The T-O Today - Issue 1

T-O TODAY

Meet the Board Issue TEXAS-OKLAHOMA

JUNE 2, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.

Editors Message……Page 3

2.

WOW………………...Page 4-5

3

Chapter Spotlights...Page 6-7

4

Meet the Board…….Page 10-16

5

District goals………...Page 17

6

Upcoming Events…..Page 20-21

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Editor’s Message Hello! Welcome to the first issue of the T-O Today for the 20172018 year! My goal for the District’s newsletter is to connect chapters all across Texas and Oklahoma to inspire and highlight great service ideas and great chapters who are changing their communities. This first addition will showcase projects and events that have happened since the start of the service year as well as introduce the 2017-2018 board of officers. I encourage and challenge every chapter to write an article over a project or fundraiser that you have done. And keep a look out! You might just be a spotlight feature or even in one of the pictures! The next issue will be posted in the beginning of August and it will be the Summer Service Issue so stay tuned! I hope you enjoy flipping through the pages and I hope everyone has a fantastic summer!

Yours in Service,

Megan M. Williams, District Editor

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Weekend Officer A N EW B EGINNING April 1st marks a new beginning for Circle K-ers both members and officers alike. This is the day when newly elected officers take on their positions to lead their chapter in making their community better than before. On April 1, 2017 chapter and chartering officers from the T-O District were invited and encouraged to attend this year’s Weekend Officer Workshop at the University of Texas at Dallas. This two-day event provides officers with the information and tools necessary to complete a successful CKI year at their college campuses. Each officer was given a booklet specific to their office that would give them helpful tips and reminders they can look back on throughout the year. In each officer session, former and current board of officers would teach and assist new officers on their roles and provided answers to questions that were asked. Not only did WOW provide the tools for the year, it also created a personal bond between the District Board of Officers and Chapter Officers that can not be replicated through emails.

R ECYCLED

to have each chapter establish a lasting relationship with a local animal adoption agency or shelter. On April 2nd, chapters were separated into three groups and sent to different Recycled Pomeranian houses in and around downtown Dallas. Recycled Pomeranians is based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and their mission is “to locate, foster, vet, and place otherwise unwanted dogs in forever loving homes”. The organization takes in all types of poms and Schipperkes that have been abused, left behind from their previous owner, on the death list at dog shelters and even ones who have been used as breeders in puppy mills.

Chapters helped these homes by doing small chores such as cleaning cages, giving the dogs their medicine, sweeping floors, and organizing bins full of dog treats and toys all while loving on these adorable dogs.

POMERAINIANS

The following day, chapters had the opportunity to start the service year with a service project that correlates to this year’s Governor’s Project. The “Paws-In Project” is a T-O initiative

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Workshop I really enjoyed WOW. It was very well planned and I got to learn a lot about running Circle K and got to meet with other club officers. It was a great event that helped better us as officers and will help us run our respective clubs better this upcoming year. ~Alexander Pham, President of UT Dallas

(Above): President Alexander Pham of UTDallas and Linda Schiller pose for a quick picture while waiting for dinner to be served.

(Left above): After a long day, officers were able to relax in the indoor pool at the hotel we stayed at. There was also concessions available in the lobby provided by the District for those who were still a tad hungry.

(Left Below): After a general session, Officers from Sam Houston State University wait and chat until the next session occurs.

(Photos Provided by Hannah Varghese, Hill Country Lt. Governor)

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C HAPTER Texas A&M’s CKI Gives Back to Community through Big Event Article by: Elizabeth Compean "Through service-oriented activities, The Big Event promotes campus and community unity as students come together for one day to express their gratitude for the support from the surrounding community." This is the mission statement from the official Texas A&M Big Event website.

On March 25, 2017, nine members of the Texas A&M University’s Circle K International participated in the Big Event. They assisted a fellow Bryan resident by washing the windows of her home and cutting the branches of the trees on her property.

