One Child at a Time

Before I go speak at an organized group, I try to do as much research as possible and see if and how my story can relate to their cause or what they are all about. After receiving a call asking me to speak at the Dodge City Kiwanis Club, I wanted to find out more what they were about so I turned to Google.

Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, MI and has grown to more than 8,400 clubs in 96 nations. The Kiwanis are dedicated to changing the world, one child at a time. Up until 2005, their motto has been “We Build”, but in 2005, the Kiwanis adopted a new slogan, “Serving the Children of the World.”

Some of their values include “to give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life; to encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships; to provide, through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service, and to build better communities; and to develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive, and serviceable citizenship.”

I felt like this was a great opportunity for me because my platform for Ms. Wheelchair Kansas deals directly with kids, especially the preteens and teenagers, and so I was super excited for September 11 to roll around.

Dad joined me on this appearance and after we ate, the bell rang and the Kiwanis meeting was in session. After some quick business, I was up and I had the opportunity to tell my story and present my platform of empowering youth to define themselves.

Although there wasn’t a huge crowd, I had a great time and truly enjoyed myself. It was a great opportunity and I hope to be able to get involved with such a great organization!