Hello, Pacific Northwest Key Clubbers!

I hope you are enjoying your October! It’s incredible that we are already over two months into the school year. It often feels that months fly by in the blink of an eye; before we know it, we will be traveling to DCON to celebrate another year of service.

As the service year passes by, it is crucial that you continue to review the goals you outlined for yourself earlier this year. These goals can help you prioritize the tasks that are most important to you, your club, and your community. Write down your goals and place them somewhere visible, where you can see them every day. Consistent exposure to your goals will help you achieve them. Also, be deliberate about reviewing club goals with fellow members and officers. Our goals are achieved through teamwork!

Your goals can help you remain grounded, but it is also important to remember your purpose. Why do you do what you do? Identifying this can help you prioritize the tasks or opportunities available. Additionally, a clear understanding of your purpose and passion will ensure that you remain consistent throughout the school year, preventing burnout by fulfilling your purpose, or your why.

In this Biweekly Update, you will find information related to DCON, reminders about the ongoing membership campaign, an update on PNWOF applications, and more! If you have any questions, comments, ideas, or feedback, please reach out! I am here to support you and to ensure that your experience in Key Club provides opportunities to serve and develop leadership.

In Care and Service,
Gavin Ahumada
District Governor 
Pacific Northwest District 
Key Club International
E: governor@pnwkeyclub.org

Advisor Town Hall: Thursday, October 30, 7:00 PM

During this virtual event, we will discuss updates and resources from Key Club, including the District Project, DCON, and related content. We will also discuss topics like mental health and Youth Protection guidelines. An open floor discussion with District Administrator Brian Egger and a select group of Area Administrators will take place at the end of the Town Hall. This will be an informative and enriching experience!

Apply to Lead a Workshop at DCON 2026 (DEADLINE SOON)!

The DCON Committee is looking for workshop presenters! The workshops will take place at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront. Please complete the application linked below to outline a detailed plan for your workshop and answer critical questions.

The DCON Committee will be evaluating each application based on the contents of the plan and the experience of the presenter(s). We are very excited to see what you share with us. As always, don’t hesitate to contact DCON Committee Chair Lilac Vicencio at convention@pnwkeyclub.org if you have any questions. 

Applications must be submitted by Sunday, November 2nd, at 11:59 PM.

Important DCON Updates and Resources

DCON 2026 will occur from March 6 to March 8, 2026, in Portland, Oregon. With over 30 workshops, electric spirit battles, abundant networking opportunities, the Amazing Wellness Race, entertainment, inspiring speakers, an unforgettable Governor’s Ball, and more, DCON is an event that you DO NOT want to miss!

Please review the materials below to ensure you are prepared to attend DCON 2026. I look forward to seeing you in Portland!

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is an ongoing, current campaign! During this fundraising campaign, Key Clubbers are encouraged to host Halloween-themed fundraisers and donate the proceeds to UNICEF USA. Some popular fundraisers include pumpkin carving events, penny wars, Key Club races, or going door-to-door with the iconic Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes.

All funds donated will support UNICEF’s current initiative, Start Strong: Zambia. The Start Strong: Zambia campaign supports early childhood development in Zambia by building community learning centers called insakas. These insakas have classrooms, community gardens, kitchens, and serve as a safe environment for children to learn and grow.

For online donations, you can simply donate through the Key Club International website. For cash or check donations, follow these steps!

Finally, as recognition for your support, any club that donates $250 or more by December 31st, 2025 will receive a unique Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF patch for their club banner, along with recognition at DCON 2026!

For more information regarding Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, please visit the links below!

The 2025 Membership Campaign Continues

The Membership Growth and Reactivation Committee (MGRC) has worked diligently to establish goals for each individual club in the Pacific Northwest. The committee evaluated past membership trends, club histories, and school information to create challenging—but attainable—membership goals. If each club achieves its goal, the Pacific Northwest’s membership will reach a mighty 13,400 Key Clubbers.

Additionally, if you were unable to attend the Keys to Membership webinar, I encourage you to review the webinar recording with the link below. The webinar’s content will help you recruit and retain members throughout the year.

Let’s work together to bring PNW Key Club to new heights!

