MAGAZINE
INSIDE THIS ISSUE CIRC UPDATE | 4 JR CIVITAN SPOTLIGHT | 6 CAMPUS AWARDS | 11 CLUB NEWS | 10 WORLD CIVITAN AWARD | 8-9
WWW.CIVITAN.ORG THE OFFICIAL
ONLINE PUBLICATION OF CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL
MAY 2019 1 MAY 2019
FROM THE PRESIDENT BOB JONES INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT Greetings Civitans, It is hard to believe that winter is now behind us. During the month of April, we celebrated Civitan Awareness month. There were so many clubs showcasing what they do for their communities. On April 2, 2019, we observed Autism Awareness Day. So many Civitans were showing their support by wearing blue. For those who did, thank you. The month of April was a great time to have a recruitment meeting and if your club did not scheduled one, I would encourage you to do it during the upcoming month. Continue to “Make Your Bed” and sponsor that one member this year. Invite others to join you to attend a meeting or a project. We are looking forward to an exciting convention in Greenville, SC in July. If you have not registered, it is not too late. Greenville is an exciting town and one of the top destinations to visit. I know you will enjoy the atmosphere of the quaint southern town and the hospitality. Main Street is right outside the hotel where you will be able to enjoy music, shopping and dining. I have been talking and working with the staff to plan a fun convention for you. Here you can renew old friendships and make new lifelong friends. There are workshops to help you better understand our organization and to improve your knowledge to help you make your club stronger. There will also be fireworks to help us celebrate the Fourth of July! You will not want to miss this. Judy and I look forward to meeting each of you there. Thank you for all you are doing for Civitan and continue to work to make us the best service organization in the world. Sincerely,
Bob Jones Civitan International President 2018-2019
April was Civitan Awareness Month and to celebrate we delivered cookies to some of our researchers at the Civitan International Research Center!
CIVITAN MAGAZINE VOL. 99, No. 3 ISSN 0914-5785 EDITOR IN CHIEF Amy Natsumi Roberts CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenny Ely Emily Kicker Mary Luck Megan Mindel Amy Roberts Louis Stephens Scarlet Thompson 2018-19 INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS President: Bob Jones, Concord, NC President Elect: Patsy Perkal, Aurora, CO Immediate Past President: Kendyl Massey, Maryville, TN International Directors: Julia Floyd, Cullman, AL; Dianne Hansard, Cumming, GA; Tony Workman, Greensboro, NC; Carol Wolters, Columbus, OH; Bill Lawrence, Almonte, Ontario, CA; Marta Ford, Eaton Rapids, MI; Fred Matthies, Franktown, CO; Ann McCarty, Pocatello, ID; Mogens Brun, Ålbæk, Denmark Junior Civitan International President: Danni Jo Grider Huntsville, AL; Executive Vice President: Scarlet Thompson, Birmingham, AL Civitan Magazine, like the organization it represents, is dedicated to service. The magazine will, at all times, emphasize the high ideals and purposes of the organization, disseminate ideas for greater service, and carry authorized announcements and notices regarding the activities of the organization. The magazine is an official Civitan International publication. Civitan International does not endorse or imply endorsement of any product and/or company by selling advertising space in this publication. Editorial opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Civitan International, its officers, or staff.
Telephone: (205) 591-8910 FAX: (205) 592-6307 Email: civitan@civitan.org Website: www.civitan.org MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Civitan worldwide is to build good citizenship by providing a volunteer organization of clubs dedicated to serving individual and community needs with an emphasis on helping people with developmental disabilities.
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NEWS FROM WORLD HEADQUARTERS From the Desk of Scarlet Thompson | Executive Vice President
The following bylaws amendment will be proposed to all voting delegates during the Civitan International convention in Greenville, SC. Proposed change: Blue is an addition, R ed is a deletion Civitan International Bylaws, Article VIII, Section 8.01 Section 8.01 Dues and Fees for U.S./Canadian Member Clubs: (a) New Club Membership Remittance: Each new member club, before receiving its charter, shall pay to Civitan International, a membership initiation fee of $15.00 per member. An additional initiatory membership fee per member may be charged provided that districts shall establish a maximum initiatory membership fee which maximum shall apply to all clubs within a district establishing such maximum fee and provided further that such district shall provide a uniform distribution of any additional initiatory fee as between the district, the chartering club, the new club, or otherwise. (b) Monthly Club Remittance: Each member club shall pay, as a per capita tax, a minimum charter billing of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00 – US) per quarter or an amount equal to the sum of eighteen dollars ($18.00 - US) per quarter for each active member, whichever is the greater. Additionally, each member club shall pay the sum of $15.00 as an initiatory membership fee for each new member added and a processing fee of $5.00 for each member added who is a reinstated member of the club. A Junior Civitan or Campus Civitan transferring membership into Civitan International shall pay no fee. Failure to make payment as above specified within fifteen (15) days after such payment is due shall render the club so failing, delinquent and subject, with its members, to any penalties prescribed by policy by the international board of directors. No club shall be required to pay per capita tax for past international presidents on the rolls of such club. The per capita tax of any member club chartered after the beginning of the fiscal year shall be charged in accordance with official Civitan policies. (c) Club Remittance to District: Each member club shall pay to the district with which it is affiliated the district dues for each active member with the amount and manner of payment to be fixed by the district convention; provided however, that such dues shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the international dues amount per year per member unless previously approved by the Board of Directors of Civitan International. Campus member clubs shall pay district dues at no more than fifty (50) percent of the amount fixed by the district convention unless previously approved by the Board of Directors of Civitan International. Said dues shall be based upon the membership of the respective clubs as shown in the quarterly reports from Civitan International as of the dates the dues become payable. Section 8.02: Dues and Fees for Non-U.S. /Canadian Member Clubs: The annual dues and payment schedule for clubs existing outside of the boundaries of the United States of America and Canada shall be fixed by the Board of Directors of Civitan International in accordance with policies of Civitan WWW.CIVITAN.ORG International.
