THEESPRESSO
KEYCLUB
THEOFFICIALPUBLICATIONOFTHEPACIFIC NORTHWESTDISTRICT
FALL2025
VOL.36 ISSUE2
KEY CLUB?
Where I come from, most people that you see on the street or in the halls have never heard of Key Club before. When people learn that I am the Key Club Division 54 Lieutenant Governor, the most common reaction is something along the lines of, “Oh, is that like a typing club?” or “I didn’t know there was a club dedicated to making keys!” Of course, Key Club has nothing to do with typing or locksmithing; it is actually the single largest high school community service organization in the world, boasting over 270,000 members in 30+ countries! Such a massive organization seems like it would be a challenge to coordinate and manage efficiently, but our outstanding student leaders keep everything running smoothly. Two incredible members deserve a special shoutout: Pacific Northwest District Governor Gavin Ahumada and International President Isabella Baldisseri (who is also from the Pacific Northwest District!).
Of course, the backbone of our organization is not stellar management, but rather stellar members. When thinking about organization, one can divide Key Club into a sort of upside-down pyramid structure, arranged by the amount of people in each category, with members at the top. Because of these wonderful members, Key Club International has a global total of over 12 million service hours, and with your help, these numbers grow day by day.This grandiose number would not be possible without a strong and hard-working Key Club community that anyone, no matter their background or circumstances, can be a part of.
Key Club, however, is so much more than just the sum of its parts. Through tight-knit friendships and bonds forged from leadership, character building, caring, and inclusiveness (the four main values of Key Club), our organization provides a space to grow, both personally and socially. When I joined my home Key Club in freshman year, I was immediately welcomed into the fold by scores of the best students in my high school, who were eager to be my friends and stimulate my growth. I have met some of my closest friends by joining Key Club, and I would recommend the same to anyone and everyone considering becoming a member. If you are already a member, don’t think for a second that this is the end of your Key Club journey. By taking a role in your club’s officer board, you can serve your members as well as your immediate community. Further leadership roles can include serving on your District Board as a Lieutenant Governor, which is my position and comes highly recommended; the Executive Board, who serve their District and their Lieutenant Governors; and even the International Board, made up of International Trustees, the Vice President, and the President of Key Club International. No matter how you want to get involved, know that Key Club will support you every step of the way!
-CHARLIEBALES-CHARLIEBALES
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF DIVISON 54
KEY CLUB
I first joined Key Club when I was a freshman. My geometry teacher was the advisor of my school club, and my friend wanted to go to a meeting. Never would I have imagined following my friend to one meeting could impact my life so much. Prior to becoming a Lieutenant Governor, I went all over my hometown volunteering from pumpkin patches in the fall to volunteering at Love Santa. an organization that provides gifts to families during the holidays. At Love Santa I helped sign families up to receive gifts and distributed those gifts. Signing the families up changed my perspective on Key Club. Prior to that, most of the volunteer work I did was just supervising activities or giving directions, but this volunteering opportunity impacted me differently. Instead of directing people, I was able to talk to different families from around the Woodburn, Oregon, area and sign them up to receive holiday gifts. In the process of signing them up, I was able to see how many people would be directly impacted by Love Santa. Though I only signed up a fraction of the people receiving gifts that year, I was able to meet so many different people and hear their stories. Seeing the direct impact I had on people's lives and being able to talk to those people directly, inspired me to want to continue to serve my community on a larger scale.
The couple of days I spent helping out Love Santa have become some of my dearest memories of service. During my first term as LTG, I didn’t always believe in myself, but as I look back on the time I spent volunteering, it has helped push me to continue working as hard as I can. Now that I’ve served as LTG for multiple years, Love Santa continues to be one of my favourite events. It has become part of an ever-growing list of amazing memories of my time in Key Club. However, as my time in Key Club continues, competition for my best memory has developed. This year’s Key Club Day South is one of my favorite memories with my division because 17 members from across Division 70 joined me at KCDS. Though that number might not seem like a ton, in the past two years that is the most people ever from Division 70 to participate in KCDS. Going around Oaks Park with my division and seeing everyone laughing and having a good time despite the hot weather made me so incredibly happy. I talked to so many new Division 70 Key Clubbers and made fun and lasting memories. Though it has always been my hope, I didn’t think that during my term I would see my division this active. Now that I’ve seen this, my vision for my division has changed entirely.
Key Club has changed me for the better. I am no longer the same person I was before becoming an LTG. It has given me the opportunity to develop my public speaking skills, to develop relationships and just be part of something I never thought I would be a part of. I was, and still can be, a shy person, but being in the LTG position forced me out of my shell, and honestly I’m happy about it. The relationships I’ve developed in Key Club from the District Board to my division and to even my home club have made me so incredibly happy. Everyone I’ve met in Key Club has always been so kind and inviting. Some of the best friends I have, I met through the two boards I have served on. Every time I go to board meetings and see all my fellow board members, it strengthens my bonds with them. Though our terms aren’t very long, we are able to make lasting and strong connections. Not only have I met great people through the district board, I’ve also met great people from around my division. Since I have nine clubs (one of which is being reactivated), I’ve met so many amazing Key Clubbers. From DCMs to club visits, the people who are involved in Key Club are some of the best I’ve met. I’m happy to say I’ve been part of Key Club and am excited to finish up my last year continuing to be part of Key Club.
-EMMAGARCIA -EMMA GARCIA
LIEUTENANT
GOVERNOR
OF DIVISON 70
ICON STORY
“An entire Century of Service. I had the amazing opportunity of attending the International Convention (ICON) in Orlando, Florida, to celebrate Key Club’s 100th Birthday! This was my second time going to ICON, and this time around was probably my favorite. We spent a whole day in Disney World, bonding with one other, riding some amazing roller coasters, and engaging with Key Clubbers from all around Key Club International. We also participated in caucusing and voting at the House of Delegates, and even had the honor of electing one of our very own, immediate past PNW District Governor Isabella Baldesarri, as Key Club International President! The week was filled with fun and service, making it an unforgettable experience! Although the entire trip was a highlight of my summer there were two memories that really stick with me ‘til this day.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
The unique experience of attending ICON is the opportunity to meet people your own age who are equally invested in serving their communities. Key Clubs can be found all over the world, including the United States, the Philippines, the Caribbean, and our organization continues to grow! By far, my favorite memory was becoming friends with some members from the Caribbean-Atlantic District. Some Key Clubbers from the PNW had the chance to chat with members from Barbados, and the conversations were not only genuine and effortless but also incredibly insightful. We discovered how similar we were in terms of likes and dislikes, shared our experiences in school and how they differed from those in the States, and connected over our shared love for our communities. This experience broadened my perspective and allowed me to make friends from hundreds of miles away.
Another memory that really stuck with me, and that I was initially nervous about, was the Global Leadership Certificate (GLC) Master Class. For those who may not be familiar, the GLC is an online program offering over 40 free courses designed for Key Clubbers to develop leadership skills and knowledge for leading in various environments. The Master Class brought together participants from all across Key Club, but one of the first things they did was separate us into different tables, ensuring we weren't sitting with people from the same district. For me, this was pretty nerve-wracking, and I was quite closed off at first. However, it wasn’t until the "Change Agent" activity that I started to feel more involved and actually began to enjoy myself. We worked together at each table to create a presentation within an hour to solve an issue in a local community and how people our age can help. I won’t lie, it was challenging, but it was also very rewarding and eye opening. The various perspectives and ideas created a unique presentation that I could not have made alone. After presenting we were connected in a way that we could not have done without the pressure and collaboration with a diverse group of students. The GLC Master Class pushed us out of our comfort zones and helped us to grow into better leaders.
Key Club’s International Convention is an opportunity I wish all Key Clubbers could experience. As I reflect on my memories from ICON it becomes clear just how much it has shaped my growth as a person and as a leader. Whether it was bonding with new friends from the Caribbean-Atlantic District or working through complex problems with a group of strangers turned teammates, each experience reminded me of the power of service, collaboration, and community. From these unforgettable moments it has made my journey in Key Club an impactful one. As I move forward, I carry with me not just the lessons I've learned, but the friendships and connections that will continue to inspire me long after Key Club.”
From June 30th to July 6th, I had the opportunity to attend the Key Club International Convention (ICON) in Orlando, Florida. The trip began bright and early on June 30th with an 8 a.m. flight out of Portland Airport. After arriving in Orlando, our district gathered for dinner at the House of Blues in Disney Springs. Sharing that first meal together set the tone for the rest of the week, exciting, energetic, and filled with connection. The next day, we explored Disneyland with a park hopper pass, which allowed us to try rides in every park. Even when the rain started pouring down, the day was unforgettable because I was surrounded by friends, laughter, and the kind of fun that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself.
July 2nd marked the official start of ICON. Registration gave us the chance to meet members from other districts and begin trading pins, which quickly became one of my favorite parts of the convention. The opening session was welcoming and energizing, with keynote speakers who inspired us to think about our roles as leaders. On July 3rd, the convention picked up speed with the candidate meet-and-greet, where I had the chance to personally speak with candidates running for International Trustee, Vice President, and President. Later in the day, we moved into caucusing, listening to speeches from each candidate. That evening, we attended the recognition session, where members and leaders from across Key Club were celebrated. It was especially meaningful to see three members from the Pacific Northwest receive the Robert F. Lucas Award, our district governor recognized as Distinguished Governor, our treasurer as Distinguished Treasurer, and our editor as Distinguished Editor. It was also special to see past Key of Honor recipients recognized again during Key Club’s 100th birthday celebration, giving them a moment in the spotlight.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
On July 4th, I attended workshops and took part in the Global Leadership Certificate Masterclass. It was amazing to see the lessons we had studied online brought to life through interactive activities and group discussions. The following day, July 5th, was the House of Delegates, which was a highlight of the entire convention. This was when we witnessed the voting process for international officers, watched amendments being decided, and experienced the official business that guides Key Club International. It was eye-opening to see how decisions are made and to feel a part of that history. The day wrapped up with a closing session and the President’s Dance, where everyone came together one last time to celebrate the week.
