Kiwanians are like the "yeast" in society, making a discernible difference. Yeast makes things rise. Without it some basic foods would be less than palatable. With it there is added value and enjoyment.
Yeast is recognized as an agitator. It can stir things up, leaving a better result when its work is finished.
Kiwanians infuse society, acting as agents of wholesome change. They should not be isolated as a remnant but should be everywhere as leaven, as yeast.
That's the Kiwanis difference. Kiwanis means moving out with a transforming message of power. It is an active implanting of the love of God in the lives of individuals and societies. It is the way to elevate life and to improve and enhance the human situation and experience. That's the Kiwanis mission.
To fulfill such a mission there obviously must be implementors.
So, what is a Kiwanian? Given our first understanding of the Kiwanis difference -- that it relates to introducing a certain leaven into life -- on the negative side we can say a Kiwanian is not a person restricted to a single profession. Kiwanis service is not restricted to the exclusive province of the board or a particular committee. Speaking positively, Kiwanis service can be and ought to be performed by each and every member of the club.
A Kiwanian is everyone who serves as a consequence of being profoundly moved to share the love of God in their heart. Such service obviously can be anywhere; it can take many forms. But it is service, and it springs from lives moved and touched by love.
Service is the witness to love, and the Kiwanian is identified by that love. He or she interprets his or her activity in that context, openly, unashamedly, and joyfully. Organized or spontaneous service effort at its best is characterized in these terms. It is an expression of loving service, people to people, anywhere in the world.
Is there still a need for the leaven in society which the love of God brings and a need for individuals everywhere to live on the basis of that love?
Only the cynic would deny such needs. Most people would admit that there is plenty of room for the Kiwanis difference, meaning the transforming power of God and his love. It indeed has validity for our day. No other ingredients in the human situation have proved capable of saving and helping us.
This ingredient is needed now more urgently than ever before. Kiwanians ready to make the Kiwanis difference are the people of the hour. So, share that love inside and outside of your communities. Make the Kiwanis difference. Be the yeast that makes the world rise. Share the love.
Column Posted on Web Site February 3, 2011
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated