Hello, PNW Key Club!

With AP testing just around the corner, I know many of us are feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. As spring settles in and the days grow brighter, I encourage you to take a moment for yourself. Go on a walk, spend time with friends, play some pickleball, and enjoy the season before finals and academic pressures ramp up.

Our District Board has been hard at work transitioning into our new roles—setting goals, discovering our motivations, and defining our purpose as officers. We are energized and committed to servant leadership, striving to create an even stronger Key Club experience for you and for every member who works to meet the needs of our communities. This year, we’re placing a special emphasis on meaningful service and impact. You can support this vision by getting involved in initiatives like United by UNICEF, Erika’s Lighthouse Positivity Pledge, and more.

Take some time to reflect on why you serve. What does Key Club mean to you? How will you leave your mark? Not just within this organization, but in your community and beyond through Kiwanis International?

I’m incredibly excited to see many of you at the 83rd Key Club International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Until then, take care and keep serving with purpose!In Love and Service,
LawrenceMcConnell
District Governor 
Pacific Northwest District 
Key Club International
E: governor@pnwkeyclub.org

United By UNICEF

While Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF already took place back in October, we still have our spring fundraising campaign to look forward to! This year, our spring campaign is United by UNICEF. This will continue supporting Start Strong: Zambia by promoting the initiative and sharing fundraising ideas. The campaign will run throughout the month, officially starting on May 1st!

Clubs can get involved by participating in our UNICEF social media challenge, fundraising for Start Strong: Zambia, or raising awareness for the campaign’s mission. For the social media challenge, clubs can post a fundraiser they have done, a cool UNICEF fun fact, or any ideas related to UNICEF. They should also tag three other clubs to nominate them, and tag the I-Board Instagram account @keyclub.iboard to be reposted.

Governors at GATC

In late April, the 2026-2027 Key Club District Governors gathered for the Governors and Administrators Training Conference (GATC) in Indianapolis to prepare for the year ahead.  

Trained by International President Isabella Baldisseri, International Vice President Luna Alaowad, and the Key Club International staff, the 2026-2027 Governor class spent three days learning, connecting, and sharing fun moments!

Seniors! What’s next?

Congratulations, graduating seniors! Soon you’ll be out of high school, but your service leadership journey doesn’t have to end. Stay connected through the Key Club Alumni Network, where you can engage with alumni globally and expand your professional connections. Heading to college? Gain insights into post-high school life and look into joining Circle K International. Starting your career? The Kiwanis Family welcomes you! Keep the spirit of service alive!

Erika’s Lighthouse Positivity Pledge

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Erika’s Lighthouse is determined to ensure that no one is alone in their struggles against mental health. Join fellow Key Clubbers around the world in taking the Positivity Pledge this year to make mental health awareness a fun, powerful movement! 

This campaign includes themed weeks emphasizing nutrition, self-care, and mindfulness. Be sure to use #pnwkeyclub when you take the Positivity Pledge.
 

Ocean Externship Opportunity

Young people around the world are stepping up to protect our ocean, and we’re proud to help support that momentum. The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the National Geographic Society, is now accepting applications for the Ocean Externship, an 8‑week, fully remote program designed for young leaders ages 18–25. The externship invites participants to explore real marine conservation challenges and turn their curiosity and passion into meaningful local action. Externs learn directly from experts, collaborate with peers from around the globe, and build valuable skills in research, communication, and problem‑solving. The program is flexible at about 10 hours per week, and participants who successfully complete the externshipreceive a $500 stipend. If you or someone you know is interested in ocean conservation and leadership, this is a great opportunity to join a growing community of emerging ocean advocates. Applications close on May 17, 2026, and the program begins on June 1, 2026.

Available District Leadership Opportunities

We are pleased to report that nearly all divisions are served by Lieutenant Governors. However, we still need your help! Lieutenant Governors are vital to the health of each Key Club division, as they create a critical connection between the club and district levels. Clubs in divisions that are not served by a Lieutenant Governor lack a consistent source of relevant updates, resources, and leadership.

The following divisions do not currently have a 2026-2027 Lieutenant Governor:

• Division 9
• Division 20i
• Division 20m
• Division 22/24
• Division 42v
• Division 45
• Division 50
• Division 52
• Division 74
• Division 76
• Division 78
• Division 80
• Division 82

If you or anyone you know is from one of these divisions and is interested in serving as a Lieutenant Governor during the 2026-2027 service year, please contact me at governor@pnwkeyclub.org or District Administrator Angela Bruhl at angela@pnwkeyclub.org. Serving on the District Board is an incredible experience that provides opportunities to create change and develop as a leader.