The View from The Bull: 2012

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

The Foundation of Kin (Survey results)

There were two reasons that I posted this survey. The first one was to try out “Survey Monkey”. This was a learning experience; I have learned a lot more about how it works. The response was great, they only allow me 100 responses, I had well over that number. The second reason was for my information about how the members look at Kin. This was a huge eye opener for me. Thanks to all that participated, you are the reason I am here.

The Facts;

The Priority of reasons for joining Kin?

Top reason - Service 47%

Fellowship 44%

Personal Development 9%

Second reason - Fellowship 44%

Service 36%

Personal Development 20%

Last reason - Personal Development 66%

Service 19%

Fellowship 15%

The priority of reason for staying in Kin?

Top reason - Service 48%

Fellowship 44%

Personal Development 8%

Second reason - Fellowship 42%

Service 34%

Personal Development 23%

Last reason - Personal Development 68%

Service 19%

Fellowship 13%

The reason for members to join Kin is relatively the same as the reason for members to stay in Kin.

Service is the top foundation of Kin, with Fellowship a VERY close second.

Personal/Professional Development is, by far, the lowest priority.

The Analysis;

To help with Membership numbers, our members and Clubs will have to know what the priorities are for people. As is noted, Service is the main reason that people join and the main reason Kin stay involved. Although it must be noted that Fellowship is just barely behind Service. Personal Development being way down the list, this should not be a top priority for your Club.

Clubs should investigate the following actions;

Make sure you are doing a variety of projects to raise money.

Do projects that directly help individuals or organizations.

Have meetings that allow time for members to mingle.

Have a social get together, as often as practical.

Still include the education, but relax on structure of the Club.

My Personal Conclusion;

I was stunned by the results of this survey. I have always thought that Service must be the lowest priority. There are too many ways for one to “give back” or to donate. I was under the impression that Service is just what we do, not necessarily what we want. Boy, was I mistaken, I guess members need an outlet for their benevolence. Clubs should ensure Service stays high on their list of priorities.

Fellowship is a very close second and this fact must be remembered by the membership. This tells me that Kin wish to meet often and have plenty of free time allotted. Presidents and Governors need to keep this in mind when planning meetings. Social time is very important to Kin.

This was the most shocking for me. The priority of Personal Development is rock bottom. The education was always a huge factor for me. But, I do think that most members have not received the education in Kin that I have. I have participated in every level of Kin and have received an abundance of Kin Ed. Most members may not know what is available. However, with these results, we should maybe relax the structure and history at our functions.

~~Grow. Learn~~. Make Friends. Have Fun. Just being funny.. lol.

If you see something different, please comment your opinion.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Art of debate gone in Kin Canada?

Have you heard this "We want no negativity"? or "Only deal with the good not the bad"? Of course you have, these types of feel good slogans have invaded our Association. They may sound good, but when you go past the surface you will find they destroy our foundation.

Now when one stands to oppose an issue, they are labeled with being negative. We must look at all sides of an issue, good and bad. To disregard the Members that do not have the same opinion as you, will not serve to build our Association.

We don't have time for debate. Don't be negative. Let the Members talk about it themselves. Only three speakers for and against. You can only talk for two minutes. These are all the issues that we must remove. Debate can only help our Members and our Association grow.

Debate is what we were founded on. We must continue to develop our debating skills. Do not limit debate at your Club, District or National. Give the time for discussion and encourage courteous debate.

GET THE ART BACK.

Monday, February 27, 2012

The purpose for a website

Why do we need websites?

To establish an internet presence
As an extension of our current advertising (phone, newspapers, etc.)
To enhance Kin Canada's professional image
To offer Kin Canada information and give the public a favorable impression
To increase public awareness of Kin Canada's name, brand or identity
To strengthen our position in the eye of the public
To strengthen brand identification
To develop prospects
To explain our purpose
To encourage potential members to contact us by phone, mail or e-mail
To bring in new members to our location
To offer links to other relevant sites
To provide information to the public and the members
To offer a virtual community, a place where users can interact with each others

As you can see, a website has many purposes and uses. We must keep these points in mind when we form a website for our Club, District and the National site.

Most importantly, we have a website as a library for the members. The website must have all the necessary files, schedules, forms, contacts, documents, Power Points, applications, lists and all the assorted information that the members may need. These files must also be sorted in a fashion that they can be found by all members. We need a place where all Kin can go to "Learn and Grow" and find the vital information they will need.

Ask your Webmaster to build that library...this works far better than Dropbox, without having to download an invasive program.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Is Kin Canada full of volunteers?

I have heard this statement many times, "But I am just a Volunteer". This statement is used only for one purpose, for an excuse to not follow through with an obligation.

Here is the definition of Volunteer;

One who enters into, or offers for, any service of his own free will.

One who enters into service voluntarily, but who, when in service, is subject to discipline and regulations like other soldiers; -- opposed to conscript; specifically, a voluntary member of the organized militia of a country as distinguished from the standing army.

A grantee in a voluntary conveyance; one to whom a conveyance is made without valuable consideration; a party, other than a wife or child of the grantor, to whom, or for whose benefit, a voluntary conveyance is made.

Of or pertaining to a volunteer or volunteers; consisting of volunteers; voluntary; as, volunteer companies; volunteer advice.

To offer or bestow voluntarily, or without solicitation or compulsion; as, to volunteer one's services.

To enter into, or offer for, any service of one's own free will, without solicitation or compulsion; as, he volunteered in that undertaking.

Now I put to you this query, If one offers or volunteers to do a job, (chair a project or a position on District executive, etc.) are they then still a volunteer, or are they now obligated to complete that job?

When one offers, of their own free will, to take a position or accomplish a task, they are then obligated to a job. Many Kin depend on the "free will" of other Kin. If we use the term "I am just a volunteer" we not only let down our self, but we let down many others.

I am not a volunteer! I have given my commitment to Kin, and I will follow through, to the best of my abilities. I have faltered and for that I am sorry, when I commit to a task, I will do my best. So my belief is that Kin does have a few volunteers and many more with a job to do.

Are you a volunteer?