Hey Ya'll,

It's been a few days, so here goes. This week has been a busy one, I'm sitll catching up with homework and stuff that I missed from going to D-con, followed by GATC, followed by Key Club, but at least it's getting better. On Tuesday I went to the Tulane banquet at Figaro's, which was very nice/change of pace. Wednesday I attended my home club meeting (which I hadn't been able to in 3 weeks) and a meeting online with Ricky (our assigned International Trustee/Counselor, if you haven't figured that out by now) and our Brother District Governors (that's Kim from Ohio and John from Florida). The four of us talked for awhile on what problems our districts had, how we could help each other, some International stuff, including the dues increase, etc. It was very informative, and good to get to know our brother districts a little bit better. (By the way, a "Brother" District is any districts that share the same International Counselor, no more than 3-4 at at time, they change every year depending on who your assigned trustee is. A "Sister" District is any district that touches your district geographically. technically, Alabama is our only sister district (if you look it up), but Kentucky Tennesee, Missouri Arkansas, and Texas-Oklahoma all border our district... just keep that in mind. We are going to try to have at least 1 SIster District event this year.) And, back to what I was saying before (NOTE: This is what I'm like before 11am. If you ever call me or wake me up before 11am, this is probably the kind of random rambling you should expect!) on Thursday night I had a governor's council meeting online, with the other 30 governors (or at least 19 of them), about the dues increase. Together, we brainstormed some very feasible changes to the dues increase proposal, as well as some concrete things and iniatives that the money should go to. We'll be sending those suggestions off to International, and hopefully some good changes will come out of this. Friday, was catch up day (as it always is), running around like a chicken with my head cut off ;) and today, I am looking forward to some leisurely fun up in Baton Rouge. I'll be heading up in a few minutes (why I'm up so early) for their Picnic, followed by some socializing, followed by their Banquet tonight. I'm looking forward to it, and I'll let you know how that goes later.

Along with Governor Shoutouts, is also going to be International Corner, a new thing I've thought up. I'll be highlighting one Circle K International thing every day (or at least once in awhile) , just to mention it, let people know about it, get feedback when it's a hot topic, etc. The hot topic right now (besides the dues increase) is the Tomorrow Fund. Basically, it's an endowment, that will eventually fund large service projects that clubs don't have the funding for themselves. They have already collected a little over $50,000, and will very actively collect at I-con, and on the District level until the fund reaches $100,000. At that point, it should sustain itself (interest) - and that interest money will be used to fund projects that clubs request money for. It's also an important step in Circle K's self-sufficience as an organization. Anyways, it's a little controversial, because although most people see the general good in it, some people hate seeing their money go to projects that they may never get to participate in. Part of the new dues increase will probably go towards the Tomorrow Fund (between .25 to possibly even $1). Let me know how you feel about your money going towards this. (FYI, our District has also started its own Tomorrow Fund, if you're not aware of that.)

That's it for now-- I'm half asleep and can't think anymore! I'm really glad I'll have someone with me on the drive to Baton Rouge! :)
Leave comments by clicking on the Shout Out button!!!!!!

Love,
Rebecca

Hey there LaMissTenn!

I just read Becca's post and wanted to announce that I too would be
more than willing to make a fool out of myself at DCON if you all make and
attain some awesome goals this year! I am thrilled to see that Tulane
has already made a great goal and I wish you best of luck in your pursuits
for success.

A note to past Cabinet members...please start getting your files from
the last year in order for your successor. What we would like to see
happen is each past position create a binder or folder of some sort with files
and handouts that you used during your term to pass down to the incoming
person. You can get that together from now until May 17. We would like it in
hand by that date so that we can add to each person's files and have
that ready to be handed out the next week at training.

If you have questions about this or are not sure what we are looking
for, please email or leave a comment and we will get back to you asap.

Thanks goes out to those of you who have applied, all of the
applications we have received look great and we have our work cut out for us in
naming out Cabinet for the year.

I hope you are all getting geared up for ICON and educating yourselves
about issues such as the Dues Increase. This is a very hot topic right
now, so please, as Becca said, let us know your thoughts and concerns
so we can better represent you as a board.

In other news, LSU will be hosting a picnic and banquet this weekend,
so come on over to Baton Rouge for the picnic if you want free food, fun
and fellowship! Starts at 10am, email me for info or directions!