Finally, on July 6th, it was time to head home. Leaving Orlando was bittersweet, since it meant saying goodbye to new friends and the incredible atmosphere of ICON. The convention was not just about sessions or workshops; it was about connection. I met people from all over the world, including Key Clubbers from Barbados, and it was inspiring to hear about their clubs and compare experiences. Every day held something new, whether it was leadership lessons, recognition of service, or simply laughter with friends in the middle of a rainstorm. Looking back, ICON was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in Key Club. If you ever get the chance to attend, I would highly recommend it. It is not just an event, it is a reminder of how powerful service and community can be when people from everywhere come together.
-HUMNA MUKHTAR -HUMNA MUKHTAR
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF DIVISON 18
MEMBERSHIP
Hey Key Clubbers! It’s that time of year again… school’s starting! While summer’s over and we have to go back to classes every day, we can de-stress and have fun at Key Club! As we get to this time of year, Membership Growth is super important to keep your Key Club strong.
The “Bring a Buddy System” is a great and easy way to gain members. As a club officer, implement systems where you count how many new friends each current member brings by having them write down the name of the friend they brought to the meeting that day. Offer incentives and ask those newly invited to become official members by paying their dues!
Building a community is another important aspect for Clubmaxxing. Get to know each of your members personally. Make sure you go around speaking to different members and get to know them better. This makes members know that they are valued as Key Club members - something which maxes your club’s service potential. Make sure that everyone feels included. Key Club is all about inclusion and making sure that everyone participates and enjoys themselves while giving back to the community. Group people up together randomly and make sure everyone has someone to talk to, something to do, and has a way to participate.
-SVANIKBOSE -SVANIK BOSE
In order to get Key Club out there, you have to promote, promote, promote! Use all resources possible so that more people know about the awesome things that Key Club does. Utilize social media by making lots of reels and posts for service events and meetings. Use your school’s newsletter, newspapers, TV’s, or morning announcements to promote events and meetings! A super effective way to get more people to come out to Key Club is to personally invite people! Scout out non-members who would make great Key Clubbers and personally ask them to attend a Key Club event.
Embrace the Key Club spirit as we gear up for the year. Do lots of service events, gain lots of members, and max out your club for greatness!
MEMBERSHIP GROWTH AND REACTIVATION CHAIR
DUES INFORMATION
Hello Key Clubbers,
As we begin the new school year, it is time to start thinking about dues for the upcoming year. For the 2025–2026 service year, dues will remain the same at $15.50 per member. This amount is divided into two parts: $10.00 for international dues and $5.50 for Pacific Northwest District dues.
Your international dues help support programs and opportunities that are available to all Key Clubbers. This includes funding initiatives such as the Youth Opportunities Fund, which provides grants for service projects. The global leadership certificate program which helps you enhance your leadership skills and tons of other resources and programs that connect members to service and leadership opportunities across Key Club International.
The district dues play a huge role in supporting our district. They help cover administrative expenses that allow the district to function effectively. Other expenses include district board travel, membership materials, and recognition opportunities such as PNWOF grants and official visits. In addition, these funds support all forms of marketing and communication that keep members informed and connected. Finally, they also allow us to provide training and education for Lieutenant Governors, ensuring that each division has strong, prepared leaders.
Paying dues is an investment in your future. An investment in the experiences, resources, and opportunities that make Key Club so impactful. By continuing your membership, you help maintain the programs that empower our members to serve their communities, build leadership skills, and connect with students across the district and the world.
TRICK OR TREAT
Happy Fall, Key Clubbers! My name is Sawyer Sullivan and I currently serve as your 2025-2026 PNW District UNICEF Champion. Along with my role as UNICEF Champion, I also serve as the Lieutenant Governor for Division 26 and the PNW Kiwanis-Family Relations Committee Chair. As your UNICEF Champion, I work to strengthen our district’s connection with our international partner, UNICEF, by highlighting our current programs and initiatives. While Key Clubbers are already serving this spooky season, you can make an even bigger impact by donating to UNICEF. Whether it be with the iconic Trick or Treat for UNICEF Boxes or through creative Halloween-themed fundraisers, every contribution counts! Keep reading to learn how you can best support our international partner, UNICEF.