The Civitan International Board of Directors made several decisions since the last edition of the magazine that affects the Junior Civitan program, officer training and the way our clubs serve youth and vulnerable communities. First, the Civitan International Board voted to revamp Sno-Do, a more than 40-year-old fundraising experience in Canada that involved the governors in the Junior Civitan program. The two biggest reasons behind this change involved risk management concerns as well as holding a fundraising event where the expense ratio was more in line with typical non-profit practices. The event will be rebranded and moved. It will transition into a fundraising event incorporating an exclusive experience with the Civitan International Research Center, more leadership training, service opportunities and diversity and inclusion awareness. More details will debut at the Junior Civitan International Convention next month. On this note, I do want to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers of the Canadian West District – especially Past International President Bill Hiscott – for their volunteer support of Sno-Do. Bill, I’ve had the tremendous honor over the last two years of getting to know your heart for service through the planning of this event. The organization and I are better for it. Thank you, sir, for all you have done. Second, if you are a club officer you should be aware of a change related to training. A club’s president, president-elect, secretary and treasurer now have to be trained each year for it to be considered certified, which in turns leads to the club being in good standing. Please note this guideline is in place for officers, despite their length of service in the role. To help make sure everyone gets trained and adapts to this change, we’re offering webinars for presidents and presidents-elect – even if there’s an in-person training scheduled for your area. You can sign up through our website at www.civitan.org, by clicking on Resources, then Member Center, then Leadership. Trainings for secretaries and treasurers are on the website as well, along with certification tests you’ll need to utilize to prove you’ve gone through the items. The International Board has spent some time this year looking at our guidelines to protect the children who are a part of our programs as well as those who sometimes need additional care, like individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The group voted to expand the current background check policy to include Civitans who are serving those with I/DD. However, that does not mean everyone in your club necessarily needs a background check. More information will be coming out soon to help you gauge that. In the meantime, please email me at scarlet@civitan.org with questions. In closing, one of my favorite parts of my job is to see our members really relishing in their good works, knowing they are changing lives. I recently spent time with the Guilford College Community Civitan Club in Greensboro, North Carolina. The club saved up lots of money over the years to one day build their own club house. But after recent discussions, they decided that money would do more good if they gave it away. They chose several local agencies Guilford College Community Civitan Club members where they had served in the past as beneficiaries, with Dr. Craig Powell, Civitan International but also remembered the Civitan International Research Center Director on May 2nd. Research Center. I was witness to the smiles I saw on club members’ faces and the selflessness they displayed in handing over money once meant for themselves. It was truly a special moment. Thank you Guilford College Community for truly reflecting our creed.
MAY 2019
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CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER UPDATE
SMALL FISH TACKLE BIG DISORDERS IN CIVITAN RESEARCH LAB BY AMY ROBERTS
Visit any pet store and you’re likely to find them. Probably somewhere tucked in between your more exotic fish, like clown fish or maybe even hermit crabs, but they’re there. They’re small and unsuspecting. Most likely you’ll see them in large tanks and in large quantities. They’re zebrafish, and while they may not be the most glamorous or the most colorful fish available, they are by far the most fascinating.
