Circling the
Empire
- Issue one -
Circling the Empire | Issue One 4 Editor’s Note 5-7 Article Series: What is your favorite part about service? 8-9 Select service spotlights 10-11 DLSSP review
Editor’s Note
Hello there! As you might be able to tell by the title of this section, I am your 2018-2019 District Editor. But I’m not interested in telling you about myself; I want to hear about you. Circling the Empire is all about the cool stuff that you and servants like yourself are doing for your communities. All the service events, the fellowships, all the things that make Circle K one of the most unique and diverse organizations on the planet. I am privileged, then, to be a member of a Circle K club within the New York District, and to be able to learn from members with wide backgrounds and fervent ideas. Our district is one of diversity, inclusion, and esteem; a great part to an awesome whole. In Circling the Empire, you will find a small, representative but certainly not exhaustive subset of the service projects that have been underway in the New York District this past semester. As well, you will be able to take a look at our Article Series: An opinion column written by the talented writers of the New York Circle K community. A huge thanks to these individuals for contributing their insights!
Article Series
``
What is your favorite part about Service?
Emily Patalano Binghamton University The Kiwanis Family has been a huge part of my life ever since I was a member of Key Club in high school. While being an active member of Key Club, I saw how this organization has the power to bring together people of all backgrounds, and unite everyone on the common ground of service and fellowship. Key Club proved to be an influential and important component of my high school experience, and because of these things, I have always cherished Kiwanis International’s goal of making the world a better place. Due to the positive experiences that Key Club provided, I joined Binghamton University Circle K my freshman year of college. Circle K automatically felt like a comfortable space where everyone could speak his or her mind, and everyone had the ability to make a difference! As I became more immersed in the club, I saw the extent to which each member expresses a certain passion for service and how everyone works together to contribute to positive change. Everyone is valued and everyone’s opinions are respected. This solidarity is something I hold very close to my heart, and is one of the main reasons why Circle K has positively impacted my college career. I value the hope that Circle K promotes in and of itself. Circle K cultivates the hope within ourselves that we all have the ability to positively impact the world in which we live. Circle K’s encouragement of service, fellowship, and leadership allows us to see the influence we hold and just how we can change what we can now, and improve things for the future. Circle K really is family. We all are there for each other, and work together towards the goal of making a difference. We can rely on each other after a long day of classes and other responsibilities we have as both young adults and students. Our common values of giving back and promoting positive change unite us and further motivate us to do the best we can in helping our local campus and community. Circle K shapes each of us into a powerful force of empathy and leadership, and this is why Circle K means the world to me.
Mackenzie Nish Canisius College The notion of “giving back” is one that is taught to many of us in childhood. Family members, religious leaders, and school teachers show us that we have the power to relieve need in the world in little instances of contribution. I have completed service hours since I was in my teens. Many of my early experiences consisted of required time for a program or an assignment I had my eyes set on completing. In these instances, I was helping others by giving my time. I was contributing to their efforts. Looking back, however, I realize that I did not always give my full effort in doing so. Most of the time I simply walked through the motions of service as if I were completing another chore. There are a few Jesuit ideals that have brought me to recognize this about my past: Magis and Solidarity. Magis: This is a Latin term that translates to “more.” However, it is meant to be interpreted as the idea of delving deeper into the experiences and people in our lives. The proverb “Quality over quantity” is an accurate way of understanding this term. Solidarity: There is a phrase that is commonly used around Jesuit colleges which expresses this notion perfectly. It states that we can be “Men and Women with and for Others.” Not only do we serve a community in need, but we can relate to those a part of it in ways not often thought of. Through service with my college (Go Canisius Griffs!), I have adopted the practice of engaging in reflection after events in my life. Taking moments to think about the interactions of a service day usually reveals more than expected. At Circle K, we often measure how many members we have and how many hours of service our organization has completed. Hearing this data makes me realize that my service is collectively making a major impact with thousands of others that share similar values with me Yet, I think there is a deeper realization that all of us can make more frequently. 5 minutes of reflection: That is all it can take to open our world evermore. Asking those around us how their lives are impacted in relation to our service and the need for it, learning about the mission of others doing service, realizing that there is much to learn from all of those we interact with during service; In these, I believe we are enriched and grown as human beings. To me, service is not just giving back. Service is a chance to remember the importance of our own lives as well as others.
David Ip CCNY Like many other Circle K’ers, I was first introduced to the K-Family in Key Club. During my four years in high school, I went to various events, such as soup kitchens, walks, and park clean-ups. In my home club, there were only a select few individuals who were actually passionate about volunteer service. Most of the members only cared about fulfilling the requirements for our school’s “honors society”. They did not care about helping others, they only wanted to help themselves. In my senior year, we did not have a single volunteer event, which was disheartening for me. I thought to myself, “Is this how all people think about volunteer service? To be selfish? Conceited?” I enjoyed helping others during these volunteer events. Did no one else share these feelings with me? I honestly did not know that “service meant to me”. When I started my first year of college, I went to the club fair and saw Circle K, and hesitantly signed up. I thought that, just like in high school, the members of Circle K wouldn’t share my passion for volunteering. However, in college, volunteer service isn’t mandatory. I always tell new members; if students are doing volunteer service in college, it means that they are good people. The turning point in my volunteer service career was during my first Circle K event, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. Even though I was still new to the club, I was greeted warmly by Viktoriya and Danny. After a day of screaming and cheering, I finally realized what service meant to me. Service is not only just helping others. Service also means bonding with people with the same ideals and feelings as you. At meetings and other events, I was included and treated like family. I love volunteer service because I love being with my closest friends while making a positive impact. As an editor and a webmaster, I will do all in my power to include new members into the Circle K family, just like they did with me!
