September 23, 2024 – Membership Update

Reflections on Membership
By Matt Wise, PA District Membership Coordinator

The time is finally here – my last blog post. It is bittersweet to be honest with you. I’ve worked with membership programs such as “The Six Pack” and “The Formula”, helped to organize the “Philadelphia Blitz” had the opportunity to serve on the Kiwanis International Membership Committee for New Club Opening. All really great opportunities, but nothing matches the countless visits to the clubs across the Pennsylvania District. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is so fortunate to have so many dedicated public servants doing work in the name of Kiwanis. That’s the part I’m going to miss the most. A close second, however, is the incredible teams that I’ve been blessed to have been part of. There is something special about working alongside so many like-minded individuals all while achieving a common goal. Thank you all for listening to my endless presentations about Tools and Resources” and putting up with emails and reminders.

Enough about me.

I know that the new District Membership Coordinator, Past Governor Mike Coolbaugh, will be continuing these blogs. He and his team have already begun working with Governor-designate Tom so they can come out of the gate running fast.

Life is full of ups and downs. Our Kiwanis Clubs are not exempt from this. We all have seen wins and losses, especially with membership. The important part is – we keep going. We keep serving our communities. And, we keep asking people to join. Why is that? Each and every one of us has a different answer to that question. . . but it is something we should NEVER forget. My challenge to you is to never forget why you are in Kiwanis. Whether it be the friendships, the service, the smiles on kids faces, or something else. When you remind yourself of your passion, and pair it with the impact we have, we get something special and unique that no one else can take from us.

I wish you all only the very best and it is my hope that our membership will continue to get stronger with every passing event and that our communities will always know the work of Kiwanis.

In service,

Matthew Wise

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