“I think [the Big Event] shows that A&M is not just a place for academics or football, as we’re most commonly known for, but instead show how we, as a student body, care and want others to be impacted positively,” Kelly Xavier, editor of Texas A&M University’s Circle K International and a freshman biochemistry major, said. “Service is something that’s been ingrained in me to do, as in putting myself out there to help other people.”

The Big Event is a one-day service project that serves as a way for the students of Texas A&M to say thank you to the residents of the College Station and Bryan area. Students are sent to designated areas throughout College Station and Bryan and are given tasks such as yard work, painting, window washing and raking leaves.

“My favorite aspect of Big Event was being able to actually meet the person that we’re

helping,” Xavier said. “Putting a face to the work you do makes it much more meaningful.”

This event has become one of the largest student-run service projects in the country. This year, there were 21,242 students who participated which includes the 2,396 organizations that were registered and the 2,264 jobs that were accomplished.

Xavier said that she will continue to participate in the Big Event for her following years at A&M. “Not only is it an A&M tradition, but it’s the service aspect that drives me. You want to feel involved and the Big Event is like a little step that students can take to get into service. “ Xavier said. “You help someone way more than you can imagine. Just put yourself out there. Participate in service activities, join CKI. Most importantly, just do service.”

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S POTLIGHTS Baylor Chapter Raise Awareness for Premature Babies at March of Dimes Event Article by: Christina Gaw munity. In addition, we collected donations and sold related merchandise to raise funds for the organization. Everyone was extremely cheerful and willing to contribute. Over $40,000 was raised for the cause in the Waco area from online donations and the single event alone. The March of Dimes organizaOver Easter weekend, members from the

tion in Waco will continue to host events

Baylor CKI chapter chose to volunteer at the throughout the year to support the health of

March of Dimes, March for Babies event

babies. The Baylor Chapter of CKI is also look-

hosted in Waco, Texas. The March for Babies

ing forward to volunteering at the “Gala and

walking event is held at various locations

Auction Night� in the fall by helping collect

around the nation to raise money for March

proceeds to benefit March of Dimes.

of Dimes. This charity works to improve the health of babies born prematurely and possessing other medical problems by funding research and supporting families. In Waco, we set-up tables and props and helped with registration by checking in, walking teams, and welcoming everyone to the event. Seeing each team approach the table with matching t-shirts and showing support for babies was encouraging. Families, friends, and business companies came to demon-

strate their care for the people in their com7

Meet 8

the

Board 9

HOWDY T-O! I want to take this time to thank you for putting your trust in me and allowing me to serve as your District Governor. I do not take the responsibilities and obligations of Governor lightly. Collectively, the 2017-2018 Texas-Oklahoma District Board is dedicated to helping this be the best year yet for your chapter!

This summer, the District Board will do everything we can to better equip your chapter officers to lead your chapter to the best of their abilities.

Your Lieutenant Governor will not only serve as your main point of contact for any questions, but has also made it their mission to be a friend of your chapter. They are enthusiastic to work for you this year and serve along side you to improve your chapter!

Also, the district committees are working on innovative ideas and techniques to better help you interact with members of the Kiwanis Family, increase your chapter's membership, better serve your communities, and find resources in your local area to share the love and livelihood of Circle K! For those of you who have I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet, here's a little about me. I attend Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma (GO AGGIES!) where I intend to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. This year is my tenth year in the Kiwanis Family. I started as a member of the Elgin Builder's Club and made my way up through Key Club. Starting a chapter of Circle K at Cameron was just the natural next step of my lifelong dedication to service.

Along with my parents, Kiwanis has been there to flourish my leadership skills, and now I want to do everything I can to give back to the organization that raised me. This is the reason why I'm here and why I will continue to serve you, enthusiastically. There is a leader inside every individual. Through each other's help and though service we will become the next generation to make a difference!

