T-O Today Issue 2. 2018-2019

ISSUE 2

P L E D

01 T-O Cover Page

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03 Editor’s Notes

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03 Letter from the Governor 04 ICON 06 Day of Service 07 TX-OK Awards at ICON 08 Your Newly Elected International Board

09 Governor’s Project 10 ICON Promotion 11 District Board Updates 17 District Goal Update 18 Fall Retreat promotion 19 Weekend Officer Workshop

21Member Article 1 22 Member Article 2

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I pledge to uphold the Objects of Circle K International, to foster compassion and goodwill toward others through service and leadership, to develop my abilities and the abilities of all people, and to dedicate myself to the realization of mankind’s potential.

EDITOR’S NOTES What’s up T-O??

I am so proud to serve as your Texas-Oklahoma District Editor and I hope you find my second edition of the T-O Today to be both interesting and informative! I love would love to include YOUR events and accomplishments so do not hesitate to send me articles for the T-O Today’s I will be making. I am also hosting my very first Editor’s Live Chat on Google Hangouts on Thursday September 27th at 8:00 pm! Please feel free to contact me at any time and enjoy this T-O Today!!!

Yahaira Arneros, UTA ‘19 editor@txokcki.org

LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR Hello Mighty T-O District!

I am so honored to be your District Governor this year! Every time I am able to visit a club or have a district wide event, I am reminded just how amazing you all are. You truly give me inspiration to serve my community and serve you as the members of this district.

As many of you all know, we just had our online supplemental recruitment week and let me tell you, I absolutely LOVED seeing all the pictures/posts of why you love this organization. It is so refreshing that I know my members are creating a significant change in the communities across the district! You are truly the leaders within this world.

Please remember to register for Fall Retreat and cannot wait to see everyone at all the Fall Rallies!!

Dylann Lowery

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ICON 2018!

International Convention 2018, a gathering of the world’s future service leaders from all around the world. From Aruba to Georgia, California to New York, CKI’ers from all around the globe gathered to elect the upcoming organization’s international leaders, revel in new friendships, and experience serving the community of Chicago on the day of Service. Chicago was truly a whirlwind of events which ended with not one, but two, of our Texas-Oklahoma members being elected onto the International Board. International Convention this year was held at the Chicago Marriot Magnificent Mile Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, from July 5th, 2018 to July 8th, 2018. It was truly an unforgettable experience for our Texas-Oklahoma district members.

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Day of Service One of the most well-known activities at International Convention, is the ever so coveted Day of Service, where all International Convention attendees help with several service projects across the city where ICON is being held at. Some examples were cleaning up beaches, helping clean an abandoned home for those with mental disabilities, and countless others.

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AWARDS At International Convention, one of the most anticipated nights is awards night. All attendees gather and hope to receive awards they worked all year for. Our Mighty Texas-Oklahoma District has always been a force to be reckoned with, seeing as we do well in awards every year. This year we were lucky enough to receive several awards.

2017-2018 Distinguished Kiwanis Committee Member John Cano 2017-2018 Distinguished Treasurer Award Christina Civis 2017-2018 Distinguished Lieutenant Governor Dylann Lowery 2017-2018 Growth Enhances Membership Award- 2nd in Ruby Division The University of Texas at San Antonio 2017-2018 Growth Enhances Membership Award- 3rd in Emerald Division The University of Texas at Dallas

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Election Results At International Convention, CKI members from all around the globe, gather together to vote in our new leaders for the upcoming year. The candidates must answer fishbowl questions, caucus, and deliver sound speeches. We are proud to announce your 2018-2019 International Board, which includes two of our own district’s members.

International President- Laura Belmont International Vice President- Julia Dressler Trustee at Large- Venu Thirumala Sub region A Trustee- Isabelle Monroe Sub region B Trustee- Max Rico Sub region C Trustee- Sean Nauss Sub region D Trustee- Robbie Day Sub region E Trustee- Devyn King Sub region F Trustee- Stephania Gonzalez Mena Sub region G Trustee- Billy Hackett

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Destination Empowerment END the silence.

STOP the violence.

