October Newsletter

Family of Kin

Margaret Mead, a noted America anthropologist once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

If that does not describe District 3 and Kin Canada as a whole, I’ve no idea what does.  The only issue I have with that statement is the ‘small’ part – I’d love to see Kin become the BIG group that we can be.  In District 3, we are working very hard to grow to a large group.  It can happen.  It will happen.  All we need to do, to steal a quote from the Stettler Kinsmen and Kinettes is “Share the love!”  (Thanks, Patrick!)  Do you readily identify yourself as Kin?  Do you invite non-Kin to meetings and events, to show them what we’re about and invite them to participate?  Are your meetings welcoming and positive?  Simply put, that is all we need to do as Kin to facilitate the growth and vibrancy our organization deserves. 

The benefits of growth are obvious.  There is strength in numbers.  Many of the smaller clubs are unable to do bigger projects due to low membership.  People get tired and burnt out.  On a national level, more members equals lower dues and that is something we would all be in support of.  So next time you’re out and about in your community, say hello to an acquaintance and invite them along to the next meeting or event.  That’s what Hal Rogers did in 1920 and look how THAT worked out.

In other news, the Regina Queen City Kinettes awarded a life membership to Heather McGinnis on October 3^rd.  What a FANTASTIC event that was!  Life memberships are awarded to Kin that go above and beyond, and Heather most assuredly fits that criteria.  There is not much she hasn’t been involved in on the club, district and national levels and this acknowledgement was richly deserved. 

So huge thank yous to the QCK for throwing an excellent party, to Kozzy for stepping up and doing the installations at to everyone who showed up to join in the celebration. 

Club rosters were due September 30^th.  Every club hit the deadline, right?  Right?  If your club did not get their information in, please do so as quickly as possible.  Accurate roster information lets us know where we’re at with membership and allows us to communicate effectively.  Others deadlines are looming: dues and insurance forms are due in November.  District dues billing will be mailed out to clubs within the next month.

Our treasurer, Derek Verhelst is responsible for doing that and will get it done in between his real job and his new job as a dad.  Congratulations Derek and Megan and welcome Tate! 

Our next major district event is Fall Leadership Conference.  This is hosted by the Swift Current Kinettes on October 23 and 24^th.  If you haven’t registered yet, please consider doing so.  This event is going to feature Doug Anthony as keynote speaker, and include breakout sessions on team building, recruitment, fundraising and  Toastmasters on public speaking.  And of course, the Medieval feast is going to be a blast!  Check out Saskin.ca for registration information.

I opened with a quote, so I’ll close with one too.  Anne Frank said, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”  What are you waiting for?

Thank you for being Kin.

Yours in Kin

Corie Ruzicka-Olson

D3 Governor, 2009-2010