The United Nations Children’s Fund, better known as UNICEF, has been a Key Club International partner since 1994, and since then, our collaboration has benefited children in need around the world. In recent years, our partnership has been focused on the ‘Start Strong: Zambia’ initiative. This initiative will provide Zambian children with the resources they need to have a strong start in childhood development. The funds donated to UNICEF through Start Strong: Zambia will be used to build community learning centers called ‘insakas.’ These insakas are community spaces where children can come to learn, play, and grow during their most important developmental years.
This October, Key Clubbers can fundraise for UNICEF’s annual initiative, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. This initiative takes place throughout the month of October and encourages Halloween-themed fundraisers to support UNICEF’s current programs like Start Strong: Zambia. A great way to gather funds is through your typical fundraiser. Anything from a Halloweenthemed bake sale, pumpkin sale and carving, or even a costume contest! While these fundraisers are a tried and true way to collect money for a great cause, they aren’t the only ones!
Another classic way to raise money for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is with their iconic orange boxes. These orange boxes can be purchased for free on the Kiwanis Online Store, with the only cost for Key Clubbers being shipping. Once the boxes are purchased, Key Clubbers will simply go door-to-door on Halloween seeking donations for UNICEF. Make sure to explain to neighbors that their contributions will benefit children all over the world! For digital donors, they can scan the QR codes on the sides of the boxes or donate directly through the Key Club International Website.
Once you have gathered all the money that you are going to donate, follow these steps to make sure it is properly labeled so that it can be tracked as a donation from your club! First, convert cash to a check or money order, you will likely need the support of an adult for this. Then, make the check payable to Kiwanis Children’s Fund (your school’s bookkeeper can assist you with this) Next, complete the gift form from Key Club International. Finally, send the check to Kiwanis Children’s Fund, P.O. Box 6457 - Dept #286, Indianapolis, IN 46206 USA and include “Trick or Treat” and your club number on the check’s memo line. After following these steps, you will have sent your donation to UNICEF to benefit those in need! For any further information, visit the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF page on the KCI Website or last year’s Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF post.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at ltg26@pnwkeyclub.org or our International Programs and Partners Chair Grace Nelson at gmnelson@keyclub.org.
-SAWYERSULLIVAN -SAWYER SULLIVAN
KIWANIS FAMILY RELATIONS CHAIR
DCON UPDATE
Hi Key Clubbers!
While it may not seem very soon, one of the most exciting events of the Key Club year is just six months away! Mark your calendars for March 6–8, 2026, because the Pacific Northwest District will be hosting its 76th Annual District Convention (DCON) in Portland, Oregon, right on the waterfront!
For those who haven’t experienced DCON before, this is the weekend where Key Clubbers from across the PNW—Alaska, Canada, Idaho, Northern California, Oregon, and Washington—come together to celebrate everything that makes our organization so special.
Over three amazing days, you’ll get the chance to experience: Recognition and Awards: Celebrate outstanding service and leadership achievements across our district.
Workshops & Speakers: Gain skills for personal growth, leadership, and community service. New Friendships: Meet and connect with hundreds of Key Clubbers from all over the PNW.
Spirit Battles: Show off your divisional pride in high-energy spirit competitions that bring out the best of Key Club spirit! Wear your divisional merch and get loud!
DCON is always full of learning opportunities, fun, and lots of Key Club pride! So everyone is encouraged to come to Portland Oregon this year to join in on the fun! While some may remember past DCONs at the Portland Convention Center, this year’s DCON will be held at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront, offering beautiful views of the Willamette River, greater dining options, and a more comfortable atmosphere for students to foster a weekend of growth and memories!
The District Convention Committee has been working hard to help bring DCON to life, with workshops, decorations, and a lively theme! We are very excited to announce that the theme for the 2026 PNW District Convention theme will be “Swinging into Service No.76”! This year's District Convention is a celebration of service, spirit and connection. The convention will incorporate lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and tropical sunrises and sunsets. You will be immersed in safari scenes, in which you can find elephants stomping in the grasslands, tigers lounging in the shade, or toucans soaring through the treetops. From the ocean, forests, jungles and skies, the PNW invites you to come swing into this year of service!
If you have any questions regarding DCON, please feel free to reach out to me at convention@pnwkeyclub.org, and I look forward to seeing you all very soon!
DISTRICT CONVENTION CHAIR
Hey Key Clubbers!
Does your club have an impactful service project idea but lack the funds to execute it? Well, you're in luck because the Pacific Northwest Opportunities Fund (PNWOF) Grant application is open for the 2025-2026 service year! PNWOF is a District-wide grant program that provides dues-paid clubs with the opportunity to help fund the costs of an original or pre-existing service project that aims to benefit the District Project, Ronald McDonald House Charities, or the applicant’s community at large. The grant covers up to ⁄ of the cost, and grants can range from $100 to $1,000. If your club has ambitions to make a long-lasting impact on your community, but your financial situation doesn’t allow you to fund such a project, PNWOF is the perfect program for you! The PNWOF application is now open and closes on October 31st, 2026. Recipients will be notified in mid to late November and winners are officially announced to the District at the 2026 District Convention in Portland Oregon!
