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Compete To Be Kiwanis’ New Worldwide Service Project

July 7, 2009

Kiwanis International made a pledge in 1994 to help protect children from the scourges of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) in its first Worldwide Service Project. With the majority of the world’s children now protected against IDD, Kiwanis is inviting organizations, institutions and individuals to propose a project to become the global service organization’s second worldwide service initiative. 

“We live today in a world of need,” said Kiwanis International President Don Canaday, of Fishers, Ind.
 
“One hand outstretched becomes two, becomes four, becomes eight. Borders, boundaries and cultures are crossed and change becomes a cause, a commitment and, eventually, a cure,” said Canaday.

When Kiwanis committed to help protect children against IDD it was the leading preventable cause of lifelong mental and physical disabilities. The organization has 8,000 clubs in 70 nations and geographic areas.

“Kiwanis has achieved its goal to virtually eradicate Iodine Deficiency Disorders,” said Rob Parker, CEO of Kiwanis International. “Today, our partner in that effort, UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) estimates the number of households consuming iodized salt has jumped from 20 percent in 1990 to more than 70 percent today.

“There remain a few pockets of need and we will remain vigilant to keep moving that needle upward, but it’s time now to begin to identify the next Worldwide Service Project where the helping hands of Kiwanis can help improve the life of children and communities,” said Parker.

Proposals, due by Oct. 1, 2009, are invited from members, organizations, agencies and institutions. Project criteria include:

  • Involve a child-focused issue or problem
  • Be compelling and relevant
  • Involve both a global and a local level of participation and impact
  • Include hands-on service and fundraising
  • Address a virtually solvable problem or issue
  • Support Kiwanis membership growth
  • Lead to life-changing experiences

Make recommendations via the Kiwanis International Web site www.kiwanisone.org/wsp Provide the following in your proposal:

  • Describe your project and how it matches the criteria (500 words or less)
  • How does the project align with Kiwanis’ mission? (200 words or less)
  • How can youth participate in the project? (200 words or less)
  • What percentage of the project involves hands-on service? (100 words or less)
  • What percentage of the project involves fundraising? (100 words or less) 
Kiwanis will accept nominations until Oct. 1, 2009, and will announce its second Worldwide Service Project in June 2010 at the organization’s 95th annual convention in Las Vegas.


SOURCE: www.nptimes.com