Our Destination Empowerment Shirts are now on sale for $15! You can use the following link to pre-order your shirt. You may reserve it for pick-up at either Fall Rally or Fall Retreat, or, we can ship your shirt to you for an additional $5. Please venmo @TXOKCKI and write "Destination Empowerment" for the description. The deadline to order a shirt online for shipping is Friday, October 5th (or as supplies last). Which ever division buys the most t-shirts, will get to pick the Domestic Violence women’s shelter that the proceeds go to. The winner will be announced at Fall Retreat! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPH006beF76wH2s_Qg4jsnsVYYHrQjYZyO8CMSRkqFkEvHvQ/viewform

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CKIx 2019 Orlando, Florida

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Admin Updates

District Administrator Colleen Biggerstaff

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

Working with the board and watching as everyone grows as a leader – just all the amazing things they can do!

Any updates?

I think I’m busier now as an administrator than I ever was as Kiwanis Governor!

There are a lot of changes being discussed at Kiwanis International and it’s always a challenge keeping up with those changes at a District level. I love working with the executive staff and other Admins. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful team!

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would take my puppies, my CKIers- because they are all so smart they will find a way off the island, and clean water!

District Assistant Administrator John Cano

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I'm most excited about seeing how all of the big changes for the year will be carried out by the board. This is going to be an awesome year.

Any updates?

The district's budget and financial tracking system has been revamped- it’s now easier for board members to know check their budgets. Visit www.txokcki.org/about/service to check the district's fundraising progress for The Eliminate Project, and bookmark dcon.txokcki.org to stay up to date as more information is added in preparation for DCON. 3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I'd bring the original Dune Chronicles as my first item, a chicken so I can eat eggs, and a water filter so I can drink clean water.