Zebrafish are quickly becoming one of the most widely used animal models in research. As a matter of fact, zebrafish recently ranked as the number two most used model organism by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). You may be wondering how a creature that lives in the water, can barely grow beyond two inches in length, and is as ordinary as small fish could be the key to groundbreaking research. Well, we sat down with Dr. Matthew Alexander, Civitan scientist and President of the Research Civitan Club to discuss just that. Dr. Matthew Alexander opened his lab at the Civitan International Research Center in 2016 and his focus is on exploring the roles of epigenetic modifiers of human neuromuscular diseases. Dr. Alexander’s lab is interested in questions about why some people with the same genetic mutation that causes a muscular dystrophy, especially within the same family, have vastly different
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symptoms. Dr. Alexander is using genetic and molecular biology techniques to identify these factors in hopes that they can be used as novel targets for drug development. Dr. Alexander uses his zebrafish models of muscular dystrophies to study muscle regulation, muscle function, and conduct large-scale screenings for possible drug therapies. “I can screen about 1,000 compounds in a month with zebrafish versus mice, which the time and cost to do something like that [in mice] would take over years to do the same,” explains Dr. Alexander, “it’s much quicker and useful tool for us and is a fraction of the cost of traditionally screening mice. If we get a hit using a compound in our fish, then we evaluate it and take it up to mice.” Dr. Alexander’s research in muscular dystrophy focuses mostly on a rare type of muscular dystrophy called Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Described as a disease that progressively weakens muscles, Duchenne affects 1 in 5,000 boys leaving most in a wheelchair by the age of 13. While there is no cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, there are promising developments currently in clinical trials that have Dr. Alexander hopeful about the future. “It’s a devastating disorder, and my lab focuses on developing new therapies and new drugs using zebrafish as a model,”
explains Dr. Alexander. “There are some really exciting things in clinical trials right now for different forms of muscular dystrophy. I am very hopeful that some of these treatments will be approved in the next few years and can really change the way to tackle these debilitating disorders.” In addition to his work as a researcher at the CIRC, Dr. Alexander is also the president of the Research Civitan Club in Birmingham, Alabama. “I talked to Dr. Farah Lubin when I first arrived at UAB. She was the founding member of the club back in 2010,” Dr. Alexander recalls. “I’m doing a project [with muscular dystrophy] with a brain component. Some of these kids have autism, too, and we don’t quite know exactly why. We talked a little bit about our common interests and she mentioned her work with the Civitan.” After attending a few events held by the Research Civitan Club, Dr. Alexander joined as a member three years ago. Later he would become president-elect of the club, and now currently the president. From speaking to Dr. Alexander, it seems there are several exciting developments in research beyond the muscular dystrophy field all thanks to these tiny, plain-looking creatures. Zebrafish just go to show that sometimes the extraordinary can be found within the most ordinary of places.
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The Civitan Breakthru Golf Benefit brings together some of the world’s most philanthropic citizens in support of people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Golfers take pride in the numerous breakthroughs that have resulted because of the millions raised over the event’s lifetime. Please support the golfers at this year’s benefit, or better yet, join them!
REGISTER ONLINE OR DONATE • www.civitanbreakthru.com
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JUNIOR CIVITAN SPOTLIGHT Margaret (Maggie) Davis has been serving her school, community, and district as a member of Garner Magnet High School’s Junior Civitan Club in North Carolina District East since she was a freshman in 2015. Now a Senior, Maggie has served her club and district in various leadership positions and is currently serving North Carolina District East as their Governor. This past February, Maggie was recognized as the 44th Annual Sno-Do’s Top Fundraiser for raising an astonishing $10,532 to benefit the Civitan International Research Center. We sat down with Maggie to learn a little more about her time as a Junior Civitan as well as learn how she was able to be so successful in her fundraising. Why are you a Junior Civitan? I am a Junior Civitan because I have a passion for service and this organization gives me so many opportunities to participate in service projects and make a difference in the lives of the people around me. Junior Civitan also provides a sense of community where both adults and youth share a common interest to serve others and make the world a better place. I love being a part of such an amazing group of people. What has Junior Civitan taught you? Junior Civitan has taught me leadership and communication skills while simultaneously growing my passion for service. It has also taught me how to fundraise and gain support for an important cause. What has been your favorite project to participate in as a Junior Civitan? My favorite project was the Carnival for Individuals with Special Needs during the 2018 Junior Civitan International Convention held in Tupelo, Mississippi. Being able to serve the people of Tupelo and seeing the joy and happiness as a result of the carnival was a memorable experience. I also loved spending time with my district while interacting with other Junior Civitans from across North America. Speaking of Junior Civitan International Convention, what do you like best about it? My favorite part of International Convention was being able to participate in various workshops and sessions which helped me to gain new information which I could take back home to help better my district. I also loved meeting new people who share the same passion for service and I enjoyed spending time and getting closer to people from my own district as we enjoyed the convention together. It’s no question that you’ve had major success in your fundraising efforts. What is your trick? I found my success in fundraising through the support of my district (NCDE) and local community. I discovered that taking a personal, one-on-one approach was the best way to fundraise within my district. I sent out a letter to all Civitan Clubs within North Carolina District East which discussed why I was raising money and how all proceeds would be donated to the Civitan International Research Center. I also personally visited many Civitan Clubs and spoke to them about what Sno-Do was and that through their donations they would be supporting me as the Junior Governor as well as the Civitan International Research Center. I truly believe that building relationships and taking time to talk to those within your district will aid not only your fundraising efforts but also allows for others to get to know you better. I also utilized the opportunities to fundraise within my community. I held many fundraisers including a Bingo Fundraiser, Zaxby’s Fundraiser, and I also was able to partner with as small boutique through a “Shop for a Cure” event. The business donated a portion of their sales on a particular date in November to the CIRC on my behalf. Lastly, I reached out to family, friends, and church members. There are a number of people in our organization who fundraise for the CIRC through various events. What encouragement would you give to those individuals? I would encourage them to utilize communication and networking skills to spread awareness of their campaign and cause. Be willing to create posters and flyers as a way to advertise your fundraiser and always be prepared to discuss and present the reasons why you are raising money and where the money will be going. It is important to let those who are donating know exactly what their money will be going toward. Finally, be active and excited about your campaign, talk to business owners and people within the community because when people see someone being excited and taking initiative to spread awareness and raise money for a cause they are more likely to donate. Maggie will be furthering her education this fall at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. While her career path is still undecided, she will be majoring in kinesiology with plans on entering the medical field one day. In addition to Junior Civitan, Maggie’s other extracurricular activities include: student senate, Beta Club, church student leadership and praise team, Math/Science Education Network, Sports Medicine Student Assistant, and club soccer—she has played for 12 years! In her free time, Maggie enjoys spending time at Lake Gaston.
