Convention converts guest to member

Ellen Beasley wasn’t a Kiwanian when she attended the 2006 International Convention in Montréal, Québec. But that certainly doesn’t mean she was a newbie to Kiwanis.

Ellen Beasley joined the Kiwanis Club of Florence in Alabama after attending the International Convention in Montreal. She plays piano during her club’s meetings. Register now to experience the 92nd Annual International Convention

In fact, Ellen had been attending Florence, Alabama, Kiwanis club meetings and projects for many years with her husband, David. Locally, she helped with pancake day functions, and after the club pianist resigned, she took over the job. Once she began attending more meetings, she saw the club’s true impact on the community.

But it was a trip to the International convention that really inspired her.

“The motivational workshops, meeting new Kiwanis friends, and the thoughtful words from the Alabama District governor’s wife, who asked me, ‘If you are going to weekly meetings, participating in the meetings, and working at pancake day, why don’t you become a member?’ caused me to seriously consider becoming part of the Kiwanis family,” Ellen says. “At the time, I couldn’t think of a good reason not to join.”

Ellen collected a wealth of knowledge and ideas during convention.

“The Bringing Up Grades (BUG) workshop probably was the deciding factor for my decision to join Kiwanis—besides the fact that David and I can work together on projects meaningful to both of us,” she says. “After attending the BUG workshop, I felt the idea of having a program to encourage students to improve grades and keep grades up would be a positive addition to youth projects in our community.”

Ellen’s enthusiasm for service already has her looking ahead to the 2007 International Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

“David and I will be attending the convention in San Antonio this year,” she says, “and look forward to the motivation and inspiration for community service that we will find there.”