And finally, monthly reports for April will be due to me on May 5 from
all clubs. The MRF is posted on the LMT yahoo group as well as the
President's yahoo group, but if you have trouble accessing it, please let
me know and Iwill send it to you directly. Let's all try to get these first reports
in on time so that we start off this year with a bang!

That's it...as always, I am here if you need me!

Phew,
That's the sound of school starting up again (for those of us that had spring break) and finals, papers, and everything else due crashing in--- I hope it's going less hectic for you all than it is for me. Regardless, I did want to take a few minutes to post. Regarding the dues increase, thanks to Past Gov Jody and Past Everything Bobby for their comments. The District Board really needs to get an idea of how you, the member, and club feels -- so that we can represent you, both at International Convention, and in the tons of Governor Council meetings, FAQs, forums, and other places we'll be representing you this month. Don't just comment though if you KNOW - please comment if you DON't know as well. If you have questions, we need to be able to answer them for you - that's our job. If anyone would be interested in a call from a District Officer, to explain this amendment (as well as others to be presented in Indianapolis) - please let us know. The idea of having an online AIM chat (nothing official) for those interested is also a possibility. Just tell us if you think it's neccessary.

As far as International Convention goes, we've been getting LOTS of questions -- here's the deal. You register AS A CLUB by May 8th. Not postmarked by May 8th, received by THEM by May 8th. THEM = The Meeting Connection, the people who handle the reservations. Can you register alone? Sure, but you're going to be paying the cost of a full room - alone, because you have to submit your form with roommates forms. If your club doesn't have enough people to fill rooms, or is confused by anything I said THEN you send your forms to Tommy, our lovely OTIC chair. The only money your members should have to come up with right now is registration -- hotel can be handled when you get there. That should make rounding up enough $ a little easier on everyone, because we don't have much time. Any questions should be directed to Tommy, who is more than ready to answer all of them for you! His e-mail address, once again, is tommy3276@yahoo.com. I understand just how confusing this is -- and I'm not surprised at all by the amount of questions you guys have - it's a stupid process, and you have a lot of good questions--- but that's exactly why we have someone there to answer them for you! :) Btw, our hotel is absolutely gorgeous -if you haven't checked out the website, you totally should. Just do a Google Search for "Omni Severin Hotel"

Past cabinet, your opinion is needed! Any suggestions to make your position better, things you wished had or had not been done, that sort of thing - we'd like to hear from you! Please e-mail comments to either me or Alison, so that we can discuss them at our upcoming board meeting. Also, any materials that you feel would be helpful to your successors - we'd like that as well, if you can! :)
We're still looking for ideas for a Service Initiative for this year - as well as a District Theme. Traditionally this is thought of & voted on by the District Board, but that still doesn't mean we don't want your input on it! I'm sure many of you are more creative than I am -- so go for it!

Shout out today goes to Brian Stacey, who is quite possibly the first & only person who I ever would have thought could send the annoying "announcements" song through e-mail! My governor's term wouldn't have been the same if I didn't hear that at least ONCE this year! Major kudos for catching me on that one, I'll have to watch my words next time! :)

Finally.... I am offering your club.... something very exciting. The chance to see ME MAKE A FOOL OUT OF MYSELF!!! That's right, folks! I want to see your club make a membership goal, and in return for a met goal -- you will get to see me do something of YOUR choice (within reason, of course) at District Convention. So far, Tulane Circle K has set a goal for 50 dues paid members by March, 2004. If they make that goal, I will make an appearance at District Convention (at a certain time) covered in Oreo cookies! (yes, I'll have clothes on too, for those of you who have already asked) These goals should be GOALS (20 people is not a real goal, if you started out with 18) - and should be SMART goals. (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-oriented-- but you should know that already!) Maybe we can convince Alison, Bich, Tasha, Tucker, & Shannon to get in on this too! Start thinking!

That's it for now -- I'm off to my home club CKI meeting!

-Rebecca

Howdy, LMT!

I know I said this in e-mail, but again: Congratulations to Shannon Tharp, the newest addition to our District Board. Shannon will serve as your Bayou South LTG. I'm sure she will do a great job, and serve you well, and I'm totally excited that we are one step closer to a full board! Hopefully we can do something about Delta Central soon... we will be talking about that at our May board meeting.