There are 4 sections to the PNWOF application. The first is information about the applicant and contact information. The second section provides information about the project itself. This will be the type of project you plan to execute and what you hope to accomplish with it. In section 3 you will need to provide more specific information about the project such as the timeline, budget, and materials needed. In the final section you will be asked for signatures and to review application contacts.
If your club is interested in applying for a PNWOF grant, be sure to have an in depth discussion about the project with your club officer board, Faculty and Kiwanis Advisors, and your sponsoring Kiwanis Club beforehand. Your advisors and local Kiwanis clubs can be a valuable resource in helping you plan or execute your project, so be sure to keep them in the loop. Don’t forget, you will also need signatures of approval from them at the end of the application. During the planning process, you may need to delegate tasks to your fellow officers, ask questions of your advisors, and email facility or school coordinators. Remember to be concise with your communications, but also very clear about what you need. If you delegate tasks to someone, remember to check in on them before the task is due! As always, stay respectful and remember to be gracious.
-ANDREA GONZALEZ -ANDREA GONZALEZ
GOVERNOR UPDATE
Hello, PNW Key Clubbers!
I hope your start to the school year has been associated with new opportunities and reconnection with your school community.
This fall, I am immensely excited to celebrate the impact of Key Club Days 2025! The Virtual Kickoff witnessed nearly 100 attendees, while the in-person programs collectively reached over 400 PNW Key Clubbers. We hope you enjoyed the opportunity to learn, network, and serve! If you did not have the opportunity to attend Key Club Days—or if you did, and want to attend an event even more grand than these—I implore you to begin planning for DCON 2026. We have much to look forward to in the PNW!
Throughout our district, student leaders are working incredibly hard to broaden our impact. Most prominently, the PNW Key Club standing committees are dedicating significant time to webinar preparation. A successful District Project Webinar in August will soon be followed by a PNWOF Webinar on September 17, at 7:00 PM. During late September, the MGRC will be hosting a membership webinar, while the DCON committee is excited for the Call to Convention Webinar in early October. Keep an eye out for the registration links for these webinars, which will provide you the information you need to enjoy a successful service year!
As we begin the school year, I encourage you to identify your goals. Do you perhaps want to commit to serving a certain number of service hours per month? Or do you want to plan and execute at least one service project every other week? Developing a plan for your year will ensure that you do not become lost in the chaos of the fall.
For many Key Clubbers, the fall is a time of college preparation. If you are beginning your college application process—and even if you are just beginning your high school journey—I urge you to be the most authentic version of yourself. Every individual is uniquely extraordinary. Only by being our true selves can we grow into more effective servant leaders, and only by sharing our unique strengths can we forge a greater community. Do not forget to enjoy this process, too! Your journey is your own, and this should be a source of joy.
As a final reminder, DCON 2026 will occur from March 6-8, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. While this event seems distant, the registration deadline, February 1, 2026, will be upon us very quickly. Consider hosting a few fundraisers to ensure your members can attend DCON regardless of financial barriers. With over 30 workshops, a wellness race, an inspiring election process, abundant networking opportunities, spirit competitions, and more, this is an event you DO NOT want to miss. On behalf of the PNW District Board, we look forward to meeting you at DCON 2026!
Throughout this service year, please do not hesitate to contact me at governor@pnwkeyclub.org if you have any questions, concerns, ideas or feedback—or if you just need a friend. Have an excellent fall, PNW Key Club!
SECRETARY UPDATE
Hello, Pacific Northwest Key Club!
I hope you had a fun-filled summer and are energized for the school year ahead. As we transition back into the school year, take some time to refresh your time management skills and set some goals.
Over the summer, clubs throughout the PNW stayed active! From Kiwanis collaborations to summer festival volunteering, I know each of you had an enriching, fun-filled summer. Meeting many of you at the in-person Key Club Days was so fun, and I can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the future.
I am also happy to announce that over the past five months, PNW Key Clubbers have contributed over 2,586 service hours and $3,129.90 in donations! We are well on our way to completing the district goals of 12,000 service hours and $10,000 raised. I thank you for your continued support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities and encourage you to continue hosting service projects, donation drives, and volunteering in-house, if possible!
In addition, remember to take full advantage of all the resources available to you! Especially for club officers, the beginning of the year is very busy with recruitment, dues, and first meetings. As Membership Growth & Reactivation Committee Executive Liaison, I of course encourage you to check out the MGRC Toolkit! The committee has been hard at work improving and adding to this toolkit to ensure your club is successful this year. I hope to see you all at the upcoming MGRC webinar, as well!
