K University pilot a hit

The verdict is in: According to their evaluation forms, those who attended K University’s pilot program loved it. They thought it was a valuable use of their time. They thought it was informative, inspiring, and provided an “inside track” into the future of Kiwanis. They hope to see more K University opportunities—and they will.

Making its debut this past spring to 137 participants, K University is a one-day “traveling road show” of workshops and forums focused on team building, motivation, communication, and managing change. Kiwanis leaders and professional staff guide sessions and discussions on a variety of issues, including Kiwanis’ future, adjusting to change, membership recruitment, service, and more.

Those who attended the pilot K University, for example, experienced general sessions: “Visualize or Fossilize” (managing change), “The Power of a Dream” (motivational charge), and “Envisioning Kiwanis’ Future and the Plan for North America.”

In addition, each attendee chose one of these morning breakout sessions:

•  “Turn on the sunshine: Create a brighter tomorrow for the children by spreading the word today”—covering Kiwanis’ graphic standards, public service announcements, the Kiwanis defining statement, and other marketing/public relations issues.

•  “Together we CAN”—motivating and inspiring a team to success.

•  “Botox your club: Smooth out your club meeting lines and enhance your image”—recruiting and retaining members.

And one of these afternoon breakout sessions:

•  “Changing the world one child and one community at a time”—“service in a box,” energizing clubs through easy-to-implement service projects.

•  “Speaking, listening, and the power of face-to-face dialogue”—improving e-mail, speeches, meetings, and other communication skills.

•  “What’s a TAG Team?”—outlining the new membership-growth initiative.

Tentative future K Universities are slated for Peoria, Illinois, in October and Denver, Colorado, in November. Watch for updates on dates and locations and registration opportunities in upcoming issues of the KIWANIS Connected and the Kiwanis Leader. Or, contact the Education Department at Kiwanis International by calling 800-549-2647 ext. 139 or click here to e-mail.

What did they say?

Here are a few comments Kiwanians made after attending the pilot K University program:

“The presenters were very good, and the topics, excellent. I enjoyed spending the day with enthusiastic service-minded people who have similar goals. Sharing ideas and learning about all of the wonderful changes Kiwanis has begun implementing makes me look forward to (bringing the ideas back to my club).”— Kelly Shaffer

“It was so refreshing to listen to my fellow Kiwanians’ ideas and points of view at forums instead of being ‘lectured at’ as a group.”— Anne Cornelius

“(I’m) fired up about Kiwanis’ future!”— Bernard Wayne Knott

“First class all the way.”— Glorea Adams

“This day excited me, motivated me, and informed me. K University has been the very best activity/opportunity Kiwanis has offered me ever !”— Elaine M. Myers

“It was very motivational and educational. Good to hear about the Strategic Plan and general leadership topics.”— Matthew Bennett

“Good tools to jump-start clubs.”— Dave Gynn

“Wonderful day to get us, as Kiwanians, motivated, inspired, and recharged about what we do—serve!”— Shawn M. Sech