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Thank you, Maggie for your service to Junior Civitan and best of luck on all your future endeavors!
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IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM JUNIOR CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL Does your club sponsor a Junior Civitan club? The Junior Civitan International Board adopted a policy (Policy 120) this past February concerning the holding of Junior Civitan charters. The policy states: “In the event that a Junior Civitan club is struggling to remain active due to extraneous circumstances, the sponsoring Civitan club or district may elect to hold their charter until the following year’s dues deadline. To hold a charter, a fee of $80 ($60 to International and $20 to their respective district) must be paid. Paperwork provided by the staff liaison to Junior Civitan must accompany the fee, explaining the specific reasoning behind why the charter needs to be held and what plans are in place to rebuild the club. If the sponsoring club or district does not elect to hold the Junior Civitan club’s charter, the Junior Civitan club will fall inactive on June 30 of the current Junior Civitan year.”
CONGRATULATIONS SHROPSHIRE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS This year, we had 64 total applications submitted on our new online system, and the judging came down to fractions. Fifteen Junior Civitans have been awarded a scholarship for their hard work and dedication to their communities, to our organization, and to their studies throughout their time as Junior Civitans. Please join us in wishing them the best in all their endeavors. Marissa Lott $2,000 Winner Northeast High School Valley District
Caitlin Conner $1,000 Winner Maryville High School Appalachian District
Ryan Knight $1,000 Winner Lancaster Boys South Carolina District
Kathryn Wilbanks $1,500 Winner Newberry Academy South Carolina District
Victoria Davis $1,000 Winner Spring Mills High School Chesapeake District
Alexis Cruickshank-Taylor $1,000 Winner Academy of Tuscon Heart of the West District
Margaret Davis (Maggie) $1,250 Winner Garner Magnet High School North Carolina District East
Logan Edmonds $1,000 Winner Brindlee Mountain High School Alabama District North
Korie McClain $1,000 Winner Metrolina Christian Academy North Carolina District West
Peyton Berry $1,000 Winner East Rowan High School North Carolina District West
Lucas Edmonds $1,000 Winner Brindlee Mountain High School Alabama District North
Connor Parman $1,000 Winner Lancaster Boys South Carolina District
Hannah Colson $1,000 Winner Cottage Hill Alabama-West Florida District
Anna Gautney $1,000 Winner Lauderdale County High School Alabama District North
Jessica Yahn $1,000 Winner Lake Howell High School Florida District
If your club is currently holding your Junior Civitan club’s charter, you have until NOVEMBER 1, 2019 to rebuild the club. If the club is not rebuilt at that time, it will fall inactive. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Kicker at HQ. CONTACT | emily@civitan.org WWW.CIVITAN.ORG
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WORLD CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Brewing Purpose
BY SCARLET THOMPSON
AMY WRIGHT WILMINGTON NORTH CAROLINA UNITED STATES
Amy Wright started drinking coffee when she became a parent, adding just a bit of cream and sugar to her morning pick-me-up. Nowadays, her cup of joe comes with much more – the satisfaction it’s changing lives and perceptions. The Wilmington, North Carolina, mother of four is the proud founder of Bitty and Beau’s, a coffee shop chain employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The company is named after her two younger children, who both live with Down syndrome. “From the time Beau was born, we’ve been advocating and trying to figure out ways to bring people into our world, and to show them the value of our children,” says Wright. “We would do things like hosting walks and blogging, but we couldn’t quite get where we wanted to be with getting people to care about what we cared about so much.” Then, in fall 2015, the answer came to Wright out of the blue, of all things, in the shower. She decided she would open a coffee shop. “My husband thought I was crazy because we had no experience in retail, the restaurant business or even coffee. But I just really felt called to do it,” said Wright. The musical theatre major wasted no time. That afternoon she found a spot for the shop and signed a lease. In less than three 8
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months, the shop – which could only seat 12 people - was open for business. “Our biggest challenge was that we did not anticipate how we would be embraced,” says Wright. “Literally we would have a line out the door and around the building almost every day.” Over the next few months, the shop would move to donated space, where the number of employees doubled to 40, and there was plenty of room to accommodate the crowds that were coming for its custom blends, frappes and sweet treats. While accommodations for some employees had to be made, many of them came about organically as part of Wright’s business strategy. She approached the shop’s processes from a standpoint of what would be done for her own child, who could one day work there. Playing cards, for example, are used at the checkout. That way cashiers have better visual supports to track people’s orders instead of names. The shop also uses automated machines to steam milk and other ingredients so employees don’t have to worry about those details and can spend more time talking to customers. It’s an approach that capitalizes on employees’ abilities, while positively changing their lives. “Most of our employees have never had a job before and certainly have never been paid competitive wages,” says Wright.