We are entering back into the busy routine of school, homework, extracurriculars, jobs, and more. I want to remind you to not lose yourself in the whirlwind that high school is. Maintain friendships, spend time with family, and give yourself time to take a break, as well. Ensure that you have a support system in place for when you may feel overwhelmed or burnt out, and remember, I am always here to support you, in a Key Club or non-Key Club way! Please reach out to secretary@pnwkeyclub.org with any questions, concerns, or just to chat. Thank you for reading, and see you soon!
-KATELYNKAWAMURA -KATELYN KAWAMURA DISTRICT SECRETARY
TREASURER UPDATE
Hello PNW Key Clubbers!
Time really does fly by when you're wrapped up in service. I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing summer! I personally spent this summer in different leadership camps as well as being a camp counselor!! As we transition back into the school year, I wanted to take a moment to share a few important updates and reminders with you.
With the new school year in full swing, I want to remind you that Key Club is what we make it. You control your future and it is forever changing. So I encourage you to approach the new school year with an open mind and the confidence to accomplish anything you set your mind to.
To our dedicated club treasurers and officers, I would like to wish you an enriching and successful school year. I would like to inform you of resources that can help you lead your clubs effectively. Some of the tools are the Budgeting and Expenses template, along with the Directory of Fundraising Ideas and Tips. These resources are available to help you in organizing your club’s finances and developing creative fundraising strategies. I hope you find these resources helpful as you navigate your roles.
I hope you all have an enriching school year and make a bunch of memories! I loved meeting so many of you at Key Club Days and cannot wait to meet even more of you at DCON 2026!!
-ANDREA GONZALEZ -ANDREA GONZALEZ
Hi, Pacific Northwest Key Club!
EDITOR UPDATE
It’s hard to believe that summer has come to an end and we are transitioning back to school. I hope you all are able to look back at your summer and remember all the amazing memories you created! Returning to school brings figuring out ways to balance our time. I wish you all the best of luck throughout this school year and I hope you found this Espresso helpful!
Additionally, if you need any more support, I highly recommend subscribing to our Biweekly Updates as they include information you could use throughout your term. To subscribe, visit our PNW Key Club website, scroll down, and press “Join Our Mailing List.” Plus, follow our Official PNW Key Club Instagram page (@pnwkeyclub) for consistent District updates!
With that being said, I’ve really enjoyed connecting with many of you at the Key Club Days! The Executive Team worked extremely hard planning these on-site events and we hope you all enjoyed them! Thank you for all your contributions towards our District Project through your donations to the Ronald McDonald House Charities wishlist!
Lastly, be on the lookout for a webinar hosted by our Kiwanis Family Relations committee, the Builders Club Webinar in November! In addition to our K-Fam Webinar we also have numerous webinars from other committees coming up; so be on the lookout!
Before I say bye, remember if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at edtior@pnwkeyclub.org!
-TIFFANY VO -TIFFANY VO DISTRICT EDITOR
KEY CLUB DAY
Key Club Day North is one of the best ways to get involved early with Key Club for this upcoming school year. During Day North, you will have the chance to connect with people from all over Washington, participate in bonding activities, and find a welcoming community of people that share a common interest in serving the local community (not to mention the rollercoasters and waterslides).
For Key Club Day North, I invited incoming freshmen interested in Key Club to the event in an effort to expose them to the community and the numerous opportunities that Key Club has to offer. One of the students I invited told me that it was a highlight of their summer, and that the social activities allowed them to move outside of their comfort zone. For those thinking of planning or attending Key Club Day North, I encourage you to challenge yourself by meeting someone new, participating in an activity that is outside of your comfort zone, and take advantage of this opportunity to learn and grow your passion for Key Club.
Personally, my most memorable experience at Key Club Day North was connecting with my division. At Day North, there are several opportunities to bond with your division, which include the lunch-talks, spirit battles, and rollercoaster experiences. It was on the rollercoaster that my friends and I filmed a reel that attracted 2 million views! If I had not agreed to film the reel and had stayed in my comfort zone, I wouldn’t have gotten to see the response and outcome. When opportunities arise, take the chance to grow!
-ANDY VO -ANDY VO
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF DIVISON 38
KEY CLUB DAY
When entering the park my club was greeted with all the rides and people inside the park. Going back to where everyone was meeting was a little nerve wracking. Seeing all the new people that were a part of the same club as me was intimidating, and I think everyone else thought the same. Even with everyone hiding in their shell my current lieutenant governor and the other lieutenant governors immediately kicked off Key Club Days South. We started with activities such as ice breakers, group games, and spirit battles. Wen the official program was done, we were able to enjoy the park for the rest of the time there.
Experiencing Key Club Days South my freshman year was nothing short of unforgettable! Held at Oaks Park in Portland, I experienced this event that consisted of members from other clubs and divisions in the southern area of the PNW District. Getting to be around these other divisions gave me the opportunity to better connect with members outside of my own division, as well as see how large and spirited our district really is. This experience also led me to a better understanding about the PNW District and the divisions within it.