District Assistant Administrator Allison Macias

``````````` District Assistant Administrator Marcelo Urieta-Bravo

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I am SUPER EXCITED to see everyone at Fall Retreat this year! With six hours of service built in to the agenda, this weekend is going to be the perfect opportunity for your chapters to help reach this year’s service goal!

Any updates?

The events committee is busy planning several fellowship activities for attendees so be sure to mark your calendars for November 2-4! And remember - Service is Coming!

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would take a hardback copy of A Court of Mist and Fury, a net to catch fish with, and a frying pan for cooking purposes- but it also doubles as a weapon.

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

This year, I'm looking forward to meeting all of the great members in the T-O district, working with the LTGs to support chapter officers in achieving their goals, and celebrating the 65th Annual District Convention in Austin, Texas.

Any updates?

LTGs have been working tirelessly to plan their fall rallies. Rallies are a great opportunity for you to meet members from across a division, learn more about CKI and make an impact in a local community by participating in a service project. You won't want to miss attending your divisional rally.

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would take a hammock, an inflatable raft w/paddles to explore the island, and a knife to catch fish, for food purposes and potentially for protection.

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Executive Staff Updates

District Governor Dylann Lowery

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I am most excited to continue working with the wonderful members of the MIGHTY T-O DISTRICT. I have loved getting to meet all your officers at WOW and looking forward to meeting new people at all the Fall Rallies!

Any updates?

Be on the lookout for Destination Empowerment Updates in Oct. since that is Domestic Violence Awareness month. We can make a change by raising awareness about this hard topic. End the Silence, to End the Violence!

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

Netflix so I can finally catch up on all the shows, Justin Timberlake because he could perform and we’ll be saved faster, and my best friend because she would know how to actually survive in case Justin’s search party fails.

District Secretary Sean Dempsey

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I am undoubtedly most excited to be reunited with the members and officers at Fall Retreat. I cannot wait to strengthen the bonds already created at WOW and exercise our most important value, fellowship.

Any updates?

Keep up the good reporting, secretaries! We're approaching 80% club reporting which is stellar. But, please report even if the due date has passed.

As for everyone else, bring your fire and passion for service to your clubs and meetings.

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

Fireworks (to entertain myself at night), a hairbrush (to keep my hair intact), and legos (to trap and kill animals).

District Treasurer Lane Marsh

District Editor Yahaira Arneros

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What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I am super excited for the upcoming school year; I can't wait to see and hear about all of the exciting projects your chapter has planned!

Any updates?

I would like to remind any Treasurers to be watching their emails, as monthly updates will start back up come September 1st. Also, with school kick-starting once again, be thinking about your priorities in life.

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would for sure want to have my Bible (for motivation), an iPod (to jam out to during the long days), and my own personal Chic-fil-a (BEST. FOOD. EVER!).

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I am super excited for Fall Retreat and DCON especially now that I am helping plan them! I’m also excited to work with my chapter editors.

Any updates?

I hope you have been enjoying my T-O Todays as much as I am enjoying making them! I am calling out all members to submit articles for the T-O today, we want to hear your stories, so please send articles to editor@txokcki.org!

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would take a machete (for obvious reasons), a solar powered water filter (I hope that’s real?), and Shawn Mendes because it would be hard to be upset on an Island if I had Shawn Mendes there to serenade me.

Lt. Governor Updates

Central Texas Lt. Governor Hunter Dentino

Heartland Lt. Governor Joseph Pham

Hill Country Lt. Governor Viana Phan

Metro Lt. Governor Kim Dinh

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I’m excited to see the clubs in Central TX grow and to meet new people.

Updates on your division?

The Central Texas Division is doing great as we try to begin the chartering process at both Tarleton State and Angelo State.

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would bring a heavy-duty pocket knife (which includes flint and steel), a large pot, and a second person that I could talk to (I get lonely). I’ve actually had this question before in a class and I think the first two are always the same.

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I am most excited for all they great CKI events like Fall retreat and DCON as well as getting to meet chapter members in my division.

Updates on your division?

As far as updates, Heartland has Fall Rally Sept. 15 and I am hoping we will have a great turnout of chapters and Kiwanis members. We also have our new division mascot which we have named L.O.L.A. (Loving Others & Leading All) the Llama.

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

If I was stranded on a desert island I would take clean water, rice, and flint.

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I’m excited to welcome and get to know new members into the Hill Country CKI chapters and grow our K-family.

Updates on your division?

Texas State chartering shows great promise and potential with more interested students leading the chapter formation!

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

My three things if I was stranded on a desert island would be…

A buffet of food, my best friends (sorry I just condemned them to be stranded too, but at least we’re together) and a swim suit (because no one likes wearing wet clothes).

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I am most excited for being able to work with so many more CKI members and to help all of them reach and exceed their goals.

Updates on your division?

Metro is currently working on finding a monarch mascot to take with us to all division and district events. Any help with that would be much appreciated!