The shout out today goes to LSU, who I've noticed is promoting the Skip a Meal program this week. Mad props to them for taking the initiative to try to take part in this Internationally sponsored program. Good luck, I hope you guys raise a lot of money! If any of your clubs are taking part in Skip A Meal, please let me know, so you can get recognition as well! Same goes for Key To College!

This seems like a trivial issue, but I've been asked to share it with you. Many clubs use different names when referring to Circle K. Some use Circle K International, others Circle K, and others just CKI. Although it really doesn't matter which name you use - the International Marketing Committee has asked that you do the following: Use "Circle K International" for the first mention of the organization, CKI for all others. If the logo is present, CKI can be used on all references. If your district already uses "CKI" on all uses, use of "Circle K International" on first reference is optional. Although this seems like a small thing to worry about, it will help promote International unity if we are ALL using the same name. (Like Federal Express has all of their employees use FedEx). Just please take that into consideration.

As many of you know, the International Board has proposed a dues increase - which will be voted on at the Circle K International Convention in July (Indianapolis). This proposal is for a $7 increase, raising the dues from $18 to $25. Additionally, there is a clause that basically would allow the board to raise the amount by up to 5% every two years, if they deemed it neccessary. I have been asked to a special Governor's council meeting this week to discuss concerns that YOU, the member has with this. Please voice your opinion (and any questions you may have) to me, so that I can represent you. Feel free to express your concerns to your LTG, or through this website, etc. For more information, you can contact me, or a district board member, and you can visit the Circle K International website at http://www.circlek.org/Dues%20Info/CKI_Dues_Increase_03.pdf. Also, although this site is not sponsored by Circle K International, there is a very interesting dues increase discussion going on at the Unofficial CKI website... at www.unofficialcki.org -- sign in, and then click on the Forums link.

Thanks to the people who have submitted cabinet applications thus far, good job to you guys for getting them in early! And of course, we are still accepting. To the old cabinet: your input, past resources, and compiled files are needed! Please contact me or Alison so that we can make arrangements to get that material from you. We do not want to reinvent the wheel here - you guys have done great work, and we definitely want to make sure that that is not lost.

I cannot express how excited I am about International Convention in Indianapolis. So, at first, I thought "How am I going to get an OTIC chair to promote THAT stupid city" -- but after traveling there, honestly, it's pretty cool. You can check out my GATC posts for more information. But, it's really not going to be about the city (even though it is cool)... it's going to be about the convention. Here are some things to look forward to: bonding with your fellow LMT CKIers in a marvelous trip, watching me participate in Governor's dodgeball to raise money for the tomorrow fund, watching Ricky get auctioned off with the I-board, going "Country" in our themed brother district caucus room, meeting many Key Clubbers and Kiwanians as the Kiwanis Family unites in Service at the first joint convention held ever, having some great sessions including the dancing sign language guy, and the hypnotist that embarasses everyone, a baseball game on the 4th of July complete with a barbeque just for us and fireworks ---- let's just say if you don't go, you'll miss a lot. Seriously, how many of you were burnt out, stressed, aggravated, scared, and then got to District Convention in Monroe and realized how much you loved the organization, the people, and the communities that we've served? Times that feeling by 5, and you have an International convention. I'm not going to preach anymore about how much fun it will be - I challenge the members who have gone to I-cons in Houston, San Diego, Orlando, and Buffalo to post about their experiences, so you can hear first hand what a great time it is! For more information, contact OTIC dude Tommy at tommy3276@yahoo.com. We had 69 people attend Orlando last year... one of the biggest delegations, and it was a great feeling! Although I know because of the strange time, etc, we will not get as many... but I will be completely pleased if we reach 45 members. At this point, we are only a few members short of that 45 people mark!

That's it for now, more later (as always)

-Rebecca

Good morning, LaMissTenn!

Below, you will find the minutes from the April 8 online board meeting. Feel free to leave any comments or questions you have about anything that you see here. These will also be posted to the LaMissTenn yahoo group today in the files section.

