Hello, Pacific Northwest!
I hope you enjoyed the first couple weeks of 2026! As we begin a new calendar year, we are also approaching the end of a Key Club service year. In under two months, we will gather at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront to celebrate another year of service, and to prepare for another year of profound changemaking. To secure your registration at the 76th Annual District Convention, please register as soon as possible! The deadline for registration is February 1, 2026, so finalize and submit your registration now. More information and resources are included below!
With only a few months until DCON, it may be tempting to shift focus away from your goals, but I encourage you to identify how you can continue meaningfully contributing to your club and community. The next few months will pass us by incredibly quickly, but that does not mean we cannot continue working toward our goals!
As always, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns or feedback. I hope you enjoy Biweekly Update #20!
In Care and Service,
Gavin Ahumada
District Governor
Pacific Northwest District
Key Club International
E: governor@pnwkeyclub.org
DCON Registration and Election forms are due in just over two weeks! DCON 2026 will occur from March 6-8, 2026 in Portland, OR. 1,600 Key Clubbers from all over the Pacific Northwest will gather to experience everything DCON has to offer, including 30+ high-quality workshops, electrifying spirit battles, unique networking opportunities, an Amazing Wellness Race centered on mental health, and numerous opportunities for growth. We are also excited to hear from our show-stopping lineup of speakers and entertainers, including:
- John Beede: Nationally-recognized motivational speaker, author, and adventurer, who will draw on his experience climbing Mount Everest to provide an undeniably powerful message.
- Carmen Dianne: A dynamic touring bassist, singer, and guitarist blending R&B, country, and pop music, Carmen will kick off an unforgettable convention experience!
- Aaron Golub: An inspiring motivational speaker who was the first legally-blind Division I athlete when he played football for Tulane University. Later becoming an NFL free agent, Aaron will share important lessons in perseverance.
Key Clubbers can expect a theme rooted in lush greenery, vibrant colors, and a spirit of adventure as we “swing into service” with a jungle theme at DCON 2026! Please ensure that you submit your registration and required paperwork by February 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Late registration will result in a $100 fee applied to every late registrant.
Linked below are important DCON 2026 resources, including the Call to Convention video, the registration packet, and the Election Packet. As a reminder, candidates interested in running for District Executive positions must complete their required candidate paperwork by February 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to DCON Committee Chair Lilac Vicencio at convention@pnwkeyclub.org with any questions or concerns. Any questions about the Elections Packet can be directed to me at governor@pnwkeyclub.org. We cannot wait to see you at DCON 2026!
Final Membership Push!
The 2025-2026 Membership Campaign is almost over; however, you should continue adding members! Consider the number of Key Clubbers present at meetings and the total you dues-paid members. Are there more individuals attending meetings than dues-paid members? If so, do your best to reconcile the difference before February 1.
Also, as many of you conclude your first semester of the 2025-2026 school year, seize the opportunity to boost your membership by recruiting the many students who are looking for new activities and opportunities after the first semester. Leverage the opportunity to recruit! Key Club membership is incredibly valuable for students, offering leadership development opportunities, GLC access, grant and scholarship applications, and insurance coverage.
Finally, don’t forget about this year’s unique incentives!
Special Pins and Ribbons
- Incentive: Members attending DCON from clubs that achieved their published membership goal for the 2025-2026 year will receive special membership pins and ribbons at DCON 2026. These pins and ribbons will only be available to members of clubs that achieved their 2025-2026 membership goal and who are registered to attend DCON 2026.
Governor’s Reception Invitation
- Incentive: Clubs that achieve a membership count 25% or more above their published goal for the 2025-2026 year will be invited to a special reception with the District Board at DCON 2026. There will be food available for attendees, and the District Board and Executive Committee will be present during the event.
Ronald McDonald House Hero (Deadline Approaching!)
The deadline for Ronald McDonald House Hero applications is rapidly approaching! If you have completed at least 15 hours of community service supporting the 2025-2026 District Project, you are eligible to be a Ronald McDonald House Hero! Simply submit an application to be recognized as an RMHC Hero during a general session at DCON 2026. The deadline for applications is February 1, 2026. We look forward to recognizing your hard work!
Officer Elections and Officer Service Agreements
As your club plans and executes its club officer elections, consider reviewing the Officer Service Agreements below. More officer resources are available on the PNW Key Club website. Remember, club officers should be prepared to invest their time and energy in providing their members with valuable service opportunities and high-quality meetings. Continue promoting officer roles for the 2026-2027 service year.
Best of luck!
Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship Opportunities
For our graduating Class of 2026, the PNW Kiwanis Foundation has various scholarship opportunities available to all dues-paid PNW Key Club members. The application is due on February 1st, so please finalize your scholarship applications! The Kiwanis Foundation scholarship can be found at the link below.
We’re Headed to Dallas!
Everything’s bigger in Texas—and in 2026, that includes the Key Club International Convention! Mark your calendar for the PNW District Tour, taking place from June 29th to July 5th, when we take over Dallas, Texas, for service, leadership, inspiration, and unforgettable fun.
Start planning your trip
Worried about the cost? You have options:
- Use the Sponsorship Toolkit to connect with supporters and fund your journey.
- Apply for a US$750 convention scholarship. Applications are open now. The deadline to apply is February 14, at 8:59 PM PT.
Don’t miss your chance to shine bright in the Lone Star State. Dallas awaits!
Youth Opportunities Fund Office Hours
This year, the Key Club International Programs & Partners committee will be holding Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) Office Hours. Join Trustees Grace, Elisa, and Tyler to ask questions, gain feedback, and receive any other support with the application process. This is a great resource and opportunity for your clubs, members, and advisors! The dates, times, and link to join are included below. No registration is necessary. We are excited to see you there!
Dates: 7 PM ET/4 PM PT January 25, February 8, and February 22.
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 are not currently served by a Lieutenant Governor.
- Division 9
- Division 52
- Division 76
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 Brian Egger at administrator@pnwkeyclub.org. Serving on the District Board is an incredible experience that provides opportunities to create change and develop as a leader.