Overall Key Club Days South was a very enjoyable experience for me and I hope everyone else also enjoyed this year's event. This event not only got me out of my comfort zone but also got me to connect to something much bigger than just my own club. If you didn’t end up going this year I highly encourage you to get out of your bubble and attend next year. It not only leaves you with more Key Club experience, but it also leaves you with more friends that are just as interested in this club as you are. For all of you that did attend, I'm so happy I got to see you there!
QUALM
OPPORTUNITIES
An important quality of Key Clubbers—and leaders—is the ability to visualize fantastical events and impactful projects. Unfortunately, resources can restrict these visions, particularly if a Key Clubber lacks monetary resources. The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) aims to alleviate these restrictions by providing crucial funding for Key Clubbers’ dream service projects. By applying for the Youth Opportunities Fund, you may be empowered to finally realize your vision for an impactful service project. Before applying, think about whether your project meets the following requirements:
Create Key Club member engagement.
Fulfill a need within your community. Determine that need by completing a community needs assessment. Support activities within at least one Kiwanis Children’s Fund cause area: health, education, or youth leadership development.
Spend the grant money within 12 months of when the grant is awarded.
Also, consider the following important dates: First Cycle
Application Due: October 15
Decision Date: November 15
Final Report Due: December 31 of the following year
Second Cycle:
Application Due: March 1
Decision Date: April 1
Final Report Due: April 30 of the following year
Create a club account on Foundant, KCI’s online grant management system.
Once your account is created, you can log in, then click on “Apply” and choose your preferred application language.
Below are a few key points about the Youth Opportunities Fund!
Grants are between $250 and $2,000. There are two application cycles. Grants are ONLY for Key Clubs, NOT divisions or districts.
Finally, please see below for an outline of the application process!
You will need to know the name of your Key Club, the club ID number, and the Key Club district to begin the application.
The KCI I-Board committee reviews all applications.
If your club already has a Foundant account, you will use the existing login credentials. Do not create another account if your club has previously applied via Foundant.
-GAVINAHUMADA -GAVIN AHUMADA
Grant applications will receive an email about outcomes.
A club must pay its previous year’s dues before receiving its YOF grant check. A club can only receive one grant per Key Club year.
A YOF Final Grant Report is due at the end of the grant cycle to qualify a club for future funding.
DISTRICT GOVERNOR
JOINT PROJECTS
Within Key Club there are many different types of projects. Some are fundraisers; others focus on providing a service. Some of the most important and impactful are joint service projects, involving multiple branches of the Kiwanis family or multiple Key Clubs. These joint projects can have a lasting impact, not only on the community, but also on the Key Club volunteers. They combine the social and service aspects that are two of the main pillars in a successful project.
When multiple Key Clubs work together on a joint project, they can have a greater impact because “many hands make light work.” Additionally, this is when Key Clubbers can make connections with other clubs, increasing divisional spirit and growing social circles. For club officers, this is a great time to work with other leaders and get inspiration for how you want to lead your home club. On a larger scale, there can also be projects that involve multiple divisions! This is a great opportunity for Key Clubbers to do something that benefits our District Project, Ronald McDonald House Charities, because it will bring the divisions together to work on something at the district level.
IIn addition to working with other Key Clubs, there can also be joint projects with Kiwanis Clubs! Kiwanians are a great resource for Key Clubbers because they are familiar with what the community needs and can also provide mentorship. These kinds of projects have a much more lasting impact because they turn volunteering into an experience that you can grow from, as well as being more tailored towards what your community needs. As high school students, Key Clubbers don’t always have the connections to put on larger service projects. However, with the help and resources of Kiwanians, these larger goals are much more possible.
I challenge all Key Clubs to be a part of at least one joint service project this year and see how your fellow volunteers impact you and your community.
-CHRISTINA PRESCOTT -CHRISTINA PRESCOTT
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF DIVISON 19
DISTRICT ADMIN
I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and is excited for the 2025-2026 Key Club year. By now all clubs should have a plan for projects, fundraisers, and recruitment. PNW Key Club remains committed to providing your club valuable resources and dynamic events. However, these resources and events can only be offered when dues are paid by our clubs. Dues can be paid throughout the Key Club year and clubs are encouraged to generate and pay their first invoice by November 1, 2025. Clubs needing assistance with updating their roster and paying their dues can contact treasurer@pnwkeyclub.org. As a reminder, Kiwanis International has launched Kiwanis Engage for managing the dues collection process and the new system requires everyone to reset their password. If you have trouble resetting your password, please contact 1-800-KIWANIS between 5:30 am and 1:45 p.m. Pacific TIme for further assistance. Also, if you haven't yet ordered your Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes, please do so here.