Also, if you are a member of the LMT yahoo group, please encourage others in your club to sign up as well so that we can be sure each club is getting information that is send on that reflector. While we do not want it to become the only form of communication, it is an easy way to reach a large number of people, and by not signing up, you could be missing out on some good information. It's simple to join, just link to the district webpage and there is a sign-up option right there!

And now, about the monthly mailing. I was planning to send one out on April 28, and the deadline for sending in info about events was yesterday, but I have not received anything. This is probably due to the fact that the semester is ending soon and no one has anything coming up...so with that in mind, we will postpone the first mailing until either May or June, depending on events that are being planned for that time frame. As always, if you do have events coming up, let me or Becca know and they will be posted here.

Another reminder to all clubs to please be in touch with your new OTIC chair, Tommy Stephenson, so that we can get an idea of how many people are attending ICON. A shout out to Laurie Brown and NSU for already sending in names and numbers....they have 13 people attending!!

That's it from me for now.....here are the minutes you have been so anxiously awaiting.

LaMissTenn District Board Meeting
April 8, 2003
Online

In attendance:
Governor Rebecca Fox (Becca187)
Secretary/Treasurer Alison Pellegrine (alisonatlsu)
Piney Hills LTG Tasha Hargrove (AtomicAngel025)
Natchez Trace LTG Tucker Leigh (homelessdoctor)
Gulf Coast LTG Bich Nguyen (BNNguyen01)

I.Call to Order at 9:08pm
a.Roll Call
-all officers present
b.Introductions
-share age, major, school, hobbies
-Tucker is designated the “Youngun of the board”

II.Discussion of Minutes from March 30, 2003
a.No changes to be made
b.Governor Fox moves to approve, LTG Nguyen seconds
Motion carries unanimously at 9:23pm

III.Officer Reports
a.Governor’s report
-GATC recap and Governor’s Council explanation
-Will be training all other officers at the May 9 meeting
-Key Club Convention this weekend, will leave with Alison on Friday
b. Sec/Treas report
-Links and posts have been added to the LMT blog
-Emails about events and ICON have been sent out
-Cabinet applications are due May 5
-Mailing info due April 20, to be sent out April 28
c. Gulf Coast report
-Bich attended UNO Induction Banquet on April 7
-Participated in the Adopt a Dog Project with Loyola CKI on April 6
d. Natchez Trace report
-Emails have been sent out to pump up NT about DCON
e. Piney Hills
-Tasha has been having problems getting information from past LTG Kristi Storm
-Has been working with the contacts she was given
-NSU and LaTech are doing great, worried more about ULM and LC
-Wants to see Lamar Salter back to active status (This is a chartered club in the division)
-Governor Fox comments that she would like to see all of the old LTG’s and new LTG’s work together to better understand their jobs. LTG’s agree that they are not really aware of what their duties entail.

LTG Hargrove makes a motion to move onto the next order of business, LTG Leigh seconds.
Motion carries unanimously at 9:35pm

IV.Unfinished Business
a.Contact Info
-Governor Fox asks if there are any corrections
-Hearing none, Governor Fox makes a motion to move on to discussion of Bayou South and Delta Central vacancies. LTG Leigh seconds.
Motion carries unanimously at 9:38pm
b.Bayou South LTG
-Governor Fox reviews that there are two applicants at this time
-Last day to apply is set for April 18
-Sec/Treas Pellegrine moves to move into executive session to discuss the applicants. LTG Hargrove seconds.
Motion carries unanimously at 9:43pm
-Sec/Treas Pellegrine moves to leave executive session, LTG Hargrove seconds
Motion carries unanimously at 10:36pm
c.Delta Central LTG
-Governor Fox proposes three alternatives:
1. Pull a member from Millsaps College
2. Leave the position vacant and use Kiwanis and Key Clubs in the area
3. Leave position vacant and assemble a committee of CKI, Key Club, and Kiwanis members throughout LaMissTenn to help the division.
-LTG Hargrove offers to visit Millsaps to recruit someone for the position
-Will make calls to area Kiwanis and Key Clubs in the area
-Governor Fox moves to table the discussion of the Delta Central LTG position until May 9 board meeting. LTG Leigh seconds.
Motion carries unanimously at 10:44pm
d.DCON 2004
-Governor Fox shares the facts:
DCON is supposed to rotate between the 5 divisions
Order of last 5 conventions was Piney Hills, Bayou South, Gulf Coast, Delta Central, Piney Hills
Natchez Trace was completely skipped over
-Concerns about Natchez Trace:
1. Will clubs travel that far for DCON?
2. Are the NT clubs strong enough to host this event?
3. Is there a feasible location to hold this event?
-Possible applicants from University of Memphis have contacted Sec/Treas Pellegrine
-There is a strong interest within the division to host DCON and a committee would be easy to form for the chair because of this interest
-Need to see who applies for the position before we can decide the location.
Sec/Treas Pellegrine moves to close discussion until May 9 board meeting. LTG Hargrove seconds.
Motion carries unanimously at 10:58pm
-Governor Fox requests that LTG Leigh prepare a report about DCON for the May meeting, LTG Leigh agrees.

