Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful, relaxed and blessed holiday.
As Kiwanians, we are always thinking about where the need is in our community and how we can address it. #KidsNeedKiwanis and our communities are stronger and safer with Kiwanis in them. The service you do every day through literacy, homelessness supports, food insecurity efforts, warmth and clothing drives and service leadership programs (just to name a few), profoundly impacts your communities and children. These services provide essential needs for the community and leadership skill training for servant leaders.
What would happen if Kiwanis was NOT in your communities? Would kids getting weekend backpacks of food have enough to eat? Would kids have enough books to read at their house? Would they be warm in the cold weather? Would they have a playground to play on and is it inclusive for all children’s physical needs? If we do not have Service Leadership Programs, how would the future leaders understand the need for community service and the joy and satisfaction of giving to others to make lives a little brighter?
I challenge and encourage each of you to renew your commitment to your Kiwanis club and thus to your communities and children. Review, complete and submit your Membership Plan to Kiwanis International and share this workbook with your Lt. Governor. This Membership Plan should be a guide on how your club will solidify their legacy in that community for years to come…taking one step at a time. When I am faced with a large and daunting task, I ask “How Do You Eat An Elephant?” The answer is: “One Bite At A Time”. You want to ensure that you have enough hands to do the service needed. Many Hands…Making A Difference.
This Membership Plan is but one tool to ensure your club remains strong. Your Lt. Governor, Trustee and District Leaders are here to support you in your efforts. There are also several Achieving Club Excellence Tools (ACE Tools) available to help your club grow and strengthen to meet all of the community needs. You can find ACE Tool information on the Kiwanis website: https://www.kiwanis.org/members/club-toolbox/achieving-club-excellence/.
Renewing your commitment to Kiwanis and its members is essential to ensuring its legacy. As a Kiwanis member, what do you get out of Kiwanis? Is it the joy of seeing a child’s smile with a new book? Is it the satisfaction of knowing that children are happy, healthy and loved from the food you are providing, the activities you are coordinating, the warmth and love you are showing? Is it the leadership and professional growth opportunities available? Is it the lifelong friendships and relationships you have made and will make? Do you know what your Kiwanis impact is?
2026 is going to be an amazing year—I can feel it. The excitement and passion of our Kiwanis clubs is incredible. Renew your commitment to be part of this journey and make your mark. We are Many Hands…Making a Difference. Let’s secure our legacy.
Governor Barb Carter
Last Updated: January 9, 2026 by pennsylvaniakiwanis
New Year…Renewed Commitment
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful, relaxed and blessed holiday.
As Kiwanians, we are always thinking about where the need is in our community and how we can address it. #KidsNeedKiwanis and our communities are stronger and safer with Kiwanis in them. The service you do every day through literacy, homelessness supports, food insecurity efforts, warmth and clothing drives and service leadership programs (just to name a few), profoundly impacts your communities and children. These services provide essential needs for the community and leadership skill training for servant leaders.
What would happen if Kiwanis was NOT in your communities? Would kids getting weekend backpacks of food have enough to eat? Would kids have enough books to read at their house? Would they be warm in the cold weather? Would they have a playground to play on and is it inclusive for all children’s physical needs? If we do not have Service Leadership Programs, how would the future leaders understand the need for community service and the joy and satisfaction of giving to others to make lives a little brighter?
I challenge and encourage each of you to renew your commitment to your Kiwanis club and thus to your communities and children. Review, complete and submit your Membership Plan to Kiwanis International and share this workbook with your Lt. Governor. This Membership Plan should be a guide on how your club will solidify their legacy in that community for years to come…taking one step at a time. When I am faced with a large and daunting task, I ask “How Do You Eat An Elephant?” The answer is: “One Bite At A Time”. You want to ensure that you have enough hands to do the service needed. Many Hands…Making A Difference.
This Membership Plan is but one tool to ensure your club remains strong. Your Lt. Governor, Trustee and District Leaders are here to support you in your efforts. There are also several Achieving Club Excellence Tools (ACE Tools) available to help your club grow and strengthen to meet all of the community needs. You can find ACE Tool information on the Kiwanis website: https://www.kiwanis.org/members/club-toolbox/achieving-club-excellence/.
Renewing your commitment to Kiwanis and its members is essential to ensuring its legacy. As a Kiwanis member, what do you get out of Kiwanis? Is it the joy of seeing a child’s smile with a new book? Is it the satisfaction of knowing that children are happy, healthy and loved from the food you are providing, the activities you are coordinating, the warmth and love you are showing? Is it the leadership and professional growth opportunities available? Is it the lifelong friendships and relationships you have made and will make? Do you know what your Kiwanis impact is?
2026 is going to be an amazing year—I can feel it. The excitement and passion of our Kiwanis clubs is incredible. Renew your commitment to be part of this journey and make your mark. We are Many Hands…Making a Difference. Let’s secure our legacy.
Governor Barb Carter
Category: Governor Blog
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