For the Division 9 Officer Training Conference, I was assigned to train the incoming Treasurers. Frankly, I think that the "Treasurer Job Description" provided by Key Club International is kind of...dumb. Over half of the description instructs Treasurers on filing taxes and banking information, which is ridiculous, since Key Clubbers are not allowed to touch any money earned, due to being underage. So I completely threw out what the "official" Key Club job description and focused on what I think is the most important part of the Treasurer's job: fundraising.
When organizing and implementing fundraisers, it is imperative to be creative. If your club organizes a unique and interesting fundraiser, it is more likely to make an impact on them. A really catchy display or a unique interactive event may convince them of the nobleness of your cause, and they may end up giving more than they would have otherwise
It is also important to remember that NO idea is stupid. People these days will spend their money on anything to support a charity, especially if it is for a charity run by kids, like Key Club. This is especially true for adults with small children. When a child wants something, it is almost impossible to tell him/her no. If your fundraiser is geared towards young children, you have the potential to make a lot of money. Some friends and I from another Key Club made over 400 dollars in a single weekend making balloon animals and doing face painting for kids at the mall. No idea is stupid
Most importantly, the fundraiser should be fun. If you and your club members are not having fun at your fundraiser, then neither is any one else. Not many people will donate money for a boring and unexciting fundraiser. By making it fun, not only are you and your members enjoying yourselves, you're providing a service to the community by sharing your enthusiasm and brightening their day.
For me, one of the best parts about Key Club is that you get to make great friends who all share a passion and love of service. One of my newest, and closest, Key Club friends is Stephanie Feinberg, the Lt. Governor for Division 9 of the Capital District, which is most of Western Maryland. She serves on the Capital District Board with me, and we've really hit it off, especially since she may be one of the few people I know who is more obsessed with Key Club than I am.
District Editor Pat Mitchell training incoming Editors
One of the Lt. Governor duties is to organize an Officer Training Conference ("OTC"). This is a meeting to train the newly elected Key Club officers within your division. Stephanie invited representatives from the District Board to act as "guest instructors" for the different officer positions. This allowed the incoming Key Club officers a chance to not only become more familiar with the Capital District Board, but it served as a valuable learning experience. I was assigned to train the incoming Treasurers, which I will describe in greater detail in another blog post.
The OTC was very well organized and presented. Stephanie has a unique talent for creating engaging and colorful representations that spruces up her meetings. One particularly memorable aspect of the OTC was the presentation of the Division 9 Project. For their Division 9 Project, they decided to choose a single foundation, in this case, created by one of the Key Clubbers in Division 9, Josie's Smiles for Pediatrics.
Josie, a fellow HOBY MD Alumnus, was driven to start her foundation when her 13 year old cousin, who spent much time in the hospital due to an inherent illness, had nothing to do during hospital stays. She collects books, toys, and other items for children to play with in the hospital. Josie has been raised over 23,000 dollars worth of items for Carrol County's Hospital Center, and has touched the lives of dozens of children. Well, if this doesn't light your fire, then your wood is wet. I was very inspired by Josie's personal testimony and astounding success, and I plan to organize some kind of donation drive for her foundation in the future.
Following this moving testimonial was an emotional presentation from a representative from the Children's Miracle Networks, one of Key Club's three partner organizations. Children's Miracle Network raises money for 170 children's hospitals across North America, including the John Hopkins Children's Center. Since its founding in 1983, the organization has raised over 4 billion dollars, which goes on to fund research, purchase equipment, and help pay for care for disadvantaged patients. The presentation was very uplifting and moving, and I definitely would like to become more involved with the Children's Miracle Network in the future.
Division 9 LTG presenting
I am so glad that I decided to participate in the Division 9 OTC. Meeting Key Clubbers from another division reminded me of why I love Key Club, and meeting a fellow HOBY Alumnus and Key Club District Board members from West Virginia was definitely the highlight of the day. I learned a lot about how to organize and present my own meetings, and I was inspired to serve by the moving presentations and testimonies. There is always something one can learn from others, and I definitely learned a lot today. Thank you Stephanie for allowing me to be a part of your superbly run meeting. I can not wait for the opportunity for our divisions to work together!