e.Cabinet Structure
-Governor Fox shares the facts:
OTIC, Tioga, DCON, and Bulletin are your biggest positions
There are five “resource” positions: Service, Fundraising, Membership Development and Education, Fundraising, and K-Family.
Last year, the board established the New Club Building chairs to work with each LTG to build new clubs in their divisions. Public Relations was also taken out last year.
-Governor Fox proposes an idea to help structure the cabinet and take some of the work load off of the Secretary/Treasurer.
-Secretary/Treasurer Pellegrine explains three options:
1. Cabinet Director – this person would be responsible for overseeing the resource positions, allowing the S/T more time to help the chairs with bigger jobs or events to plan.
Pros: Helps S/T, strengthens the resource positions so they will do more throughout the entire year instead of just at the end of the year, would increase communication with the cabinet and board and would provide a liaison between the two.
Cons: Would force resources to work under another person, thus removing them from direct board contact
2.LTG Buddy System – this would pair one LTG with each resource position so that the resource has a direct board member who could act as a “mentor” or personal director at all times.
Pros: Strengthens cabinet/board bond, allows someone to always be available to the resource at all times, provides each LTG a particular area of interest within the district.
Cons: More work for each LTG
3.Cabinet Council – would act as a “backup” cabinet to allow members to serve on whichever committee(s) they chose.
Pros: Allows for a quick and smooth replacement if a member resigns, allows more members to be involved on some level of district leadership.
Cons: More people to coordinate and keep track of, and with the low level of interest and involvement within the district, would we be able to find enough members to serve in this capacity?
-Discussion of pros and cons takes place
-Governor Fox asks each member to express his/her preference of the three options, all choose the Cabinet Director.

-Secretary/Treasurer Pellegrine moves to create a new position for the cabinet called the Cabinet Director. LTG Leigh seconds.
Motion carries unanimously at 11:31pm

-Secretary/Treasurer Pellegrine moves to outline the director duties as being responsible for communication with the resource positions on the district cabinet. LTG Leigh seconds.
Motion carries unanimously at 11:33pm



f.Discussion of May 23 meeting
-Governor Fox entertains an adjustment to meet May 24 at 8am instead of May 23 at 7pm because she will be standing in a wedding that S/T Pellegrine is also planning to attend
-This will allow the board to meet Saturday before the cabinet arrives and allows the cabinet to arrive later (at 10am on Saturday)
-The weekend would then work as follows:
May 23, LTG’s may arrive and stay at hotel
May 24, District Board will meet from 8am-12pm
Cabinet will arrive at 12pm for lunch
Cabinet training will take place from 1pm-5pm
Group activity will take place from 5pm-8pm
Board will meet again at 8pm to wrap up unfinished business
May 25, Board will depart if all business is taken care of, or meet again if necessary

S/T Pellegrine moves to change the meeting time from 7pm on May 23 to 8am on May 24. LTG Hargrove seconds.
Pellegrine, Hargrove, and Leigh vote aye
Nguyen abstains
Motion carries at 11:54pm

V.Summer Rally
a.Governor Fox asks is there is a motion to table Summer Rally discussion
b.Secretary/Treasurer Pellegrine moves to table discussion. LTG Nguyen seconds.
Motion carries unanimously at 11:55pm

VI.Announcements
-Promote OTIC position to clubs
-Promote Cabinet Director to clubs
-Be sure to send in ICON registration to Mark ASAP

VII.Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 11:56pm