Back to Basics!
For 95 years, Kiwanis has grown into a world force advocating for the needs of children. We understand the future they will soon hold in their hands. We understand that those first five years are critical in the development of children and will pay dividends when we invest our time and resources. And we understand that developing youth for service and leadership will have an impact on future generations and will change many lives. So why aren't we flourishing as an organization today?
I would suggest that the place to revisit starts with our core values and purpose for our existence. When we answer why we exist, what is our mission, and what is our vision, it is nothing new. It involves no gimmicks. It simply involves getting back to basics and building a solid foundation for success in every club.
It starts with our defining statement:
- Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.
It must include our mission:
- To serve the children of the world.
It must include our core purpose:
- To improve lives through fellowship in service worldwide.
Most importantly, it must include our values as printed in much of our literature.
- • Committed to the objects of Kiwanis
- • Embrace diversity
- • Committed to clubs as the primary outlet for service and fellowship
- • Dedicated to serving children, families, and communities worldwide
- • Open to exchange of ideas
- • Responsive to member needs
- • Committed to developing youth and adult leaders
That is it. That is all. We will stay on message and focus if we get back to these basics. I often wonder how we can get people to commit to this organization when they do not understand our core values. We will grow when we touch hearts with our compelling mission and the values that are dear to us. When we celebrate our great accomplishments and look at the impact of expanding our service and growth potentials, we set this organization on fire.
I believe this organization, so rich in tradition and accomplishments, has the talent to accomplish greater things. The question for each member, "Do you have the commitment and will to move your club and this organization from good to great?" I think you do.
Sylvester Neal
Kiwanis International Vice President