Capital District Kiwanis

There shouldn't have been needed pressure in the first place to address the issue of racial injustice and human rights; this isn't a controversial issue. I definitely appreciate Kiwanis listening & updating their message relative to the first post, but Kiwanis, Circle K, and Key Club shouldn't just be uploading posts; but uplifting and upholding with action and resources. Don't just be performative; there's much more that can be done. #BLM

Thank you. This is a better response than the previous, but the messaging of "stay the course" (last paragraph of the statement) should be challenged during a time that requires all of us to look at the role we play in the system that continues to deliver injustice. We will be watching to see what ACTIONS this organization can commit to. I can think of one, but I'm sure there are many. How about you put out some resources to address racial diversity and inclusiveness in your membership base? Feels like a win-win to me. www.kiwanis.org/news/newsitem/news/newsitem/what-does-your-club-look-like

As a Circle K'er whose peers did not hesitate to voice their support of human rights in supporting BLM, I appreciate the renewed decision for Kiwanis to acknowledge the situation and the BLM movement directly compared to the previous problematic statement. However, we still expect much in actions than simply words as we are participants of an organization that focuses on making changes in our communities through initiative and action.

Definitely appreciate the updated note, but please know that this is still the bare minimum. You shouldn’t have had to been pressured to finally say racism is bad because that IS NOT A CONTROVERSIAL statement. Now that you’ve made this statement, I expect Kiwanis, Circle K, and Key Club to continue upholding this through their actions - because in this day and age, just saying “racism is unacceptable” is not enough.

I am a former President of the University of Rochester CKI chapter. During my Presidency I worked closely with the Kiwanis advisor of my district. When I asked the Kiwanis advisor to send members to help out the 19th Ward, a location that is known as a predominantly black neighborhood, he told me “Our Kiwanis members don’t feel safe in doing service there,” which is bluntly racist. The message of the past posts once again reflect the inaction that Kiwanis members take when tasked with fighting racism. This inherently shows the deep rooted bias and racism in the parent organization. If Kiwanis wants to keep having members and be an organization that helps the people that are in need the most, then they need to take action instead of just posting vague messages. If Kiwanis is not going to take action to help black communities then it need to at least donate money to organizations that help the cause instead of trying to give an all lives matter rhetoric like the last post.

the first post was made to appease both sides and make the organization look good, the second was made after much negative backlash and was posted for the same reason as the first. to make the organization look good. don’t forget that.

Our number 2 basic rule, the Kiwanis principle to encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships is very important. This leading principle of treating others as you want to be treated brought me to Kiwanis. This principle says it all. Kiwanis has no place for racism. Although it should not be needed thanks for your confirmation of this principle Stan.

We share the view expressed by Philippe Blanc member of our club Kiwanis Annemasse genevois Salève. Racism is intolerable .

Hi Kiwanis, I served in my schools key club, NYC district, even becoming president . Doing service events and even being a leader in an overall positive experience does not take away from the fact that racism has been tolerated by club communities . Kiwanis has the means and resources to create and distribute information as it relates to the core of the issue at hand. As an individual , I’m using all of my skills and know how for your international organization to do my part. As an international orginization what are you doing ? My personal experience with the organization already let’s my know that there are not many Black members on the club level let alone the district level .

This is a clear position ! Thank you Mr Stan Soderstrom.

Thank you Stan for those words! Very proud to be member of Kiwanis today!

Now imagine how much of an impact you guys can have on the movement with fundraising-you have years of experience doing this for other causes. You have an audience and platform, so use it! Put your money where your mouth is.

Does the BLM movement support the defending of police departments throughout the USA? Next question: Is Kiwanis International asking clubs to support the BLM movement knowing its is calling for defending police depts? KI is walking on very thin ice. I saw one post suggesting local clubs use fund raising to donate to the ACLU. WOW!!!

Thank you Stan and Kiwanis for listening.

Back around 1989, Kiwanis International passed a Resolution on Ending Racism.

Thank you. Thank you to the Kiwanis family members who spoke out against the unacceptable first statement. It gave me hope for the future of this org. This statement is an improvement, and thank you for putting it out. Now let's talk about the work that needs to be done. "We know" is a defensive response to being told something. So let me be clear, you were told these things because you failed to express them. And that's okay, we are all learning, but eventually each and every Kiwanis family member will need to decide what they are going to do about the things they "know." Words are important, and action is more important. The last pragraph of this statement recalls the last 100 years of the Kiwanis family and how you will "continue to stand for bringing people together " but let's be reminded that women were only accepted at the international level by threat of lawsuit as described on your own website. Now that's an extreme example but even within my own experience in CNH within the past 5 years, Kiwanis family often relies so much on tradition and ease of familiarity that they not only brush off new ideas but actively antagonize those trying new things. The ONLY thing Kiwanis International should be "continuing" is continuing to be better. Hold your members accountable to these ideals, provide ways for your members to learn about them, and give them resources to act on them. As a community service organization your work does not begin in the community, it begins within yourselves. ( article referenced: www.kiwanis.org/about/history/kiwanis-becomes-a-coed-organization)

I appreciate the first step--and it is a FIRST step--to addressing the concerns that many of us have expressed. Listening and working together is an important precondition for change. But listening alone will not serve the children of the world. Some folks have asked for action steps and I noticed none were listed in this new letter, so I thought I'd reprise the ones that I mentioned in my previous post: 1) Run workshops on racism and White privilege at conferences. 2) Recognize the labor that many SLP (Key Club/CKI) clubs and members are doing to fight racism and anti-Blackness.[edit: Many Kiwanians are also doing this labor and should also be recognized] 3) Support social justice programs/service events. 4) Advocate for and donate to 501c3's supporting Black communities 5) Better yet, partner with them. 6) Listen to your Key Clubbers and CKIers. Listen to your Key Clubbers and CKIers. Listen to your Key Clubbers and CKIers. In order to listen and work together, which is the solution KI has identified as the best, Kiwanis International would need to provide a platform for people to communicate about important and frankly uncomfortable/difficult topics related to racism. I encourage you to reach out to your Key Club and CKI counterparts and really listen to what they have to say, and what actions they have taken to advocate for social justice and Black lives within student leadership programs. I emphasize this in particular because your SLP orgs, now and in the past, have been at the forefront of pushing Kiwanis to be more inclusive in their membership and service endeavors. I am reminded of past CKI Presidents George Latimer and Greg Faulkner, who fought hard to allow women into CKI in 1973, against the wishes of Kiwanis International (KI did not go co-ed till 1987, and only under threat of lawsuit, as Brianna Deschenes noted). Now, in 2020, I see it again, as many former and current Key Clubbers and CKIers (including those that have become Kiwanians) call KI out for an inadequate response to an important social issue in the United States. I hope you rise to the expectation of your student leadership programs, in your words and ESPECIALLY in your actions.

"Simple Acts Of Compassion Are The Core Of Our Humanity."-DJF

Thank God for Kiwanis. Stand up for what’s right.

Many thanks for Kiwanis club..you are the best

Thank you Stan, our members need to work together to make a change. #BLM

Thank you, Stan—this was much better.

Thank you, Kiwanis!

So much more work to be done.

Thank you for clarifying!! 💕💯🎉