Service / Spotlight
KEEN The Capital, Iroquois, Seneca, Southern Tier, and Western divisions all joined together for a day of service and fellowship in the Rochester community! After 6 hours of service in the morning, there were relay races and a pie-in-the-face fundraiser. $90 was raised and donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! The Capital, Iroquois, Seneca, Southern Tier, and Western divisions all joined together for a day of service and fellowship in the Rochester community! After 6 hours of service in the morning, there were relay races and a pie-in-the-face fundraiser. $90 was raised and donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! The Capital, Iroquois, Seneca, Southern Tier, and Western divisions all joined together for a day of service and fellowship in the Rochester community! After 6 hours of service in the morning, there were relay races and a pie-in-the-face fundraiser. $90 was raised and donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! The Capital, Iroquois, Seneca, Southern Tier, and Western divisions all joined together for a day of service and fellowship in the Rochester community! After 6 hours of service in the morning, there were relay races and a pie-in-the-face fundraiser. $90 was raised and donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! The Capital, Iroquois, Seneca, Southern Tier, and Western divisions all joined together for a day of service and fellowship in the Rochester community! After 6 hours of service in the morning, there were relay races and a pie-in-the-face fundraiser. $90 was raised and donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! On Saturday, September 29th, Fordham Circle K went to KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) Sports located in the Bronx. The main goal of KEEN is to make sure all children are accepted, and to have volunteers connect with children who have disabilities. KEEN is able to achieve this goal by allowing children with special needs to participate in non-competitive sports and other activities tailored to their needs on a one-on-one basis with volunteers. The students from Fordham Circle K which attended were able to play in the gym or do arts and crafts in the classroom, successfully carrying out KEEN’s mission.
Serve-A-Thon
gg
The Capital, Iroquois, Seneca, Southern Tier, and Western divisions all joined together for a day of service and fellowship in the Rochester community! After 6 hours of service in the morning, there were relay races and a pie-in-the-face fundraiser. $90 was raised and donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! The Capital, Iroquois, Seneca, Southern Tier, and Western divisions all joined together for a day of service and fellowship in the Rochester community! After 6 hours of service in the morning, there were relay races and a pie-in-the-face fundraiser. $90 was raised and donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! The Capital, Iroquois, Seneca, Southern Tier, and Western divisions all joined together for a day of service and fellowship in the Rochester community! After 6 hours of service in the morning, there were relay races and a pie-in-the-face fundraiser. $90 was raised and donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! The Capital, Iroquois, Seneca, Southern Tier, and Western divisions all joined together for a day of service and fellowship in the Rochester community! After 6 hours of service in the morning, there were relay races and a pie-in-the-face fundraiser. $90 was raised and donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! The Capital, Iroquois, Seneca, Southern Tier, and Western divisions all joined together for a day of service and fellowship in the Rochester community! After 6 hours of service in the morning, there were relay races and a pie-in-the-face fundraiser. $90 was raised and donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! The Capital, Iroquois, Seneca, Southern Tier, and Western divisions all joined together for a day of service and fellowship in the Rochester community! After 6 hours of service in the morning, there were relay races and a pie-in-the-face fundraiser. $90 was raised and donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention!
Buffalo Day of Service On October 20th, UB Circle K hosted, Buffalo International Day Of Service where over 70 Circle K’ers from all over the district came to Buffalo for a day of service and fellowship. Circle K members started off the day volunteering at organizations throughout the Buffalo area from cleaning a SWAMP to raking leaves and even gardening. Later in the day, everyone got together for some BBQ food and fellowship activities. Circle K members spent the evening making candy apples, painting pumpkins, followed by some service projects benefiting the local area. Thank you to everyone who participated and stay tuned for next year! On October 20th, UB Circle K hosted, Buffalo International Day Of Service where over 70 Circle K’ers from all over the district came to Buffalo for a day of service and fellowship. Circle K members started off the day volunteering at organizations throughout the Buffalo area from cleaning a SWAMP to raking leaves and even gardening. Later in the day, everyone got together for some BBQ food and fellowship activities. Circle K members spent the evening making candy apples, painting pumpkins, followed by some service projects benefiting the local area. Thank you to everyone who participated and stay tuned for next year!
DLSSP
[District Large Scale Service Project]
New York District’s largest annual service project.
