BB......bulletin....Message from the International President.....5/18/15

 
 
A MESSAGE FROM JOHN R. BUTTON, OUR 2014-2015 kIWANIS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
 
     Dear Club members:
          It's time to talk frankly about the dues increase amendments we will consider during the 2015 House of Delegates in Indianapolis.
     We're all invested together in the well-being of our organization.  For me, the monetary investment in annual dues is about $400.  Of that, I pay $42.00 to Kiwanis International.  It's the same amount for everyone in a Tier A nation.  It's also the same amount I have paid to Kiwanis International for 12 years.
     Simply put, it's been 12 years since Kiwanis International has adjusted dues.  The Kiwanis International Board - past and present - and staff have worked judiciously to contain costs and maintain the same budget over those 12 years.  But inflation has more than caught up.  We are facing budget deficits that, if they continue, will deplete our reserves.  In other words, if we don't act now and look to both short-term and long-term solutions, our operating fund will run out of money.
     Kiwanis has long provided the tools, resources and other support to help clubs, divisions and districts thrive -- so Kiwanis can remain a positive global force, united to improve the world.  To continue our work, the Kiwanis International Board is recommending a solution to provgide both a short - and long-term approach that will maximize the support Kiwanis can make available to clubs, divisions and districts immediately and in the future: An immediate increase of $10 per member in 2015 and the option to adjust dues no more than 5% in subsequent years thereafter -- and only as needed.
     You can find more information on a webpage dedicated to Kiwanis' dues and financial information: www.kiwanis.org/2015dues.
You will also  find a place to contact Kiwanis' Chief Financial Officer, Bob Broderick with your questions.  We want to be sure everyone is well informed on this important topic.
     Like every business and family worldwide, Kiwanis must contend with economic realities.  The cost of doing business increases yearly, whether we're in easy or difficult economic times.  Our business is particularly important because our business if improving communities and serving the children of the world.
     If we are to continue serving our communities and children with the same or better quality standards we have set over the past 100 years, we must make a commitment to invest in Kiwanis' future.
     I am committed to Kiwanis' future, and I hope you will join me in supporting these proposals in Indianapolis........(John R. Button, M.D. 2014-2015 President, Kiwanis International)...(Riddle solutions....(1) A Shadow......(2) A splinter......(3) A river.....(4) A tissue).....(5) A Postage stamp)