Division 37's Proud Kiwanians Are Involved . . .
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. . . in our communities, and the world. Among our many diverse projects are those:
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helping to eliminate the devastating effects of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), the world's leading preventable cause of mental retardation. More than 1.5 billion people are at risk of suffering IDD because they do not receive enough iodine in their diet. But, because of Kiwanis' efforts, many parents who have been affected by IDD are able to watch their children grow up healthy, reach their full physical and mental potential, and benefit every future generation.
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. . . helping abandoned orphans in Romania. These boys and girls are released from orphanages each year as they reach young adulthood. Without jobs and lacking social and technical skills necessary to become productive members of the local economy, these children were literally turned out into the streets to fend for themselves in whatever way possible. Division 37's Kiwanians built a trade school for boys and is building a transition house for girls.
- . . . helping to solve literacy deficiencies in San Diego County by providing free books for at risk children through our Division-wide Treasure Chest Literacy Campaign.
A typical Division 37 Kiwanis club is a snapshot of its community, with members from all walks of life and at every step of the career ladder. These men and women are unified in their belief that children and their local communities benefit from the efforts of a proficient group of caring and involved volunteers. In a typical year, our clubs invest countless hours and dollars in communities around the world. Through these efforts, the proud members of Division 37's Kiwanis clubs leave lasting impressions on future generations.
Division 37's proud Kiwanians, with guidance and support from our Lieutenant Governor, the California-Nevada-Hawaii District leadership, and Kiwanis International, are involved in many projects throughout San Diego County. Guided by six permanent Objects, our members view their role within their respective communities with a great deal of foresight. Key aspects to operating an effective club include leaders and members capable of:
● Evaluating both children's issues and community needs on an ongoing basis,
● Conducting service projects to respond to those identified needs, and
● Maintaining an active membership of people who have both the desire and ability to serve their community.
Club meetings traditionally are conducted once a week and offer an atmosphere of fun, learning, and fellowship. In addition to attending the meetings, the typical Kiwanian volunteers each month to assist with club service projects.
These service projects often are linked to the Kiwanis program, "Young Children: Priority One". This initiative places continuing focus on the needs of children in pediatric trauma, safety, child care, early development, infant health, nutrition, and parenting skills. Division 37 clubs have long played an important role in contributing to Childrens Hospital in San Diego, California.
Service projects also address other needs within our communities, such as working to stop substance abuse, helping the elderly, promoting literacy, supporting youth sports and recreation, responding to disasters, and supporting specific persons in need.
Building the Future, One Child at a Time
We also play a special role in developing future generations of leaders. K-Kids clubs at the elementary school level, Builders Clubs in middle school and junior highs, Key Clubs in high schools, and Circle K clubs at the collegiate level all are Kiwanis organizations that teach community service and leadership skills to young people in Division 37's communities. In addition, Aktion Clubs are made up of adults with mental and physical disabilities who enthusiastically perform service to help others.
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