years. In terms of our New Kiwanis, I would be considered very “classic” when it comes to hand-paying bills. I am not very comfortable with paying things on-line.

For those club secretaries who have classic Kiwanians in your club, let me suggest a way to collect dues and support Kiwanis foundations at one sitting. Most club Secretaries send out a billing notice one month before they are due. I would suggest you have them arrive at the member’s home at bill paying time.

On your billing statement, add two additional items for District and International Gift Giving. If you itemize all the costs, this will be most effective. The sociology of this concept is simple:

1. People are in the check writing mood.
2. Whatever the dues are, they will not think much of adding $10 to $15.00 to an existing bill for the foundations.
3. You may also add a line for a District SLP outreach donation or a special club project.
4. And finally, just add a line for Miscellaneous. (You may be surprised what people will write-in)

You have provided “one-stop-shopping” opportunities for your members. You made it easy and convenient. So get out your computer and develop an exciting billing statement with your club logo. Some clubs have used the optional items as a requirement, but I prefer the extra donations to be optional. Suppose only half of your members respond to this option? Is it a failure?

Below is a sample statement:

Sylvester

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