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I don't even want to think about being on a deserted island because I HATE anything that has to do with outdoors. I would bring my best friend to make them suffer with me, sunscreen, and a knife. :)

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Lt. Governor Updates

Northern Outpost Lt. Governor Bay Bolen

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I am excited to see what my chapters accomplish and to help charter other chapters within my division. Everyone had a great time at WOW, and I look forward to seeing the officers put their knowledge to work!

Updates on your division?

The Tulsa Community College is in the process of chartering, and Northeastern State University is in the process of re-activating! Oklahoma State and the University of Tulsa chapters are in the full swing of planning their year's while recruiting members.

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would take my Bible because I know that nothing is too big for God, a saw, and I would also take a hammock to sleep in to avoid critters.

Red River Lt. Governor Hector Perez-Aponte

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I'm most excited for our district service event planned for January which will be using our themes for District Empowerment.

Updates on your division?

As of right now the division is fired up. We started off the year well with all chapters attending W.O.W. and now we're just preparing for recruitment.

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

You'll need optimism if you're going to be stranded on island. To me the first step in accomplishing anything is a good mind set even if that means being alone. A pot for boiling water. I don't know how I got on this island, but one thing’s for sure I won't be miserable. I have a question though. If I'm "bringing" something...does that I mean I went to this island voluntarily??

Southeast Texas Lt. Governor Kristin Iannello

South Texas Lt. Governor Kody Kiefer

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What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

For the upcoming CKI year,I am most excited to watch my chapters grow and reach their goals!

Updates on your division?

We just released the theme and event page for our Fall Rally, be sure to check it out!

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

The three things I would take on the island would have to be all the iced coffee because it’s my favorite, my cat because she can probably catch fish with me and she can also keep me company while we’re on the island, and a lighter so I can make fire instantly to cook my food. Lol.

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I am looking forward to seeing other CKI chapters doing their service projects in their communities. I am most excited what we can accomplished together starting at one local community at a time.

Updates on your division?

We have been doing amazing so far, however, do not lose track. Please be active members and participate in your chapter events. Remember to come to the South Texas Fall Rally- it’ll be a winter wonderland adventure.

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would take a machete, so I can protect myself and use it as a tool to chop down trees, a lighter to start a fire, (who use sticks these days?), and a dog to keep me company, so I would not go insane.

Committee Chair Updates

Awards Taskforce Hannah Vargese

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

Hi everyone! I am excited to meet and welcome more Circle Kers at UT and show them how much this organization has given me.

Any updates?

I have been meticulously working on revamping the award applications as well as creating new opportunities to better recognize chapters and individuals across the district for their time and talents during the year. Be on the lookout for more information at Fall Retreat!

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

If I was stranded on a desert island, I would want a water bottle, my brother Nathan, and Michael Jackson's Thriller album.

District Events Chair Jalilah Davis

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I am extremely excited about getting to meet tons of fellow CKI'ers and growing my K family!

Any updates?

We just kicked off the planning for Fall Retreat and let me tell you, it’s going to be fun! We have tons of activities, friendly competition, and opportunities to make some life-long friends!

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would bring a satellite radio to listen to music (I don't know if I'm thinking about the right radio lol), potatoes (I love potatoes and I can grow more potatoes using old potatoes) and I would bring my favorite stuffed elephant, Abe, so I can have a friendly face to talk to.

Fall Retreat Chair Jordan Eilers

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I am most excited about 2019 District Convention. I am very excited about the theme we have chosen and I am extremely confident in the Events Team and Gov. Dylann to make this the best DCON T-O has ever seen!

Any updates?

The Events Team is currently hard at work making sure Fall Retreat is amazing.

With the new location, FR will be run pretty differently, but I am excited to see how well T-O can handle changes and make it awesome! I know it is going to be a great time full of service and fellowship.

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would bring sunscreen, because ya girl is too pasty to be in the sun that long, a tent, because I don't do bugs, and my favorite scrunchie!

Governor’s Project Chair Brittney Handoko

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I'm looking forward to seeing the impact we can all make on our respective communities through service and leadership. I'm optimistic about taking this leap out of my comfort zone by being the Governor's Project Chair.

Any updates?

Currently, we are working on our campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness in the month of October. We invite members and supporters alike to join us in wearing purple and painting their left ring fingernails purple to #putthenailinit.

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would bring my sister, a knife, and a guide to survive the wilderness.

(I might need the pages eventually to keep a fire glowing!)

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Committee Chair Updates

Kiwanis Family Relations Chair Daniel Boorman

Laws and Regulations Chair Hunter Dentino

MD&E Chair Janine Arounyaranth

PR and Marketing Chair Yahaira Arneros

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What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I am excited about a project my chapter is doing where we will be removing graffiti from and aiding in the restoration of an old military fort called Fort San Jacinto. I’m honestly most excited about hanging out with cool people though.

Any updates?

