Carolinas District Kiwanis and Circle K members at 2023 International Convention in Minneapolis, MN
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time.
The Carolinas District of Kiwanis International covers both North Carolina and South Carolina with about 130 Kiwanis clubs and 4,200 adult members.
Our Vision: Kiwanis will be a positive influence in communities worldwide…so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them, and provide the support they need to thrive.
Our Mission: The Carolinas District of Kiwanis International is committed to improving the lives of children throughout North and South Carolina by ensuring that every community has the opportunity to be served by a strong, resilient, inclusive, and impactful Kiwanis club.
Our Guiding Principles:
Our role as a District is to create and support Kiwanis clubs and programs so that clubs can thrive and be a positive force for change in their communities. We do this by:
· developing and training leaders,
· providing education and motivation for members,
· developing resources for community involvement,
· establishing a network of support for crisis management, and
· establishing tools for effective management.
23-24 Governor’s Message: Racing to Service for Kids
Time flies when you are having fun! It seems like almost yesterday that I began my term as Governor and here it is over. It has been so much fun to serve you and meet so many wonderful Kiwanians across the Carolinas District. Every stop I made allowed me to learn a little bit about you and the things you do to improve your little corner of the world. You have helped me so much in attacking my goals. Which were to:
Build 4 new clubs. We only got one done but I really believe we have built a plan and set up a process to get more accomplished next year. The one we got chartered at Carolina Forest has really been making an impact on their community. They have grown from 18 to 26 in less than a year. Their sponsoring club, North Myrtle Beach Little River also showed remarkable growth. They had incredible growth from 30 to 45. I would encourage all clubs to think about sponsoring a new club because the fact is that your club will also benefit from the enthusiasm and grow yourself.
Add enough members to break the 22 year downward spiral. At this writing (Friday, Sept 27) we are at +4 for the year. History shows that the next 3 days will be brutal. Maybe some of you out there are holding lots of new adds for September.
Add 15 SLP’s. Last week we added our 17th new SLP. Thanks to all clubs that did this. If you are still working on a new one get it in soon because Governor Designate John would love to see them.
Increase service hours by 5%. As we monitor the monthly reports it looks like we are on target to do that. Remember to report everything that the club does.
Have 70% clubs reporting Membership Committee Chairs. At last count we are just over 60%. Two years ago we were only at 30%. That is a huge increase but it still needs to be 100%.
Have all members donating $5 each to the District Foundation and Kiwanis Childrens Fund. We did not hit that goal but raised the awareness of the need to give and the total donations increased.
Thanks to the Lt Governors who have served so well visiting the clubs in their Divisions and been the encourager they are. Your work and dedication is so much appreciated. Thanks to the District Trustees who have attended our monthly board meetings and carried on the business of the District. We have always stayed on track with the budget. This year was no exception thanks to Joe Crostic -our District Treasurer. Covid set us back a bit in membership development and I really do believe that we are starting to come out of the fog. I am forever grateful for Art Keinath in heading up the District Membership Committee and doing webinars and forums to get the word out and show the district that there is a process in place to help each of us. It has taken time to get the wheels rolling and because of his direction we will move forward next year.
As I said at District Convention Leah Moretz is the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain that keeps us trained and going and does so much behind the scenes. Thanks, Leah.
I also want to thank Jennifer Hethcox (Education Committee Chair) for an outstanding job in planning Mid Year and District Convention forums/speakers/logistics. Thanks, Jennifer.
Facilities planning and Club Excellence Training would not happen without the help of Greg and Peg McDonald. Thanks, Greg & Peg.
I look forward to Governor John Chiesa’s leadership in keeping us moving in the right direction. Encourage your club members to attend Mid Year and District Convention. There is so much to learn and fellowship with Kiwanians all over this great district to enjoy.
And finally, always keep doing what you can, when you can and keep trying to improve your little corner of the world. I hope I have made you proud to be your Governor. Donnie Ellis 2023-2024 Carolinas District of Kiwanis Governor
Join Us
Are you ready to help create communities that let all children thrive, prosper and grow? It’s pretty easy to do! Simply contact us with your questions or to apply for Kiwanis club membership.
The kids in your community and the world are counting on you!
About the Carolinas District
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time.
The Carolinas District of Kiwanis International covers both North Carolina and South Carolina with about 130 Kiwanis clubs and 4,200 adult members.
Our Vision: Kiwanis will be a positive influence in communities worldwide…so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them, and provide the support they need to thrive.
Our Mission: The Carolinas District of Kiwanis International is committed to improving the lives of children throughout North and South Carolina by ensuring that every community has the opportunity to be served by a strong, resilient, inclusive, and impactful Kiwanis club.
Our Guiding Principles:
Our role as a District is to create and support Kiwanis clubs and programs so that clubs can thrive and be a positive force for change in their communities. We do this by:
· developing and training leaders,
· providing education and motivation for members,
· developing resources for community involvement,
· establishing a network of support for crisis management, and
· establishing tools for effective management.
23-24 Governor’s Message: Racing to Service for Kids
Time flies when you are having fun! It seems like almost yesterday that I began my term as Governor and here it is over. It has been so much fun to serve you and meet so many wonderful Kiwanians across the Carolinas District. Every stop I made allowed me to learn a little bit about you and the things you do to improve your little corner of the world.
You have helped me so much in attacking my goals. Which were to:
Thanks to the Lt Governors who have served so well visiting the clubs in their Divisions and been the encourager they are. Your work and dedication is so much appreciated. Thanks to the District Trustees who have attended our monthly board meetings and carried on the business of the District. We have always stayed on track with the budget. This year was no exception thanks to Joe Crostic -our District Treasurer. Covid set us back a bit in membership development and I really do believe that we are starting to come out of the fog. I am forever grateful for Art Keinath in heading up the District Membership Committee and doing webinars and forums to get the word out and show the district that there is a process in place to help each of us. It has taken time to get the wheels rolling and because of his direction we will move forward next year.
As I said at District Convention Leah Moretz is the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain that keeps us trained and going and does so much behind the scenes. Thanks, Leah.
I also want to thank Jennifer Hethcox (Education Committee Chair) for an outstanding job in planning Mid Year and District Convention forums/speakers/logistics. Thanks, Jennifer.
Facilities planning and Club Excellence Training would not happen without the help of Greg and Peg McDonald. Thanks, Greg & Peg.
I look forward to Governor John Chiesa’s leadership in keeping us moving in the right direction.
Encourage your club members to attend Mid Year and District Convention. There is so much to learn and fellowship with Kiwanians all over this great district to enjoy.
And finally, always keep doing what you can, when you can and keep trying to improve your little corner of the world. I hope I have made you proud to be your Governor.
Donnie Ellis
2023-2024 Carolinas District of Kiwanis Governor
Join Us
Are you ready to help create communities that let all children thrive, prosper and grow? It’s pretty easy to do! Simply contact us with your questions or to apply for Kiwanis club membership.
The kids in your community and the world are counting on you!