PNWOF Update (LAST DAYS TO APPLY!)

The PNWOF Application is OPEN NOW! The Pacific Northwest Opportunities Fund (PNWOF) is a grant provided by the district to support clubs in funding service projects or fundraisers. The grant amount can range from $100 to $1,000 and cover up to two-thirds of the anticipated project costs. The grant is open from September 1st to October 31st, 2025. Submit your application now! If you have any questions about the PNWOF application or grant, please contact PNWOF Committee Chair Claire Jong at pnwof@pnwkeyclub.org.

Do YOU Want to be a Ronald McDonald House Hero?

Are you ready to support the 2025-2026 District Project? Whether you are already involved in supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities, or if you are just beginning, YOU can be a Ronald McDonald House Hero! All dues-paid Key Clubbers who serve 15 or more hours in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities are eligible to apply for this special recognition. When we unite to support a common cause, our impact is greatly amplified. Let’s be heroes, and support Ronald McDonald House Charities!

The deadline to apply for this recognition is Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

How are District Dues Spent?

As dues season continues, your members may have questions about how their dues are utilized. The graphic below provides a detailed breakdown of how every penny of our district dues contributes to the membership experience and amplifies our impact.

Faculty Advisor Appreciation Week: November 10-14

Attention, Key Clubbers! Mark your calendars for Faculty Advisor Appreciation Week!

This week is all about celebrating our amazing faculty advisors, who invest significant amounts of hard work, time, and energy to make our Key Club experience truly special. From helping to plan events to taking us to DCON, they are the backbone of our Key Clubs, and they deserve all the recognition in the world!

To show our appreciation, we encourage all of you to plan some fun activities during your club meetings! Here are a few ideas:

• Encourage Key Club members to write thoughtful thank you notes to the faculty advisor. Then, surprise your advisor with the notes at your next meeting!
• Create a video with member testimonials about all the amazing things your faculty advisor has done, and how it has impacted members and the community.
• Plan and host a celebration for your faculty advisor. Include fun games, posters, thank you notes, and more! You can always ask your local Kiwanis for any funds needed for the celebration.

These are just a few ideas, so we encourage you to brainstorm even more.

Let’s show our advisors how much we appreciate them! Also, keep an eye out for an exciting post on the PNW Key Club Instagram page.

Let’s make Faculty Advisor Appreciation Week one to remember!

Key Club Week: November 3-7, 2025

Key Club Week begins in less than two weeks! Every year, we celebrate Key Club Week to share our impact as a service organization. Learn more about Key Club Week 2025 at the link below!

• Monday: Show Your K! — Showcase Your Key Club Spirit.
• Tuesday: Invite and Include! — Bring Others into Our Community.
• Wednesday: Dare to Share! — Share Our Organization’s Diversity.
• Thursday: Random Acts of Kindness! — Spread Happiness in Your School.
• Friday: Connect the Ks! — Connect with the Kiwanis Family.

Global Engagement Rally: Bridges Across Borders (November 8, 8 AM)

Celebrate the end of Key Club Week by joining members from around the world for the Global Engagement Rally 2025: Bridges Across Borders.

You will attend student-led workshops and hear stories from members who are leading impactful service. You’ll also get inspired by Key Club alumna and Indiana State Representative Carey Hamilton, who will challenge you to lead boldly and make a difference. 

The rally is interactive, energizing, and a perfect way to conclude your week of service and celebration.

Key Leader Registration is Now Open

Registration is now open for Key Leader, an exciting leadership weekend created for high school students just like you.  

At Key Leader, you will consider your most important values while building confidence and learning how to be a leader who serves others. Through hands-on activities, meaningful conversations, and personal reflection, you will grow as a leader and as a person.

Uniting for a Greener FutureB

ig problems require big solutions—and student leaders like you. That’s why Key Club International and Circle K International are partnering with The Nature Conservancy, the world’s largest conservation organization, to address two of the planet’s most significant challenges: climate change and biodiversity loss.

This exciting partnership will create new opportunities for you to lead real environmental change through service, advocacy, and hands-on action. Stay tuned for more information about how you can become involved and make a difference.