We’re off to a good start with our KFAM events. I encourage each chapter to connect with your local Kiwanis Family clubs, maintain a good relationship with them and try to get together for a project within the year.

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

A beautiful smart woman, a machete, and a large spool of heavy fishing line.

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I’m excited to see the clubs in Central TX grow and to meet new people.

Any updates?

We have had some changes in our bylaws. As the Laws and Regulations chair I can help chapters by reviewing their Bylaws if necessary and helping them make proposals for Bylaw changes at the District or International level. So, let me know if you need assistance.

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would bring a heavy-duty pocket knife (which includes flint and steel), a large pot, and a second person that I could talk to (I get lonely). I’ve actually had this question before in a class and I think the first two are always the same.

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

A new year means another chance to #DoBetter! I am super amped to build up CKI this year and see this organization grow in quality and quantity.

Any updates?

We'll be launching our T-O CKI Recruitment week this year while also releasing many other resources, so my hope is that this will help chapters gain some momentum in building up their members.

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would absolutely need my dog, Kerbey, a lighter to make fire, and an iPad with every episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians downloaded on it!

What are you most excited for this upcoming CKI year?

I am super excited for Fall Retreat and DCON especially now that I am helping plan them! I’m also excited to try posting some fire CKI memes on our social media pages.

Any updates?

I am constantly posting things on our Texas-Oklahoma CKI social media pages. If you have a cool event you would like to open to other chapters/divisions let me know we can talk about sharing it online!

3 things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

I would take a machete (for obvious reasons), a solar powered water filter (I hope that’s real?), and Shawn Mendes because it would be hard to be upset on an Island if I had Shawn Mendes there to serenade me.

Here is our progress so far on the District Goals we have set for the 2018-2019 CKI year!!

Membership Goal: 601/600 Members Goal Fall Retreat Goal: 11/80 Members Goal DCON Goal: Not Yet Known/150 Members Goal New Chapter Goal: 1/5 Chapters Goal Inter Chapter Goal: 14/300 Events Goal Service Hour Goal: 1202.5/8500 Hours Goal K-Fam Relations Goal: 79/225 Events Goal CKIx Goal: 0/10 Members Goal District Project Goal: 1 signature project.

2 Signature Projects per Chapter Goal.

Governor’s Project Goal: 0 Projects.

3 Signature Projects per Chapter Goal

*These numbers are as of September 13th, 2018.

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Register here: https://goo.gl/forms/LYJtQwckJzKZLung2

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Fun, Forums, Activities, Leadership, Fellowship. These are a few of the things we experienced at Weekend Officer Workshop. Weekend Officer Workshop, more commonly known as WOW, was held at the University of Texas at Dallas on August 11th and 12th. Texas-Oklahoma CKI chapter officers from all around Texas and Oklahoma gathered together to receive training that will help them become the most efficient CKI officers their clubs have seen. With designated position training and several forum choices, your officers left well prepared for the new CKI year. You can find the resources we presented on our TX-OK Website!! Just go to Events and you can find the presentations under WOW!

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One of the most fun things we did at WOW, was listen to our Governor’s Project Chair, Brittney Handoko, give a presentation on Destination Empowerment! She showed us the facts and we left our officers well prepared to table about Destination Empowerment. Check out the cool tri-folds we created!

Weekend Officer Workshop 2018 was a blast!!

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On September 3, 2018, our chapter had the opportunity to host representatives from our International Service Partner: Up With People. 3 Staff members from the organization came to give members an overview of what the organization is and how we could join the organization. All three representatives had been able to be a part in the show and travel the world.

They were able to share the best parts of traveling and staying with host families. One of the individuals actually got to travel throughout her home country which as she stated, “was eye-opening.� She stated that she never knew how much her community needed individuals to give back and all the opportunities that were available to her. Community service is a huge part of this organization as well as opportunities for travel and scholarship for school. Another one of the representatives, through Up With People, was able to be start the process of getting his own personal music on iTunes.

Being a member of Circle K while in college, was always difficult especially when doing service projects or events that coordinate with our International Service Partner. After being visited by the organization and hearing them speak to my club, it was extremely transparent about how this service partner is very relevant. I cannot wait to attend their show in Stillwater, Oklahoma in the end of September.

Submitted by, An Oklahoma State CKI member.

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Ever since I was elected as vice president of UT Arlington’s CKI club, I’ve had nothing but fun experiences. I attended Weekend Officer Workshop this past summer and I got the chance to connect with officers across the Texas-Oklahoma district. They made my experience great as we participated in icebreakers, did service projects, and ate a bunch of food (I’m looking at you UTD ha-ha)! The district board did a great job highlighting the things that our own CKI clubs should do and I took many valuable lessons home with me.

After WOW, UTA’s CKI officer board and I worked hard to plan events for the upcoming year, including socials, fundraisers, and of course, service events! I’ve made some really great friends and awesome moments thought Circle K and I want to continue serving my own community with even more people. I plan on continuing the legacy that the past officers left and to create new traditions that the future of Circle K can carry on. I’m so excited to give our new (and returning members) an experience that is just as amazing as I had during my first year of Circle K. Most of all, I’m ecstatic to show people what CKI is all about: You “Live to serve, Love to serve”.

Submitted by, Peter Nguyen UTA ‘20

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Thanks for Reading the 2nd edition of the T-O Today 2018-2019!!