Greetings!

Welcome to The Kiwanian, the newsletter for the Nebraska-Iowa Kiwanis District. Please feel free to share this issue with potential new members or make a copy for those who don't have email. An online link to this newsletter will be made available on the District Website.

QUICK LINKS

10 reasons to get ready for District Convention!

1. Have a ROCK ON good time on Friday Night - join in the fun by dressing as your favorite entertainer! 
2. Opportunity to play in the kazoo choir! 
3. Each division is invited to bring an instrument to decorate the stage!
4. Keynote speaker: Greg Kraemer, Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
5. Help build beds for kids who do not have one. (Sign-up coming in July.) 
6. Great educational breakouts, including The Power of AI; Every Club Needs a Service Leadership Program; Kiwanis Engage for every member; Kiwanis Voices; and more.
7. Kahoot with our Circle K and Key Club members. 
8. Governor Brian's interview with Circle K, Key Club and Aktion Club governors! 
9. Nebraska-Iowa District Foundation ROCKIN' Basket Raffle.
10. And best of all, fellowship and sharing of ideas WITH ALL OUR GREAT NEBRASKA-IOWA MEMBERS!

This year's convention is Aug. 7 and 8 at the

Mid America Center

in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Watch for more details on activities and registration coming soon!

Club Leadership Education announced

Kiwanis clubs should now be preparing for the 2026-2027 Kiwanis Year by electing officers and other board members. Club secretaries need to report the 2026-2027 slate of officers to Kiwanis International by June 1. Even if officers are returning for another term, they need to be reported each year.

The next step in preparation is for the incoming presidents, secretaries, treasurers and membership chairs to attend Club Leadership Education. The Nebraska-Iowa Kiwanis District has multiple virtual and an in-person CLE opportunities.

Officers and clubs will receive credit for attending CLE. CLE attendance is required for awards and good standing in the district. You only need to attend one CLE to receive credit for the office you will be holding this coming Kiwanis year.

Virtual CLEs

• June 13, 9 a.m. (CT) - Register for this CLE HERE
• July 14, 7 p.m. (CT) - Register for this CLE HERE.
• July 30, 7 p.m. (CT) - Register for this CLE HERE.
• Aug. 25, 7 p.m. (CT) - Register for this CLE HERE.

In Person CLE

Aug. 7 at Mid America Center, Council Bluffs

Time, Room and Registration Information TBA

Derner, Moore elected to District Board

Geri Derner of the Ames Kiwanis Club and Elaine Moore of the Washington A.M.ers Kiwanis Club were recently elected as regional trustees. Derner will serve as trustee for Region 5, while Moore was elected by Region 6 delegates. Both trustee-elects will begin their three-year term on Oct. 1.

Geri Derner

Elaine Moore

Foundation rounding up Rockin' Baskets

The Nebraska-Iowa District Foundation is putting together a Rockin' Basket Raffle for the Aug. 7 and 8 District Convention in Council Bluffs.

This fundraiser for the Foundation needs clubs or individual Kiwanians to bring a gift basket full of themed goodies or other items to the convention. Some creative ideas include: tickets to a college/pro game; handmade craft/art items; spa items; signed sports memorabilia; local unique items. 

Tickets will be sold at the District Convention and monies raised go into the Nebraska-Iowa District Foundation Endowment Fund. Money earned from the endowment fund is given out four times a year as grants to local clubs for their community projects.

Please contact Connie Reis at conniesuereis@gmail.com for further information or with questions.

2026 District Convention Memorial Form

Ally (from Kiwanis Children's Fund) was in Iowa four days. She enjoyed meeting everyone and was amazed at all that is being done for youth in Nebraska-Iowa. If your Possibility Project Champion reaches out to your club to request an opportunity to present information to your club, please say yes. You’ll receive great information and stories about its success to date.  

Lt. governor- elects gather for training

3 divisions still in need

of leadership tap

The 2026-2027 Class of Lt. Governors got together in Carroll, Iowa May 1 and 2 to prepare for the role as division leaders for the coming Kiwanis year. Governor Elect Tim McGee unveiled his "All-In For Kiwanis" vision for 2026-2027.

There are still three divisions that have not yet elected a lt. governor for the coming year. These divisions are 8, 10 and 11. For more information about the role of a lt. governor, visit https://k16.site.kiwanis.org/lieutenant-governors/ or contact Gov. Elect Tim at timamcgee@gmail.com.

Convention Award entries due July 1

The 2026 District Convention is only a few months away, and we need your award applications to recognize excellence in service. There are four award categories for convention awards. Clubs are welcome and encouraged to submit an entry in each category.

• Everyday Hero
• Everyday Organizational Hero
• Mark Holmer Lay Person Service Award
• Distinguished Service Leadership Program

Nominations are due July 1. Click on the button for each award's criteria and the application forms.

Club resources at your finger tips

Did you know the Nebraska-Iowa District has made great resources available to clubs on the district website, https://k16.site.kiwanis.org/

Visit the "Club Resources" under the Resources menu tab. There are pages of information, links, logos, videos and more!

Education: Leadership Guide; Club Leadership Education dates for 2026 and more

Recruit & Retain: Club Membership Plan; Club Boost Procedure; New Member Application Form; New Member Dues Proration Chart; Videos on Member Retention

More Club Resources: Kiwanis Terminology; District Logo; International Logo; Link to Promotional Photos

Growing Kiwanis: Join Kiwanis Printable Yard Sign; Photos for Use on Social Media; Public Service Announcements that can be shown at meetings, community events and on website/social media and more

NEBRASKA-IOWA KIWANIS DISTRICT

402-430-9647

nikiwanisdistrict@gmail.com