Kiwanis and other K-Family Clubs may wish to complete the 2008-09 NYD Governor's project by implementing this service project which seeks to foster self-esteem in children by recognizing them in five (5) achievement areas.

The areas of recognition are:

• Academics
• Athletics
• Music
• Art
• Service

K-Family Clubs are encouraged to present awards in all five (5) areas so that children with talents in each area will be recognized. The specific criteria for each Shining Star award should be determined by the K-Family Club presenting the awards. Please remember that for awards to be meaningful and truly build self-esteem the recipient should know exactly why they are receiving the award. Awards should be given for a real achievement and only to truly deserving recipients. Please avoid criteria that select recipients based on the fact that they did not receive any other award. Awards are also more meaningful when they are presented in a forum that does not include dozens of other awards as a graduation or senior awards nights often do.

K-Family Clubs that choose to present Shining Star awards are encouraged to work with their local schools, scouts, sports organizations, camps and Kiwanis Service Leadership Clubs to identify recipients and plan award presentation events. K-Family Clubs may also wish to consider holding a special club meeting to present these awards. Clubs are also encouraged to invite elected officials and local media to these award presentations as well have the club's Public Relations committee members send press releases to local news media.

Shining Star award lapel pins are available through Condor Creations under the title Kiwanis Gold Star. http://www.condorcreations.com/stock/kiwanis.html. Along with the lapel pin and special certificate has also been created and can be downloaded in .pdf format from the Governor’s Project page on the NY District Kiwanis website.

Kiwanis and other K-Family Clubs may wish to complete the 2008-09 NYD Governor's project by implementing this service project which seeks to foster children’s self-esteem by simply letting them know that someone cares.

The Send a Hug project encourages the K-Family clubs of the New York District to send a message to a child for no other reason than to brighten that child's day.

These "Hugs" can be sent to children in the hospital, in a foster home, in a school, in a shelter or through a program such as the Make a Child Smile organization (http://www.makeachildsmile.org/).

Clubs may also wish to consider sending "Hugs" to victims of natural disasters such as Hurricane Ike. These "Hugs" can be in a variety of forms from decorated pillow cases (aka Pillow Hugs) to a "thinking about you" card or from a small gift such as a stuffed animal to a special treat such as a chocolate lollipop.

It is important to discuss what type of "Hug" you will be sending with any organization you are sending your "Hugs" to. Many organizations that care for children have rules and regulations about what can be given to the children in their care.

Download the following documents:

• Shining Star
• Send a Hug
• Governor's Project Application

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact: