THE GOVERNOR'S QUACKER
2019-2020 Governor Allen Yergovich
Greetings Kiwanis Family:
I’ll start by repeating what I said last month - I trust that you are well, staying safe, taking care of yourselves and your families, being grateful, and maintaining a positive attitude. These things remain important as some of the state re-opens in stages and some of us venture out to the degree we feel comfortable.
The Kiwanis International Convention was cancelled last month after the April 22 International Board Meeting. I thought this was very wise, especially due to the global nature of the event and the extensive travel involved. The International elections for Vice-President and Trustees will be held by International Council some time this Summer. International Council is made up of the International Board, plus all current District Governors, plus all Past International Presidents.
The Florida District is supporting our own Chuck Gugliuzza in his run for International Vice-President.
Last month, I thought that our Florida District Convention was definitely on, and that the situation was very different from International. However, through many conversations, I came to realize that it is not, really. Covid has restricted assembling here as much as everywhere else, and nobody knows when it will be safe for large groups. The health and welfare of our members is of the greatest importance. About 50% of our DCON attendance is over 65 making us a high risk group. Disney will likely not be open, which was the main draw for the location chosen long ago. Social Distancing will make the convention impossible, and we will share the hotel and public spaces with other unknown groups. For these reasons, and more, the full District Board voted to cancel District Convention. All Kiwanis Club officers were notified in an official letter and there was a posting on the Florida Kiwanis Facebook page. I am as devastated by this cancellation as anyone, but I do believe it was the right call. We are not alone, as many districts are cancelling their conventions.
We will be working hard to replace every aspect of District Convention with new and different ways to conduct district business, educate our members and officers, and socialize. Please reach out to your Lt Governor if you have a creative or unique idea of how we can best accomplish these goals and make the best of it.
The other item that the Kiwanis International Board approved is that every new member to an existing club will pay no International fees through September 30, 2020. They asked that Districts and clubs follow suit, which the Florida District Executive Committee did. I recommend that your club bill these new free members (or all your members) at least $107 in the month of September, because your club will be billed for every name on the roster in October.
This is a great opportunity to get someone involved at no cost
, then it’s your job to get them hooked! Start your membership drives today!
I hope your clubs are meeting. Zoom is a very easy platform to have a virtual meeting, many clubs are using it. The free version is limited to 40 minutes (which could be very advantageous for some people, you know who you are!), however, the Pro version is available through
through the Florida Kiwanis Foundation. Check with your Trustee or contact Foundation Executive Director Alison.
Thank you FKF!
Please continue to keep in touch, check-in/on your members, meet virtually and share your meeting info.
Please get your elections done and reported.
Please continue to serve, it’s what we are all about. There are lots of ideas out there. Remember all our community partners. There is so much to do, we just need to do much of it differently. Be safe.
I am still optimistic! We are thriving! #GetQuacking!
Allen Yergovich
Governor - Florida District of Kiwanis International
#KidsNeedKiwanis #FLKiwanis #GetQuacking
