Capital District Circle K International Members,

Service. Leadership. Fellowship. These are the three tenets in which Circle K International embodies. While the ability of CKI to help its members improve their capacity for service and leadership is quite powerful, the truth is that this is not what makes CKI unique. There are many organizations which focus solely on service and leadership to produce a fine set of accomplished, admirable civil servants and leaders. However, what makes Circle K International an organization worth joining is that it combines the tenets of service and leadership with the tenet of fellowship. CKI is not simply a service organization, but a family.  By entering into this organization, you become part of the CKI family and, on a larger scale, the Kiwanis family. 

It is the belief of the Capital District Board that the tenet of fellowship is what has allowed us to retain some of the brightest minds and kindest hearts within our organization and to recruit new ones. By fostering an environment of love and kindness for those within and outside of CKI, like-minded individuals have been able to come together to bring a more impactful change to our global community by the way we serve and lead. If we are to continue to remain a capable and influential organization, we must stick together and continue to embody fellowship. In the light of recent events, this means that we cannot shy away as our brothers and sisters as they are treated with cruelty and injustice. 

The Capital District Board of CKI looks to address the killing of George Floyd and all those before him not through the lens of polarized politics, but through the lens of morality and basic human rights. Human rights are the fundamental freedoms which any human, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion, should be given. When black rights are violated, human rights are violated. Without the ability to uphold morality through basic human rights, there is no righteousness. There is no justice. No patriotism. No goodwill. 

For this reason, to remain indifferent or silent in the face of current events would be to directly go against the Objects of Circle K International held within our International Bylaws: to cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism, which makes possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism, and goodwill. 

The Capital District of Circle K International condemns the racism and structural violence which will forever be a part of this country’s history and continues to affect our black brothers and sisters to this day. The District Board encourages clubs and its members to act in accordance with the Objects of Circle K International. As long as you act in accordance with the foundational documents of the Capital District and Circle K International, you have the full support of the Capital District. 

During these times, the Capital District is empowered by our club officers and members who continue to be leaders and serve their communities. Even more so, we are empowered by those officers and members who continue to place an emphasis on fellowship through inclusive love and kindness. Please continue to support each other and, where possible, share this support to those in our community who need it most. It will be our love and kindness which will be our greatest superpower.

Yours in Caring and Service,

The 2020-21 Capital District Board of Circle K International