Let's do this T-Ogether,

(P.S. for my fun fact, I used to have a crush on Megan Williams, our District Editor, in the seventh grade)

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I am a Junior, attending University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson, Texas. I major in molecular biology, and I am hoping to matriculate into medical school by summer of 2019. I served on the K-Fam Committee in 2016-2017. This year, my plans are to assist the chapter secretaries in accomplishing all the goals they have for themselves and their chapters. A fun fact about me that most people already know – on the first day in office, I dropped a table and broke my toe. ~Henry Lu, District Secretary, secretary@txokcki.org

I am a senior attending West Texas A&M University ("Go Buffs!") where I am in the Pre-Medicine Program! I have been in the Kiwanis Family since I started college in 2015. I hope to unite all of the treasurers of the district and make this a great year! A fun fact about me would be that I grew up on a farm, and I have a chicken named Lady Gaga.

~Christina Civis, District Treasurer, treasurer@txokcki.org

I’m a junior at Cameron University majoring in criminal justice but I hope to get my master’s degree in forensics. My KFamily journey began my freshman year of college where I was founding treasurer at CUCKI and continued the next year as Oklahoma Lt. governor. One of my goals is to make the T-O Today something that everyone looks forward to and to make resources available to all editors. One thing that many people don’t know is, in 7th grade, my best friend and I would chase and beat Robbie (yes, our Governor) with his own lunchbox. We are now best friends and he is my boss now. ~Megan Williams, District Editor, editor@txokcki.org

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Panhandle LTG

I go to Texas Tech University where I’m majoring in political science and social work. Though I’ve been in the K Family less than 2 years, my experience includes but isn't limited to being a founding officer at UT Arlington CKI, Kiwanis Family Chair Texas Tech CKI, Panhandle Growth Chair, TTU, Secretary/Treasurer. My vision is to grow my division, and have more members that want to SPICE UP SERVICE! A fun fact about me, I have perfect pitch, which means if you play a musical note for me, I can tell you exactly what note it is. Only 1 in 10,000 people have perfect pitch! ~Venu Thirumala, panhandleltg@txokcki.org

Oklahoma LTG

I am going into my junior year at Oklahoma State University (Go Pokes!) where I’m majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences, specializing in child family services and management option in nonprofit and human resources. I like anything that is Hot Pink or sparkly and usually, if it’s a Monday night, I’m either at Zumba class or having “Bachelor Night” with my roomies. I consider myself a nacho connoisseur. So I can probably tell you where the best ones are. Also, Laffy Taffy Jokes are my favorite things... They make me laugh! ~Dylann Lowery, oklahomaltg@txokcki.org

Red River LTG

I’m a freshmen at Cameron University. My major is allied health sciences and my hope is to obtain a nursing degree so I can make a difference in the world. I joined the K-Family in high school when I joined key club where I served as a two-time president. Once I started college, I helped charter Cameron CKI where I served as founding secretary and Kiwanis family relations chair the following year. My visions this year are to build better relations with Kiwanis, help bring out T-Ogetherness in my chapters, and keep the T-O legacy going STRONG! A funny fact about me is, I’m a big OSU fan and wear more of their school gear than Cameron’s. ~Rayquan Lewis, redriverltg@txokcki.org

~Ashley Handoko, metroltg@txokcki.org

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Metro LTG

I’m a Computer Science major at the University of Texas at Dallas.

I joined Circle K my freshman year, and I have been hooked ever since! This year, I will be helping support the chapters within my division as well as helping on the district level. I hope to grow our division even further and allow us to be the very best we can be. I know we are going to have an amazing year, and I cannot wait to work with everyone! One fun fact is that I have a twin sister who is also in Circle K!

Hill Country LTG

I’m a sophomore Economics major at the University of Texas at Austin (hook ‘em horns!). I’ve been part of the K-Family for five years starting in Key Club and have made many close friends, grown my love for service, and learned what it means to be a servant leader. My goal is to continue to grow in fellowship like my predecessor, have more interchapter events with my fellow honey badgers, and increase members by telling everyone to join CKI every chance I can! I am looking forward to see what we accomplish as a district ‘cause we're all in this T-Ogether, and I hope to meet more of you during district events!

