President's message

Raise the bar: Embrace change

In 1987, Kiwanis International didn’t just welcome women into membership: We also welcomed change. We welcomed new voices and new possibilities. And most important, we welcomed the challenge to “raise the bar.”

NELSON TUCKER 2006-07 Kiwanis International President

To raise the bar on Kiwanis’ potential.

To raise the bar on our commitment to Kiwanis’ evolution.

To raise the bar on our expectations of what it means to reach for greatness, to do our best, and to be the best.

We opened our minds. And by voting an overwhelming “yes” to the change that would allow women to join Kiwanis, we opened the door to tap a new membership demographic ripe with the ideas, energy, and perspective we needed to take Kiwanis to the next level—members like those you’ll meet later in this issue of KIWANIS magazine.

And so, a salute to all the women who have “worn the K”—either on a pin or in their servant heart: the women who stood in steadfast support of their Kiwanis husbands, fathers, and uncles; the innovators who “unofficially” served as Kiwanians prior to 1987; the pioneers who were first to join, first to hold club offices, and first to rise through the organization’s leadership ranks; and the many, many women whose strong hands and boundless compassion have touched countless lives around the world.

And a salute to the men who served with forethought during that monumental1987 House of Delegates, and the men who, with open arms, received women into their clubs; for in that embrace, they strengthened Kiwanis, the service it renders around the world, and its future.

But friends, that was 20 years ago.

That’s why, as I write my final “President’s Message” to you, I want to leave you with a challenge. You see, it’s time—perhaps long overdue—to again welcome change and open our minds to new ideas, new voices, and new energy. It’s time, my friends, to again raise the bar. As we prepare for a future with 1 million members, I challenge you, as I challenge myself and every Kiwanian:

To raise the bar on Kiwanis’ potential.

To raise the bar on your commitment to Kiwanis’ evolution. Or more boldly, Kiwanis’ revolution.

To raise the bar on your expectations of what it means to reach for greatness, to do your best, and to be the best.

To open your mind, welcome new perspectives, and embrace the possibilities.

And in doing so, to open the door to Kiwanis’ limitless future.