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With more than 80% of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities unemployed according to many reports, Wright is hoping to be an example. “It’s just really the point of the coffee shop, that other businesses see our success and they realize they can at least hire one person with I/DD,” says Wright. “We’re also really trying to reach people who have never thought about this problem before. So many people walk through our doors and they don’t know what they’re getting into. They think they’re getting a cup of coffee and they walk out with much more.” Wright’s success in expanding opportunities for those with I/DD has led to expansion of the chain. Two other shops, one in Charleston and one in Savannah, have opened in the last two years. And, there are plans to open another in Annapolis soon. Her work has not gone unnoticed. CNN selected her for their recent Heroes award, and this summer, she will receive Civitan International’s World Citizenship Award. It’s a recognition rarely given by the organization with a very short recipient list that includes President Dwight Eisenhower and Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
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“It’s an incredible honor to receive this award and be mentioned in the same sentence as these folks. I’ve really been trusted with an awesome job of moving the needle and helping people see people differently and the fact that people have reacted the way they have and have chosen to recognize me for this work is icing on the cake. It’s enough for me to know I am creating a better world for my kids,” says Wright. The entrepreneur admits this is just the beginning of the journey for Bitty and Beau’s, with plans to expand nationwide and even overseas, where employment rates for people with I/DD are even more alarming. In the meantime, she will keep sharing her message of awareness and acceptance. “I wouldn’t change you for the world, but I will change the world for you,” Wright frequently tells her children. She is, by all accounts, doing just that.
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CLUB NEWS
COLLECTED BY MEGAN MINDEL AND LOUIS STEPHENS PENINSULA CLUB MEMBER TURNS 100 On May 3rd, Peninsula Civitan Club member Cecelia R. Butler turned 100 years old. Butler joined Civitan as she approached retirement at the age of 70. For twenty years Butler served as treasurer for the club. She also spent many years distributing and collecting Civitan Candy Boxes across Newport News, Virginia, and has recruited five new members in to Civitan during her tenure. Butler has been recognized as a Life Member by the Peninsula Civitan Club and received a Chesapeake District Fellow Award in 2007. Fellow club member Ben “Buzz” Dodge had this to say about Butler, “She (Cecelia) has been an inspiration to me with her devotion and service. She and I have been on many projects and club outings together. She served as club treasurer for many, many years which she handled with devotion and zest. CC has always been there to do what needed to be done. She is a true asset to our club and Civitan. CC is a true friend.” Butler’s daughters surprised her May 5th with a birthday celebration that included a birthday card from Civitan International and warm wishes from her best Civitan pals.
CANADIAN CLUBS HOST SPECIAL OLYMPICS BASKETBALL Five Civitan clubs in the Canadian Northern Lights District sponsored the third annual Special Olympics Basketball Tournament on April 27th. Members of the Almonte, Carleton Place & District, Lanark & District, Pakenham, and Smiths Falls Civitan clubs joined together with Special Olympics to organize the event at a local high school in Perth. Over 70 athletics representing teams from Kingston, Pembroke, Perth and Sudbury arrived at 8 am for registration, followed by round robin basketball games and a skills competition. Civitan members kept score, served lunch to all athletics, coaches and parents and cheered loudly with every basket made. “To me, there is nothing more rewarding than sponsoring and volunteering for a Special Olympics event like this basketball tournament,” states Joan Bennett, Immediate Past President of Carleton Place & District Civitan Club. “It fills my heart with joy. I just love it.”
NEW CLUB CHARTERS | ARC AMBASSADORS CIVITAN CLUB The arc Ambassadors Civitan Club chartered on March 27th with 31 members. The club, built by President Elect Patsy Perkal and Senior International Director Fred Matthies, is the second club to charter in the Great Southwest District in the last year. It was formed as a partnership with the arc Thrift Stores located in Lakewood, CO as a way to get their employees and families plugged in with Civitan and serving their community. The club has already gotten involved with the Rocky Mountain Civitan Club, their sponsor club, and looks forward to serving the greater Denver area!
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NEW CLUB CHARTERS | VILLAGE CIVITAN CLUB The Village Civitan Club was officially chartered on May 2nd by Civitan International. Virginia McAffee, Governor of Heart Of The West of Civitan International from Idaho Falls, Idaho presented new club president Jason Levy and officers the official charter plaque and banner. More than 30 Civitan Foundation members and community members are charter members.