I am pleased to announce the Call to Convention will be released in October and all registration fees will be the same as DCON 2025 ($340 quad student registration; $450 double registration). DCON 2026 will take place in Portland, OR, March 6-8, 2026 at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront. In addition to the Call to Convention, you will note that 2025-2026 scholarship information for all Key Club graduating seniors will be available here. For the 2025–26 year, the PNW Kiwanis Foundation is expected to offer seven $1,000 scholarships. The deadline for submitting applications is February 1, 2026!
The 2025-26 District Convention Committee has also been working hard to incorporate your feedback from DCON 2025 including offering additional food options and more free time. We will continue to offer 35 plus workshops facilitated by professional speakers and will be inviting several new service partners and universities to participate in our Exhibit Hall. Please remember the registration deadline for DCON 2026 is Sunday, February 1, 2026. On behalf of the PNW Kiwanis Key Club Committee, Best wishes for a safe and memorable 2025-2026 Key Club year! If you have questions, please contact administrator@pnwkeyclub.org.
-BRIAN EGGER -BRIAN EGGER DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR
Isabella Baldisseri
Congratulations to Isabella Baldisseri, our immediate past District Governor, for being elected as International President! We appreciate all the work you’ve done for the PNW and we are excited to see what you do within your newrole.
INTERNATIONAL TRUSTEE
Aloha Pacific Northwest Key Club!
My name is Tyler Moran, and I have the pleasure of serving as your International Trustee for the 2025-2026 Service Year! For those who don’t know, our District Pairing consists of PNW (of course), Louisiana–Mississippi-West Tennessee, and the Kansas Districts! I am so excited to work collaboratively with my Governors and members from all over, to go above and beyond this year!
A little about me! I am a rising senior at Southwest Career and Technical Academy in the Las Vegas Valley. With prior experiences as Division 28 South’s Lieutenant Governor and a member of the Kiwanis Family and Foundation Committee for CNH. I joined the K-Fam in 2015 as a member of K-Kids and then served as Vice President of my chapter in 2017. Aside from Key Club, I am a member of Filipino Club, HOSA, NHS, FBLA, and a few more clubs on my school's campus! I am a matcha fanatic and collect Sonny Angels and Hironos!
Now for some updates! I have been appointed to the Programs and Partners Committee which focuses on engagement with the KCI Programs such as the Global Leadership Certificate (GLC) and Partners like UNICEF! I will be working closely with our Thirst Project Partner, and the Youth Opportunities Fund or the YOF Grant! I hope to further strengthen both of these to continue its success and longevity within our organization!
This year Key Club is going for goals that YOU can directly be a part of accomplishing. As we aim for a membership of 250,000 across 45+ countries, along with 1,000 ICON Attendees. I hope to continue the growth of PNW, and see many of you shine at the Lone Star International Convention 2026 in Dallas, Texas!
Beyond all of this, I want to express my gratitude to all of you. This experience of serving you guys has been such a rewarding experience thus far. It has truly shown me this organization’s impact around the world and how we as Key Clubbers unite through our differences under our mission of service. I look forward to working closely with PNW as we share ideas, serve our communities, and most importantly get to know one another!
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to reach out via Instagram @tys1uv or email (tmoran@keyclub.org). I look forward to hearing from you guys soon!
MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT PARTNERS
School house is a nonprofit organization that provides educational support to students around the world through peer-zoom tutoring. Founded by Sai Khan, the same founder as Khan Academy, Schoolhouse offers homework help along with small group tutoring sessions for math and SAT prep. You could also apply as a virtual volunteer, tutoring kids around the world
WHAT’S A MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER? WHAT’S A MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER?
Member benefit partners are meant to enrich Key Club experience through events and resources rather than being fundraisingbased like our preferred charities.
The emphasis of Erika’s Lighthouse is to make sure no young person feels alone in their depression. This nonprofit organization focuses on fostering good mental health and strives to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Ertika’s Ligthouse is dedicated to creating a community of empathy and educating students from grades 412 about such topics.
PREFERRED CHARITIES
The Thirst Project is a nonprofit organization that focuses on bringing safe drinking water to countries where it’s unavailable. This organization helps education the next generations of students with information about how they can participate in social change, making a difference, and encourages others to join in the efforts to end the global water crisis.
What makes UNICEF is unique because it’s the only organization of the United Nations dedicated exclusively to children. Working with other United Nations bodies, governments and non-governmental organizations UNICEF helps to provide for children’s needs in more that 150 developing countries through community-based services in primary health care, basic educations, and safe water and sanitations..
MAJOR EMPHASIS
CHILDREN: THEIR FUTURE, OUR FOCUS
AWARD
The Major Emphasis Award is given to the Key Club that has produced the best Major Emphasis project of the year, completed on the local scale according to the theme of “Children:
To win this award, you will type out a report, turn it in, and it will be judged, before awards are given to the first, second, and third place Major Emphasis awards at the international convention.
governor@pnwkeyclub.org
DistrictGovernor Districttreasurer
treasurer@pnwkeyclub.org
