GACKInsider is a monthly newsletter to educate and inform club members on how to make their clubs run more effectively.
The early bird gets the worm; and the same goes for those schools looking to get awards come DCON. We want you to get the recognition you deserve for all that you do, so the first step in making sure you do that is to start on your school’s awards packet early. Look through your packet as early as possible (the sooner the better!) and figure out what awards that your club is aiming to try for. Think of the awards packet as guidelines for your year; plan some of your projects and fundraisers around the awards that we have available. Also be sure to shape your role in the club, whether it’s a member, officer, advisor, etc., around some of the expectations that we outline in the packet. Knowing what is in the packet ahead of time is a great way to start planning out how you will spend this Circle K year. Shelby Munyan Georgia District Awards Chair
What are ice breakers exactly? Are they a way to get people talking and moving around? A way to get to know someone better? They are so much more. Ice breakers are a way to help members of your club to bond and get to know each other through fun activities. One of my favorite ice breakers is called fear in a hat. It is when everyone writes down a fear that they have, no matter how silly, and it goes into a hat and is randomly selected and all members guess whose fear that is. It is a fun way to learn something about someone that you wouldn’t otherwise know. Ice breakers get people’s brains working and ideas flowing and are a great way to start every meeting. Erin Martin Georgia District Service Social Tour (SST) Chair GEORGIA DISTRICT GOVERNOR, DREW KELLEY, AND ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR, ANLA ETHERIDGE, CLAIM THE DISTINGUISHED DISTRICT AWARD AT CKIX IN TORONTO, ONTARIO!
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ATTEND GEORGIA KIWANIS DCON IN PINE MOUNTAIN!
Circle K International has a more complex and interesting history than you might know. Starting as a Kiwanis Club service project, it began in Carthage College, Illinois as a fraternity. It was a project that was used to provide an opportunity for capable, ambitious, and worthy young men to acquire a college education by assisting them with financial problems or part-time employment. Soon after, the element of community service was introduced. It wasn’t until 1971 that females could join, and in 1982, Circle K International membership surpassed 14,500 members! Since 1957 when Texas-Oklahoma became the first official district, Circle K International has spread into 17 nations around the world, and is still making a positive impact every day. Here in Georgia, over 300 members make a positive impact each day as well, and it is all thanks to members like you. As a district, we boast over six divisions and have won the distinguished district award for the past five years running. The mascot for Georgia is “Gacki” the Gecko, but little do many people know that each division can have a mascot of its own to accompany him. For example, if you find yourself in the Perimeter Division, your mascot is Penny the Perimeter Elephant who represents strength, intelligence, and caring. There is so much to find out about Circle K as a club and as a community of your very best friends, and our hope is that you find your family here with us in the Kiwanis Family. Emmie Landford Georgia District Perimeter LTG
Though it may seem a little early, a good service idea is to hold a coat drive for those in need. The club would start accepting donations early so they can collect enough coats to give out on a certain day before it gets cold. This would really help those who do not have enough to purchase new coats and can even be done alongside out H.O.M.E. project. Rey Del Toro Guevara Georgia District Plains LTG
GEORGIA DISTRICT WEBMASTER, GREG JOHNSTON, AND OTHER GACKI MEMBERS AT SST!
As we all know, fundraising can be a long process. However, when successful it can not only spread Circle K International’s name but also aid clubs in sending their members to district events. Here are a few personal tips I’ve acquired from my home club: 1. Have a specific plan laid out! Create an outline of every detail of your fundraising idea. This helps you break down every step so you are not overwhelmed throughout the planning process. 2. Time is on your side, don’t abuse it! Timing is everything when planning a fundraiser. Not every fundraiser is the same. Some fundraisers take 2 weeks to plan and others take 2 months. Make sure you create enough time so that your fundraiser will be well put together and successful! 3. Do a joint fundraiser with another organization! Not only can this boost your success at making a good profit, but you will also get to bond with other organizations. This can help spread the name of Circle K International throughout your campus further, especially if you are working with a club that is more well known. 4. Don’t shy away from asking for help! Whether it’s your Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, or sponsoring Kiwanis club, these organizations can help you make your fundraiser a reality. Whether they assist you with any costs or help spread the word about your event, these organizations can help you overcome any obstacles that arise during planning. I hope these tips can help your club thrive during your school terms! Fundraising is a great tool that can help send your club members to district events as well as raise money to donate to our partnerships. If you have any questions about fundraising, please do not hesitate to contact your district board. We are here to help your club thrive and have a successful Circle K year! Claire Wells Georgia District Fall Membership Retreat (FMR) Chair
As the new school year is starting off, take advantage of organization fairs and orientation days! Incoming college students can become great new members, and it is a way to start the year off strong! Create a tri-fold board to show non-members what our organization is all about, and hand out flyers. If you gather the information on our Fall Membership Retreat that is approaching, you could excite potential members into coming to see what Circle K really is at one of our favorite events of the year. This is a great way to recruit new members, and a great start to the new year. Emma Johnson Georgia District Annual District Convention Chair
Have a great start to the new Circle K year! If you have any questions, contact any of our board members from our Circle K emails found on our website. GeorgiaCircleK.org
Live to Serve Love to Serve,