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CLUB NEWS
MEGAN MINDEL AND LOUIS STEPHENS
CAMPUS CIVITAN AWARD WINNERS The 2018 – 2019 school year was a great one for Campus Civitans across North America. Two clubs chartered at Campbell University in North Carolina and Heartland Campus Civitan Online comprised of college students attending universities across the Heartland District. Campus Civitans proved what it means to be champions of service by giving back to their schools and communities through volunteer work and fundraising for the Civitan International Research Center, Special Olympics, food shelters, hurricane relief, the Miss Amazing pageant, Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine and more. The winners of this year’s awards exemplified the pillars that Civitan was founded on; service, knowledge, and fellowship. Congratulations to our 2018-2019 award winners.
CAMPUS CIVITAN SERVICE PROJECT OF THE YEAR
The winner of the 2018 – 2019 Campus Civitan Service Project of the Year is High Point University’s Hygiene Kits for victims of Hurricane Florence. After seeing the devastating effects Hurricane Florence had on North Carolina, the students in the HPU Campus Civitan Club banded together and created a specific service project to help those in need. Campus Civitans promoted their project across the High Point University campus and were able to use their other projects to help collect more items. Every member of the High Point University Campus Civitan Club participated in this project. In total, club members collected enough items to build and distribute 412 hygiene kits.
CAMPUS CIVITAN OF THE YEAR
The 2018-2019 Campus Civitan of the Year is Esmeralda Segura, president of the Bull Campus Civitan Club at the University of South Florida. Segura joined Campus Civitan in February 2018 and soon found herself without fellow Civitans and an advisor. Instead of allowing the club to fold, she worked tirelessly to find a new advisor and Campus Civitan members. By October 2018 the Bull Civitan Club had regained its strength with 12 new members and an advisor who has a Ph.D. in Special Education. Throughout the year Segura took chances and utilized connections within the school and community to elevate club projects. With her assistance, the club partnered with sponsor club, Tampa Metro Civitan Club, on five different projects, created club t-shirts and buttons, and developed a successful fundraiser that raised $150 for the Civitan International Research Center called “Roses for Research.” Words used to describe Esmeralda Segura include determined, professional, leader, and innovative. Segura is a student in the USF Honors College. She is currently pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Public Health. Her career goal is to become a physician and work in underprivileged communities.
CAMPUS CIVITAN CLUB OF THE YEAR
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Led by the 2018-2019 Campus Civitan of the Year, Esmeralda Segura, the Bull Campus Civitan Club at the University of South Florida has been named the 2018-2019 Campus Civitan Club of the Year. The Bull Civitan Club challenged themselves this year. They started the year with one active member and finished with 12. They have completed service projects for Special Olympics, Trinity Café, Angels Unaware, the YMCA, and the Civitan International Research Center. Club members have also developed partnerships in the community with the Tampa Metro Civitan Club, local Junior Civitan Clubs, and organizations at the University of South Florida to help enhance the success of each event. According to club members, “our motto of encouragement and positivity is evident in our high turnout to chapter meetings, events, and service opportunities. Our inclusive approach allows us to foster fellowship.” Members of the Bull Campus Civitan Club come from a variety of backgrounds and have bright futures ahead of them with many club members majoring in pre-medicine, pre-dental, and pre-engineering disciplines. MAY 2019
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YOUR 2019-2020
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE | International Board of Directors 2013-2015, Civitan International Foundation Fellow, Civitan International Research Center Fellow, Civitan International Junior Civitan Fellow Member, 2018-2019 Growth and Retention Committee (Resigned due to my campaign, Member, President’s Council, Global Membership Sponsor, Light the Way Donor, Master Club Builder, Junior Civitan Club Builder, Medallion Member, Foundation (District) Liaison DISTRICT SERVICE | Governor’s Honor Key (Florida), Governor’s Honor Key (Heartland), Distinguished Governor Recognition (Florida), Distinguished Governor Recognition (Heartland), Heartland Civitan of the Year, 2015, Heartland District Civitan Leadership Academy Staff Leader, Area Director, Judge Advocate, Newsletter Editor, Chaplain, Candy/Coin Box Chair, Senior Board Representative to the Florida District Junior Civitan Board, Heartland District Training Presenter, Awards Chair, Nominations Chair, Senior Board Representative to the Florida District Junior Civitan Board, Heartland District Training Presenter, Awards Chair, Nominations Chair, Foundation (District) Liaison, Florida District Junior Civitan of the Year, Junior Civitan Honor Key FRANK KELLEY Candidate for International President-Elect
