eBuilder - The Online Newsletter of the Capital District of Kiwanis International

October 2009

David Maloney, Editor

October '09 eBuilder Front Page

Kiwanis Club of Potomac Holds Skins-Lions Tailgate Party

by Bob Cressy, Past Governor, Capital District Kiwanis

Is there a secret to building a closeness, a spirit, and a desire to meet together again soon as friends in a Kiwanis club? There is! Most Kiwanians work hard together at the varied, worthwhile community service projects they have committed to perform. It is important, of course, and service projects build camaraderie among members. That in turn builds personal involvement and team commitment for the next time a team effort is needed. But there are many additional things club members can do to build spirit. How about just having a FUN gathering?

The President of the Potomac Club, Dave Drake, and his club came up with an idea of having a football tailgate party for and with members, interclubs and friends. Originally it was to be at a park but a technical snafu of no digital TV hookup in the woods nixed that place at the last moment. So the party was moved to Dave's and Suzie's home for the Washington Redskins vs. Detroit Lions away game on September 27th. A 62 inch large screen TV was rented and picnic foods - hamburgs, hotdogs, and all the trimmings were provided for a small per person contribution. Many dressed in team colors, mostly Redskins but some other teams, too (like the Giants & Patriots). The game was a disappointment for most with Detroit winning 19 to 14, the Lions first winning game since December 27, 2007.

So, what is that other 'secret'? It's simply planning social events that are just FUN which brings members together in a relaxed format. It breeds friendships that help bring value to your membership, a desire to want to get together again and to look forward to 'seeing your friends again'. It can increase attendance at your regular meetings and promotes more participation by volunteers to sign up and work together when the next service project is due. Members that find 'value' in both service projects and personal friendships tend to do more Kiwanis work together and tend to be life long members. They seek out Kiwanis relationships.

So, plan picnics, participation in community parades and fairs (yes, there are quite a few around), and other projects with a social component. Invite your SLP clubs to join you ... or help them on one of their projects. Kiwanians build life long friends in and outside Kiwanis by making an effort to plan some FUN events, do things together and by getting to know each other better. I know it has worked for me! Try it, you'll like it! And the Kiwanis Club of Potomac has gained nine new members in 2009 just that way!

A 62" large screen TV was able to show that ... the Redskins did not score on this play within two yards of the goal line. There were several other short yard, fourth down opportunities that were missed. Still it was fun and there were no food fights.

Joyce, Murmie and Rita along with Bernie Gardiner (not shown here) comprised a Wheaton-Silver Spring Kiwanis interclub joined in the party. They told of some events they have coming up. And when one club supports another, it catches on and reciprocal support happens. See how it works?

Pat Tiede, Secretary of Bethesda Club, Division 17 LG Designate Marv Jackson, Montgomery Village Club, and Nancy Cressy, Secretary of the Potomac Kiwanis Club are enjoying the picnic.