Southeast Texas LTG

~Hannah Varghese, hillcountry@txokcki.org

I'm a freshman music education major at Stephen F. Austin State University. Through Kiwanis' service leadership programs, I've been a Builders Club President, Key Club Lt. Governor and District Editor, CKI President, and the Graphics Specialist for the International MD&E Committee! I look forward to helping grow and strengthen clubs. I also want to work with our SLPs on educating high school graduates about Circle K to help bridge the gap between Key Club and Circle K, which would then in turn would help bridge the gap between Circle K and Kiwanis! I eagerly await to see everyone again at Fall Retreat! I have 11 dogs and I'm currently starting my 8th year in the K-Family! ~Matthew Riley, southeasttexas@txokcki.org

Not pictured: South Texas lt. Governor

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~Chase Hutchins, membership@txokcki.org

Laws & Regulations

I’m a sophomore at the University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in information systems. I am involved in Student Government and CKI were I am also the president for my home Chapter. I have been part of the K-Family since I was in Builders Club. My goals are to create and update resources for chapters throughout the year. If you have any questions about creating or updating your Chapter’s Bylaws, please let me know and I can help you with suggestions on what to do! My hobbies are watching Netflix, hanging out with my friends, and playing fun sports such as volleyball. I also like going hiking when I have the free time.

Membership & Education

I’m a junior at Baylor University studying Biochemistry, although organic chemistry is my favorite focus of chemistry. My vision for this year is to create a recruitment and retention week that each club can participate in to recruit more members through service and fun! Another vision I have is to develop strategies to help clubs retain members not only while I am chair, but also in the future so that chapters can sustain their growth. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy stand-up comedy and I write my own jokes!

~Cody Kiefer, law-regs@txokcki.org

Growth

I am going into my sophomore year at Stephen F. Austin University as an accounting major. I am from Illinois and I was chartering officer at SFA! I am looking forward to assisting current clubs going through chartering process as well as growing our district. My fun fact is that I have a dog that is 80 pounds! ~Katie Shier, growth@txokcki.org

~Sean Dempsey, kfamily@txokcki.org 14

Kiwanis Family Relations

I'm a Human Resources Management major at Texas A&M. Going into my 6th year in the K-Family, I've gotten to meet some of the most selfless, genuine people on the planet. Through Key Club and Circle K, I’ve had the opportunity to partake in many different kinds of service projects, all of which have fostered my passion for service. I plan to recruit and retain as many Circle K members as possible this year, with an overbearing emphasis on graduating high school seniors, all while fostering relationships with Kiwanis and other branches of the K-Family. One fun fact is that I am the loudest and proudest member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2019!

Service District Events

I attend South Plains College in Levelland, TX studying commercial music as a voice major. I’ve been in the K-Family for 3 years, with 2 of those years serving as the volunteer chair at the University of Houston. One goal I have is to learn about the different non-profit organizations in each division. I love to discover new groups and learn about how each gives back to their community. I want to bring various different service projects to each division and give them an abundance of miscellaneous events. I want to help show that there are so many different ways to serve. Fun fact; I love watching Asian dramas, it’s what sparked my love for entertainment so many years ago and now I’m on the journey of becoming a professional musician. ~Linda Le, service@txokcki.org

I am a Sophomore, Neuroscience Major at the University of Texas at Dallas. Last year was my first year as a member of K-family and it was a great experience getting to know my fellow CKI members as well as the Kiwanis members who devote their time and effort into helping us out.

My goals for this year are to plan a Fall Retreat and DCON so impressive it will convince non-members to join CKI just from hearing their friends talk about their experience. One fun fact about me is that my name means “happy”.