CLUB SERVICE | Club President (Clearwater, FL) 3 terms, Club Honor Key (Clearwater), CIVI Outstanding Club President Recognition (Clearwater – 3 times), Charter Club President (Ranger –Grand Prairie, TX), Outstanding Club President (Ranger 2012-2013), Club Honor Key (Ranger), Secretary, Director, Junior Civitan Club Liaison (St. Petersburg HS), Educational Fund Trustee (St. Petersburg Civitan Club), Special Olympics Volunteer at State and Local Games
Very soon, we will meet in Greenville, South Carolina for our 2019 International Convention. At that convention, we will be electing our 2019-2020 President-Elect. My name is Frank Kelley and I am excited to be running for President-Elect! Thank you for making a difference in people’s lives and making your community a better place to live. Civitan cannot exist without you and the thousands of other Civitans that make things happen! I began my Civitan journey in 1971 when I was selected for membership in the St. Petersburg High School Junior Civitan Club in St. Petersburg, Florida. I continued serving by enlisting in the United States Air Force. There is no better place to learn about service to others than in the military. In 1974, during my service in the Air Force, I joined the St. Petersburg Civitan Club. In 1994, I transferred into the Clearwater Civitan Club, quickly becoming involved in club and district activities. My desire to serve on the Civitan International Board of Directors. With your help, I would like to become the first President of Civitan International that is a former Junior Civitan! I believe that we must maintain financial transparency and use our organizational resources wisely. Civitans should contribute funds and other valuable resources to benefit Civitan programs is they are willing and able to do so. However, they should not be the only source of major organizational fundraising. Local club funds should benefit the community, including our Civitan International Research Center, our flagship project. Deeply rooted in the core mission of Civitan – serving people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – the Civitan Center conducts cutting edge research in brain-related issues such as autism, Rett syndrome, down syndrome, and many others. Civitan International is the only service organization dedicated to these issues which affect one in six people worldwide. The Center’s success magnifies Civitan’s international impact and enhances our image. Finally, we must improve our organizational communications to be more efficient and effective and improve our leadership training processes to be more efficient. As we move into our future, we must seize the moment to ensure Civitan is known everywhere, rather than the best kept secret. Would you help me please? I believe that Civitan is an awesome organization! However, Civitan is not the Civitan created by Dr. Shropshire and our founders. We must awaken a sleeping Giant so that it can take its rightful place in the world of service organizations. That time is now, Would You Help Me Please? I pledge to always listen to your voices and to work for the betterment of Civitans everywhere. I ask you for your support and vote in Greenville as your next President-Elect!
Frank Kelley A Heart for Service!
The above article was prepared by Frank Kelley and is not an endorsement of the candidate by Civitan International. 12 CIVITAN MAGAZINE
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INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR CANDIDATES CLUB | President-Elect Brampton Civitan Club, President Brampton Civitan Club, Director Brampton Civitan Club, President Barrie Civitan Club, Secretary, Sno-Do Committee and Newsletter Editor DISTRICT | Governor-Elect, Governor, Past Governor, Awards/Nominations Chair, Secretary, Past Governor, Director, Directory Editor and Bulletin Editor SPECIAL HONORS AND RECOGNITION | Club Honor Key, District Honor Key, Civitan International Foundation of Canada Fellow Award, Governor Appreciation Award 1996-1997 and Governor Appreciation Award 1997-1998 PAT MCKINNEY Candidate for International Director Region 5 | Midland Civitan Club Canada District West
Since joining Civitan over thirty (30) years ago, I have been involved in both Club and District and now welcome the change to serve on the International board. You will find I have strong work ethics, believing in team work, communication, and reliability. To me leadership is not about a title or a designation but it is about getting results and spreading the word of Civitan. The Civitan Creed is what has kept me involved in Civitan and I believe if everyone in the world read and tried to live up to the Civitan Creed, “What a Wonderful World it Would Be.� The above article was prepared by Pat McKinney and is not an endorsement of the candidate by Civitan International.
