Elizabeth and Eriks: Kiwanis District Convention

I really didn’t want to write this twice, so this blog is actually excerpts from the report I wrote for my Kiwanis Club.

Our first day of the convention was Friday, August 20th. The day started off with registration. We registered for the weekend ahead as well as registered to be delegates. We got our identification and information and were ready to start the weekend.

After registration, Sara and I had the opportunity to visit the Expo area. There, we were able to gather information and learn about Key Leader (leadership retreat for teens and Key Clubbers), Aktion Club (for adults with disabilities), K kids (for elementary children), Circle K (for college kids), other clubs and Governor-Elect candidates (Gary Jander and Richard Olmstead) just to name a few.

Each day, Sara and I were able to attend workshops. Friday, we attended two different workshops. The first workshop we attended was titled “HOW TO GET YOUR KIWANIS CLUB IN THE NEWS.” We didn’t find this workshop as informing as the others we attended, but I was able to pull out some helpful information.

From that workshop, we went straight to the next. The next workshop we went to was entitled “HOW TO ATTRACT VISIONARY WOMEN TO YOUR CLUB.” Sara and I both really enjoyed this workshop. Not only was the information great, but the speaker was fabulous, and we had a great group of people interested in learning.

After the workshops, Sara and I attended the first General Session. Here are some of the pictures from the Session:

Governor Roy Talley

Presentation on the Geneva Convention in Switzerland on July 7-10, 2011

We had the pleasure of having the district Aktion Club speech winner with us. The topic this year was “HOW KIWANIS HAS MADE ME A HERO.” She shared her winning speech with everyone and did a fabulous job. She will later compete at the national level.

Presentation on 2011 District Convention in San Diego

Presentation on the Eliminate Project

This is a project that I think all of us should get behind. In case you didn’t know, Eliminate is all about Kiwanis working to eliminating maternal/neonatal tetanus. Maternal/neonatal tetanus is a horrible disease that kills thousands of mothers and babies every year in underdeveloped countries. For just $1.80 (a series of 3 shots at $0.60 each), we can save a mother her baby. This is 100% preventable and together we can ELIMINATE this disease!

After the first General Session, Sara and I went to the division dinner. It was great to meet other people from clubs in our area.

Later that evening, Sara and I had the opportunity to visit three hospitality suites, two of which were for the two candidates for Governor-Elect. We used this opportunity very wisely and talked to the candidates and those close to them about the current issues facing the organization and what their goals and plans for the organization if they were elected. As we were walking back to our room, we noticed this in the dome.

It was wonderful how hospitable the casinos were to our organization. Not only was this clearly visible all weekend, but LITTERALLY ALL of the staff had ribbons that read “WELCOME KIWANIS!” It was great!

The next morning, Sara and I were able to attend the 2010 Foundation Honors Breakfast.

The breakfast and Sara and I trying to look awake at 6:45am.

After this presentation, I don’t think that there was a dry eye in the house. This is a prime example of how our organization saves lives. This is a family that was rocked with devastation when their daughter was born prematurely at 4lbs 4 oz. With the help of Kiwanis and the Reno Hospital, their little girl was saved.

After the Honors Breakfast, Sara and I attended some workshops. The first workshop that I attended was a Candidates Forum. It was a great opportunity to hear were both candidates stand on issues.

The second workshop we attended was “How to Discover Great Service Projects” aka Beyond the Pancake Breakfast. This workshop was by far my favorite. The workshop was basically a discussion on how our clubs can perform a variety of service projects besides the usual pancake breakfast. I found this to be particular motivating. I am excited to see what our club will do this year with the information.

After the workshops Sara and I attended the Inter-club luncheon. It was a very good lunch. After lunch, it was time to get down to business. It was time for the Second General Session and the House of Delegates.

The Delegate Entrance (It was just a little packed)

Sara and I ready to do some voting

Both the General Session and the House of Delegates was very intense. It was a little shocking, but both Sara and I agree it was a good experience.

Treasurer Margo Dutton giving the Treasure’s Report

Governors Remarks

Let the debate begin…

After a very intense session, Sara and I went back to the room to get ready for the Installation Dinner/Third General Session/Installation of 2010-2011 Officers and Lt. Governors.

Sara and I at Dinner