The T-O Today - Issue 2

The T-O Today Circle K International Newsletter Winter 2015 Photograph

The Official Texas-Oklahoma District Circle K International Newsletter

Table of Contents Fall Retreat Recap......................................................3-4 Project Shatter............................................................... 5 Eliminate Project.......................................................... 6 District Convention..................................................... 7 District Updates............................................................ 8 There are 21 remaining countries with maternal/neonatal tetanus (MNT) in the world. Together, the Kiwanis Family has raised over $104 million in just five years- that is a HUGE accomplishment!

However, to make a difference we cannot stop now! With $6 million more, MNT can be globally eliminated. Think of what you buy daily: coffee, snacks, bottle of water- and think of what could happen if you skipped on buying that item for just one day! For $1.80, YOU can save a life. YOU can make a difference. YOU can be a hero. Only a few days left to give, and potentially be awarded for your club’s efforts.Turn to page 6 to learn more about the Eliminate Project.

Remember, you can always contact your district officers for any quetions you have regarding newsletters, flyers, websites, and more!

Imelda Tristan District Public Relations (Editor) editor@txokcki.org

Arjun Sethi District Public Relations Vice prvicechair@txokcki.org

Fall Retreat Recap

Fall Retreat is a weekend long event for Circle K members throughout the Texas-Oklahoma District. During the weekend we focus on all three of CKI’s tenants: service, leadership, and fellowship. The event took about four months of constant hard work to plan and execute. It began with simple tasks, such as deciding a theme, and escalated to more time consuming tasks such as making decorations, creating promotional materials, and answering any and all questions surrounding the event. Thankfully, I had the help of a vice-chair, Emily Innes, a District Board who helped in a variety of ways, and a team of administrators who provided countless hours of assitance, support, and resources. A lot happened behind the scenes leading up to the event, but I think because of all of the hard work that was put into Fall Retreat, the event itself went really well. The District Board arrived at Latham Springs around 3:00PM and registration began at 7:00PM for CKI members. Later that night, attendees were broken into their “tribes” for the weekend; these were the people that they would grow and get to know best throughout the weekend. There were many team building activities, service opportunities, and time to bond with other attendees throughout the weekend. Looking back now, I would say that the weekend went extremely well. It seemed like everyone had a good time, and it was rewarding to see that the countless hours that were put into the event paid off.

-Maddie Downs, District Events Chair

Project Shatter

Founded by Governor Jennifer Tuggle, Project Shatter works to promote awareness about mental health issues, and reduce stigma and discrimination against those with mental illnesses. Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States and around the world. One in four Americans will experience a diagnosable mental illness in a given year. Even the most serious mental health conditions can be treated, however, allowing people to better contribute to their families and communities.

These issues are especially relevant on college campuses. They include, but are not limited to: Depression Anxiety Self-destructive behaviors (i.e. cutting, etc.)

Eating disorders Suicide/suicidal thoughts Can Project Shatter really make that big of a difference? YES! Every year, there are more than 1,000 college students committ suicide. Unfortunately, only 23% of students who suffer from mental or emotional issues are willing to seek help. In order to aid students across the globe, a CKI chapters can offer their assistance by donating items and setting up projects that increase awareness of Project Shatter.

Some ideas for donations include: -Stress balls -Acts of kindness-also considered an awareness project (providing free coffee, scantrons, snacks, etc.)

-Letters of condolence to families of those that have committed suicide -Thank you gifts for counselors and others Some ideas for awareness projects include: -Hosting events with motivational speakers or couselors -Writing encouraging messages and statistics about disorders (sidewalk chalk, sticky notes, booths, etc.)

-Setting up a booth for National Anxiety and Depression Week Remember, someone close to you may be suffering from a disorder mor mental issue and you may not even know about it.

Eliminate Project CKI’s most recent collaboration with UNICEF is The Eliminate Project: Kiwanis eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT). The Kiwanis family, in partnership with UNICEF, is working to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus from the face of the Earth. How? By raising US$110 million by 2015. The Kiwanis Family has raised over $104 million up to date. We have come this far, so do not stop now! Join in and help eliminate maternal/neonatal tetanus forever!

Maternal/Neonatal Tetanus kills nearly 60,000 new born babies and their mothers every year. One child is killed every nine minutes. The poorest and most undeveloped countries in the world are targeted the most,and it is our job to aid them in any way we can. With just $1.80, YOU have the chance to save the lives of a mother and her children.

How can you help? First step is to spread awarness! As we do not see this problem to be so large in our country, many people are not even aware of the devestating issue the rest of the world faces. Visit the Eliminate Project website to find videos, brochurs, and presentations to educate others about MNT. Second step is to fundraise! Fundraising as a club is one of the most effective ways of participating in the Eliminate Project. Donations of any amount can be made to save the lives of a mother and her children. Special awards will be given to those individuals/chapters that reach certain donation goals set forth by the Kiwanis Foundation.

Don’t forget to apply for the Outstanding Eliminate Project Involement award before DCON, if you chapter has participated in a meaningful project to support The Eliminate Project: https://form.jotform.com/txokcki_awards/outstanding-eliminate-project-invol CKI chapters that are able to donate $1250 towards the Eliminate Project will receive the Zeller Award at district convention. For chapters that donate at least $1500 towads the Eliminate Project will receive the Centennial Award at district convention. The award at convention for both awards will included a special medallion, lapel pin, and a certificate. . Although these awards are difficult to obtain, any donation size, large or small, is greatly appreciated.

Don’t forget to apply for the Outstanding Eliminate Project Involement award before DCON, if your chapter has participated in a meaningful project to support The Eliminate Project

Donations can be made at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/kifeli2/

https://form.jotform.com/txokcki_awards/outstanding-eliminate-project-invol

To find more information, check out progress, and see recognitions of donors please visit: sites.kiwanis.org/Kiwanis/en/theELIMINATEproject

Join Project Shatter TODAY, and start making a difference with the Texas-Oklahoma family.

For more information, questions, or other project ideas:

Lauren Harrison Governor’s Project Chair gov-project@txokcki.org http://www.txokcki.org/service-projects.html

For questions, contact your District Treasurer or District Service Chair Eric Yan District Treasurer treasurer@txocki.org

DeMarkus Grayson-Rhule Service Chair service@txokcki.org

“The value of life is not in its duration, but in its donation. You are not important because of how long you live, you are important because of how effective you live.”

Texas-Oklahoma 62nd Annual District Convention

Expanding The Mighty T-O District

We are proud to invite you to our 62nd annual Texas-Oklahoma district convention! Come join the T-O board in celebrating 62 years of service, leadership, and fellowship. District Convention will also include awards to outstanding members and chapters, scholarships, and elections for next year’s T-O board.

We are excited to see you all there!

If you or your club are planning on participating in any competitions or applying for awards, please find more information at the link provided as there are guidelines that will need to be followed. Hotel information, and general DCON information can also be found here: http://www.txokcki.org/dcon.html

St. Edwards University from Austin, Texas

For any questions, contact:

Maddie Downs District Events Chair districtevents@txokcki.org

Cameron University from Lawton, Oklahoma

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwap-dallas-fort-worth-airport-marriott/ 8440 Freeport Parkway, Irving, Texas 75063

CONGRATULATIONS! You all have been working hard in your communities and we are incredibly proud to have you as memebers of the Texas-Oklahoma District. We look forward to seeing all the great things you will acomplish in the future!

Put a little T-O in your day!

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Questions or comments? www.txokcki.org/contact