CLUB | Volunteer Action club president 2017, Volunteer Action club president 2012, Board Member DISTRICT | Governor 2013-2014, Governor Elect 2012-2013, District Candy Box Chair 20142017, District Fruit Cake Chair 2016-2017, District Area Director 2013, District Foundation Liaison 2016-2017, District Webmaster 2013 & 2014
MICHAEL MORGAN Candidate for International Director Region 6 | Volunteer ACTION Civitan Club | Appalachian District
I am running for International Director because I believe in our Civitan Organization, believe in the difference we are making in our local communities around the world and I believe I can offer ideas and ways to keep Civitan moving forward to be viable for future generations. I believe in my Civitan background, my business experience and my desire to see all Civitan succeed and grow will be an asset to represent all of the Civitans in Regions 6. I am willing to work as part of a team on the Civitan International board to continue to move our organization forward and continue to look at ways to ensure our organization is around for years to come. I am asking for your support and vote. The above article was prepared by Michael Morgan and is not an endorsement of the candidate by Civitan International. WWW.CIVITAN.ORG
MAY 2019
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YOUR 2019-2022
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR CANDIDATES CLUB | Lawrence ACTION Civitan Club Treasurer 2016-Current, K C Ex Men Club Secretary 2016-2017, Civitan Orchids Club Secretary 2013-2015, Civitan Club of Topeka Club President 2006-2007, Civitan Club of Topeka Club Secretary 2001-2005 DISTRICT | Heartland District Club Building Chair, Heartland District Governor 2015-2016, Heartland District Secretary 2004-2005 SPECIAL HONORS AND RECOGNITION | Civitan Club of Topeka Honor Key 2007, Heartland District “Civitan of the Year” 2013-2014, Heartland District Distinguished Governor 2015-2016, Heartland District Honor Key 2016, Civitan International Research Fellow 2016, TARC, Inc. 30 Year Service Award 2010, Ethel May Miller Award (TARC) 2013 MARCIA DECHAND Candidate for International Director Region 7 | Civitan Club of Topeka
Greetings Civitans! In the summer of 1998, a colleague from TARC invited me to a Civitan meeting. By summer’s end, I had joined the Civitan Club of Topeka – and soon learned it was the perfect volunteer opportunity to continue to assist persons with “abilities”. Soon I became involved in club leadership roles and assisted in key decisions regarding fundraising, budgeting, projects and club goals (strategic planning). In 2004, this involvement expanded to the District level. I vow to continue to serve Civitan with effective leadership and training skills learned through my many Civitan leadership positions as well as in my 20 years of experience as a Human Resources Director. As we look to the future of Civitan, club building and member retention will add strength through additional “hands”. Ensuring our leaders are well trained and given the resources needed will ensure everyone’s success. Communication through multiple mediums will assist leaders and members alike in receiving all important messages. A well-defined strategic plan will be essential. My friends and family know me as a devoted Civitan! The above article was prepared by Marcia Dechand and is not an endorsement of the candidate by Civitan International.
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CON VENTIO N
JU LY 3 - J U LY 6 • HYATT R E GE N CY DOWNTOWN • GREENVI LLE, SOUT H CARO LINA TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Tuesday, July 2 (Pre-Convention) 11:15 AM • Departures begin for Golf Benefit Breakthru Golf Benefit at River Falls Plantation FLUOR FIELD AT THE WEST END PHOTO: Lee Dashiell
LIBERTY BRIDGE AT DUSK
PHOTO: Firewater Photography/Kris Decker
FALLS PARK ON THE REEDY PHOTO: Copyright - ProBros
Plans are progressing well for Civitan’s highlight event of the year. Below is more information about our happenings in Greenville. BEACH BASH WELCOME PARTY It’s going to be five o’clock somewhere and we want you to put on your best beach attire to join us for the Welcome Party at the Greenville Convention! Throw on your most tropical S.S.B.D. (short sleeve button down), flip flops, and floppy hats and make sure you join us for the best beach party of the year as we kick off convention 2019! We’ll be dancing and shagging the night away to The Drifters, The Temptations, Jimmy Buffet, Beach Boys and so many more, so don’t forget to select “Welcome Party” when you register so you can join us on the dance floor. Oh, and make sure to wear your sunglasses because the future of Civitan is bright, and you don’t want to miss it!
Wednesday, July 3 (Opening Day) All Day • International Board Meeting 3 PM • Convention Orientation Session 7 PM • Opening Ceremonies Following • Welcome Party (ticketed event) Thursday, July 4 8:30 AM • First Business Session 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM • Presidents & Presidents-Elect Training Morning • Workshops and Seminars
GUEST PROGRAM Is your spouse or a guest joining you in Greenville? We have secured some activities for those registered for the guest program. Thursday will be a visit to the Tryon International Equestrian Center. Also, a fabulous foodie tour has been planned along with an art tour for Friday.
Afternoon • Workshops and Seminars
YOUTH PROGRAM Fabulous fun is in store for our youth participants in Greenville! From the Children’s Museum, Greenville Zoo to Mice on Main and more!
Friday, July 5
CULINARY CULTURE Greenville has a culinary scene unlike many other cities. More than 100 options are within walking distance of the Hyatt Regency Downtown. Gastronomic creations to suit any palate are just steps away for your dining pleasure!
Morning • Workshops and Seminars
J o i n the Civ itan fam il y in Greenvi lle t h i s July t o c e le b rate another year of servic e a nd fo cus o n o ur mis s i on. Visit the c onvent i o n p a g e at www. civitan.org/c onvention fo r d e t a i ls.
Afternoon • Civitan Fest Evening • FREE 4th of July Fireworks
8:30 AM • Philanthropy Program with Civitan Research Center Presentation
Afternoon • Workshops and Seminars Afternoon • The Civis - North American Awards and Recognitions Program Afternoon • District Photos Evening • President’s Council Donor Reception (invitation/ticket required) Saturday, July 6 (Closing Day) 8:30 AM • Elections Business Session Following • Membership Extravaganza
MAIN STREET IN THE MORNING WWW.CIVITAN.ORG PHOTO: JJ Adams, Dread Xeppelin Aerial
5:30 PM • Social followed by Installation Banquet & Closing Ceremonies (ticketed event) MAY 2019
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