This past September, attendees of DLSSP 2018 were able to take a quick break away from the pressures of college life and inhale the crisp cool air of Kamp Kiwanis, a foundation established to provide the camp life experience for special populations, such as youths with disabilities. With increasing numbers in both attendance and service hours, members joined in the ultimate paying it forward experience by coming together to clean up and prepare Kamp Kiwanis for the upcoming winter. In a moment of stress and consistent future re-analysis, DLSSP was able to ground attendees by reminding them of what is ultimately important at the end of the day; that being support for our communities, for our friends, and for ourselves. This past September, attendees of DLSSP 2018 were able to take a quick break away from the pressures of college life and inhale the crisp cool air of Kamp Kiwanis, a foundation established to provide the camp life experience for special populations, such as youths with disabilities. With increasing numbers in both attendance and service hours, members joined in the ultimate paying it forward experience by coming together to clean up and prepare Kamp Kiwanis for the upcoming winter. In a moment of stress and consistent future re-analysis, DLSSP was able to ground attendees by reminding them of what is ultimately important at the end of the day; that being support for our communities, for our friends, and for ourselves. This past September, attendees of DLSSP 2018 were able to take a quick break away from the pressures of college life and inhale the crisp cool air of Kamp Kiwanis, a foundation established to provide the camp life experience for special populations, such as youths with disabilities. With increasing numbers in both attendance and service hours, members joined in the ultimate paying it forward experience by coming together to clean up and prepare Kamp Kiwanis for the upcoming winter. In a moment of stress and consistent future re-analysis, DLSSP was able to ground attendees by reminding them of what is ultimately important at the end of the day; that being support, support for our communities, for our friends, and for ourselves. This past September, attendees of DLSSP 2018 were able to take a quick break away from the pressures of college life and inhale the crisp cool air of Kamp Kiwanis, a foundation established to provide the camp life experience for special populations, such as youths with disabilities. With increasing numbers in both attendance and service hours, members joined in the ultimate paying it forward experience by coming together to clean up and prepare Kamp Kiwanis for the upcoming winter. In a moment of stress and consistent future re-analysis, DLSSP was able to ground attendees by reminding them of what is ultimately important at the end of the day; that being support, support for our communities, for our friends, and for ourselves. This past September, attendees of DLSSP 2018 were able to take a quick break away from the pressures of college life and inhale the crisp cool air of Kamp Kiwanis, a foundation established to provide the camp life experience for special populations, such as youths with disabilities. With increasing numbers in both attendance and service hours, members joined in the ultimate paying it forward experience by coming together to clean up and prepare Kamp Kiwanis for the upcoming winter. In a moment of stress and consistent future re-analysis, DLSSP was able to ground attendees by reminding them of what is ultimately important at the end of the day; that being support, support for our communities, for our friends, and for ourselves. This past September, attendees of DLSSP 2018 were able to take a quick break away from the pressures of college life and inhale the crisp cool air of Kamp Kiwanis, a foundation established to provide the camp life experience for special populations, such as youths with disabilities. With increasing numbers in both attendance and service hours, members joined in the ultimate paying it forward experience by coming together to clean up and prepare Kamp Kiwanis for the upcoming winter. In a moment of stress and consistent future re-analysis, DLSSP was able to ground attendees by reminding them of what is ultimately important at the end of the day; that being support, support for our communities, for our friends, and for ourselves. This past September, attendees of DLSSP 2018 were able to take a quick break away from the pressures of college life and inhale the crisp cool air of Kamp Kiwanis, a foundation established to provide the camp life experience for special populations, such as youths with disabilities. With increasing numbers in both attendance and service hours, members joined in the ultimate paying it forward experience by coming together to clean up and prepare Kamp Kiwanis for the upcoming winter. In a moment of stress and consistent future re-analysis, DLSSP was able to ground attendees by reminding them of what is ultimately important at the end of the day; that being support, support for our communities, for our friends, and for ourselves. This past September, attendees of DLSSP 2018 were able to take a quick break away from the pressures of college life and inhale the crisp cool air of Kamp Kiwanis, a foundation established to provide the camp life experience for special populations, such as youths with disabilities. With increasing numbers in both attendance and service hours, members joined in the ultimate paying it forward experience by coming together to clean up and prepare Kamp Kiwanis for the upcoming winter. In a moment of stress and consistent future re-analysis, DLSSP was able to ground attendees by reminding them of what is ultimately important at the end of the day; that being support, support for our communities, for our friends, and for ourselves. This past September, attendees of DLSSP 2018 were able to take a quick break away from the pressures of college life and inhale the crisp cool air of Kamp Kiwanis, a foundation established to provide the camp life experience for special populations, such as youths with disabilities. With increasing numbers in both attendance and service hours, members joined in the ultimate paying it forward experience by coming together to clean up and prepare Kamp Kiwanis for the upcoming winter. In a moment of stress and consistent future re-analysis, DLSSP was able to ground attendees by reminding them of what is ultimately important at the end of the day, that being support: Support for our communities, for our friends, and for ourselves.
ďšť
- Viktoriya Borisova, Conferences and Conventions Co-Chair
nycirclek.org