Growth Powers Service
My wife recently bought me a global positioning system (GPS) for my vehicle. I never knew how much I depended on her for directions and reading maps. I think she understood I needed help without her navigation and direction. Clubs trying to grow may be well served by using the GPS concept.
This concept was not mine. I was giving a program at the Kiwanis Club of Steilacoom, Washington recently on Diversity and Growth. On the weekly program was this term, “GPS-Growth Powers Service.” I could not think of a better term to use for our reason to grow. Growth does power our service. Like any good Kiwanian, I am a thief. I give credit where I get an idea from, but sharing is a Kiwanis Way of Life. I am now using the GPS term on my e-mail signature page.
I would like to share one of my most recent experiences. On a flight from Indianapolis to Seattle at 35,000 feet, I had a conversation with a young gentleman next to me about Kiwanis. I advocate the “three-foot rule.” If you are within three feet of me, you are very likely to hear something about my passion--Kiwanis. This really works well on airplanes when you have a captive audience.
I found the young man knew a lot about Kiwanis. His father was a former Kiwanian and he seemed very proud of that. I simply gave him my Kiwanis story. I shared what Kiwanis meant to me and why I am so passionate about serving others, especially children. I gave him my card and invited him to check out our KI web page. I asked him to give me a call if he was interested, and I would help find him a club near his home.
About a week later, he sent me an email and invited me to meet him for lunch so he could learn about clubs in his area. He works in Bellevue, Washington, about 30 miles from me. I took along a former Lt. Governor from that Division who knew the clubs well in this area. Two days later, we attended a club in Issaquah, Washington where his wife teaches school. I just read the club’s weekly newsletter and found he returned and picked up an application on his second visit. I told the club president that I would come and induct him when he joins.
Many of you have memorized the defining statement, know Kiwanis in and out, and have seen the power point presentation on the elevator speech, but still find it difficult to address strangers. Let me give you two of my favorite openings.
- 1. What service organization do you belong to? (This presumes that everyone is service-minded.)
- 2. Have you ever heard about Kiwanis?
This young man wanted to get involved and make a difference in his community. He would never have done this unless someone had asked.
On your next flight, try this out. Most people will respond, even if it is to shut you up and let them go to sleep. You will never know unless you ask.
Sylvester Neal
Kiwanis International Vice President