Chuck Zigler, Lt. Gov. of the Rocky Mountain Region of Kiwanis International, began his presentation about the Kiwanis Club with a question: “What is Kiwanis International and why should I join?”Zigler addressed those attending an informational meeting at Espresso’s at Stratford’s in early August.Kiwanis is a service organization made up of people who want to make a difference in the lives of children in their own community as well as around the world, Zigler said. The name “Kiwanis” is an American Indian expression that translates to “we trade” or “we have a good time.” Founded in Detroit, Mich., in 1915, Kiwanis has grown to more than 600,000 members in 96 countries. There are 21 clubs in the Rocky Mountain District with more than 4,100 members. Zigler said he is excited about the prospect of making Falcon the newest club.”There is a great need in this area for this organization, and many people are seeking to become more involved in their community,” he said. The three primary reasons people join Kiwanis are community service, fellowship and networking, Zigler said. Local clubs operate independently and choose their service projects and avenues for fundraising. Members choose when and how often to meet as well. “There are clubs that meet only via the Internet until they are actually working on a project,” he said. “Others meet weekly, biweekly or monthly for breakfast, lunch or dinner; it is really a decision made by the members.”On a regional level, the projects are more encompassing, Zigler said. The Rocky Mountain District Kiwanis Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Rocky Mountain District, which includes Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. Its mission is to raise funds for projects that enhance, protect and save the lives of children. In 1994, Kiwanis International teamed with Denver Children’s Hospital to form Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute, which is dedicated to the prevention of unintentional injuries and death to children, he said. The Kiwanis Club provides child car seats and education, bicycle helmets, education materials to families and communities, leadership for injury prevention coalitions and presentations on safety and injury prevention through outreach programs to name just a few.Kiwanis Clubs also sponsor K-Kids clubs in elementary schools, Builders club for middle schools and Key clubs for high schools to encourage students to participate in community service. “The Kiwanis Kids programs help develop self-esteem, leadership skills and respect for others,” Zigler said. Once the Kiwanis Club of Falcon gets off the ground, sponsoring the kids programs in schools would be a priority, he added.Twenty-five members are required to become a charter club. For more information on the Falcon club, call Angela Byrne at 494-2777.
