I am very proud to be a Kiwanian and I feel very honored to be your 2012-2013 Governor for the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan District. I would hope that every one of you is also proud to be a member of the finest WORLD Wide Service Organization.  Membership has been declining in our adult Kiwanis Organization, but our Service Leadership Programs (K-Kids, Builders clubs, Key clubs, Aktion clubs, Circle K Clubs, and Key Leader) are growing by leaps and bounds and this includes the Wisconsin/Upper Michigan District.   This trend has to stop for if it doesn’t Kiwanis as we know it will cease to exist.  My year as your Governor I would hope to change this trend and move positively forward.

My theme for the year is working together as a team.  That is members working together as a team in their clubs, clubs working together as a team with clubs in their divisions and the District working together as a team for the benefit of the District and Internationally.  The old saying goes that there is no I in team.  The Governor cannot do it alone; The Board cannot do it alone but the entire District can and will accomplish a positive result.  Our Service Leadership Programs are growing because of their energy and enthusiasm and at this time we are an aging organization which has to change.  Changes are being proposed and we have to appeal to our membership to recruit younger men and women to become a part of this fine Kiwanis organization that provides service within their communities, Their Divisions, their District and the Kiwanis organization World Wide.  I have a membership and growth chairperson, Fred Dietze, who has a passion and commitment to make sure that this District will grow. 

My Governor’s project committee and I will make the general Public know that Kiwanis is here and what it can do for their communities for the entire Wisconsin/Upper Michigan District. People will want to become a part of Kiwanis. This is probably the largest Governor’s project ever taken on in this District.  This is a project that we can offer a child with Autism Hope, Opportunity, Love and a Brighter Future with what we hope to provide for them which is in the form of assistive technology to help them communicate.  Why are we doing this?   Because we can.  These children need you and I and this great Kiwanis organization.  Don’t ever give up!!  “Kiwanis International is a Global Organization of members of every age who are dedicated to changing the World, ONE CHILD and one community at a time.”  I feel that this can and will have an impact on every community in the Wisconsin/Upper Michigan District.

We cannot change what or how we are going to accomplish the goals for this district as individuals but we can and will as a team so that we can move forward positively.  We may hear excuses but I have a favorite quote about excuses: Excuses are the nails that build a house of failure.  That---is not going to happen in this district.

I ask you now.  Are you committed to work together as TEAM for the 2012-2013 year?

ARE YOU PROUD TO BE A KIWANIAN?

Then let’s get to work and make this a banner year we can be proud off!!!

Thank you for letting me be your Governor this coming year.