Immediate Past Governor

~Farhan Sanouri, districtevents@txokcki.org

I attend UT Dallas and am majoring in Biology and Business Administration. My journey in the Kiwanis family began in the 6th grade through Builders Club; little did I know at the time what special place this organization would soon have in my heart. My main goal this year is to support Robbie in all his endeavors to move our organization forward. I'm very passionate about eradicating MNT to save the lives of countless babies and mothers and helping “wittle furbabies” find a home, so I can’t wait to see the impact T-O members will make in their community this year through the District and Governor's project. One (sorta) fun fact is that I've lived in five states. ~Miti Patel, ipg@txokcki.org

Not pictured: Service Chair Linda Le and IPG Miti Patel 15

Hunter Faubion is our lead District Administrator. He also currently serves as a Key Club Advisor and President of his home Kiwanis Club. Hunter was a member of Circle K at Blinn College and Sam Houston State University, where he graduated with a degree in History. While in Circle K, he served in many capacities such as District Governor, District Treasurer, and Club President. If there is anything he can do to support you and your chapter, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Hunter Faubian, District Admin, adminhunter@txokcki.org

Kelly Godfrey is our events Administrator. She was a Keywanette in highs school. In 1998-1999 she was the District Secretary while attending at Southwestern Oklahoma State University and then transferred to Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) where she graduated with a degree in marine biology. She has served as Kiwanis advisors for TAMUG, the University of Oklahoma and a regional Kiwanis regional advisor for Oklahoma/Panhandle areas. She was lead administrator from 2009-2011. she now resides as events administrator because she enjoys and prefers to be behind the scenes.

Kelly Godfrey, District Events Admin, adminkelly@txokcki.org

Chris Pennington has been an assistant administrator for 4 years.

He is a former District Events chair and former District treasurer.

He is a texas A&M Alumni and served as fundraising chair for his chapter and was also a student senate parliamentarian. He says “While I was on the District Board I was constantly pushing the limits of my administrator’s patience an never thought I would be on the other side of the equation. Seeing our members’ passion, dedication, and growth as future leaders is what makes my job easy and a joy to serve each and every one of you!” Chris Pennington, Assistant Admin, adminchris@txokcki.org

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D ISTRICT G OALS Membership Goal:

Governors project:

800 Members

1 signature event per chapter

Kiwanis Family relations Events Goals

District Project:

225 K–Family events

Raise at least 2,500 USD

Interchapters goal:

Fall Retreat Attendance:

450 Interchapters

140 attendees

Service hours:

District Convention Attendance:

11,000 CKI service Hours

175 attendees

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Upco 18

oming Events 19

Are you registered for CKIx? T-O is excited to host this year’s international convention on July 5-9th in our backyard, San Antonio, Texas for the biggest event of Circle K International! ICON is a place to meet members and leaders from around the world who share the same love and passion of serving others. This big event celebrates and brings to an end what we have accomplished in the 2016-2017 year and gets us hyped for greater feats we will accomplish this year! The organization will also be electing International Board of Officers so let your voice be heard!

See you soon!

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November 3rd-5th at the Latham Springs Retreat (Aquilla, T X) Fall Retreat is a weekend long leadership retreat that really allows members to get pumped up and excited about the school year . We receive a subsidy from the T-O foundation to make it affordable for our members to participate in. Registration will CLOSE on Friday, October 28th. October 21st will be the deadline to guarantee your tshirt. There will be cost saving incentives to register early! And remember, “A reservation made is a reservation paid!� to quote assistant Administrator Kelly Godfrey.

Fall Rallies Divisional fall rally dates are set! The purpose of Fall Rallies are to bring the members of a division together and bond with each other all while serving others and learning more about the organization you serve! Save the dates that corresponds with your division and make sure to ask your Lt. Governor for details! Keep on the lookout for an RSVP link so you can ensure your spot at this great divisional event!

Hill Country: September 16th

Oklahoma: September 30th

South Texas: September 17th

Red River: October 8th

Panhandle: September 23rd

Metro: October 8th

Southeast Texas: September 24th

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THANKS FOR READING 22

K