Greetings, Pacific Northwest!

I know that this is an incredibly busy time of year, particularly as we approach February 1. February 1 is the deadline for DCON registration, awards, District Executive and International Board candidate paperwork, scholarships, and more. While there are several overlapping deadlines to navigate, the end result will include cherished moments with friends at DCON, potential recognition during Closing Session, and maybe even a scholarship to help you step into the next chapter of your life. Remember the results your hard work will yield!

I also want to thank you. Managing these tasks and details is incredibly difficult, but it provides members and friends with the opportunity to continue learning and growing. As officers, your hard work provides others with experiences they might not otherwise have. The work you are doing matters! So, thank you.

As always, please reach out if you need support! I am always one email away. Enjoy the rest of your January!

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

DCON 2026 (LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER)

DCON registration is due in a few days! And, while registration officially closes after February 1, 2026, DCON is well on its way to selling out before the registration deadline. Please register as soon as possible!

As a reminder, DCON 2026 will occur from March 6-8, 2026 in Portland, OR. 1,600 Key Clubbers from all over the Pacific Northwest will gather and experience everything DCON has to offer, including 30+ high-quality workshops, electric spirit battles, unique networking opportunities, an Amazing Wellness Race centered around mental health, and countless 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.

It will be an unforgettable weekend, and I sincerely hope you can experience it with us!

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!

While the membership campaign may conclude soon, please aim to add more members to your club roster, which can be done at any time by simply generating a new invoice. Key Club membership provides students the opportunity to engage in meaningful service projects with their peers, creating a community of student leaders dedicated to generating a positive impact. These unique opportunities for members to develop leadership skills through service and high-caliber leadership positions, such as club office, LTG, or District or International office, are invaluable, and offered only by Key Club.

For every member, Key Club membership is incredibly valuable, offering leadership development opportunities, GLC access, grant and scholarship applications, and insurance coverage. I hope that you will continue adding members throughout the year! As always, the MGRC is here to support you through meaningful resources and technical support. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to schedule a call with members of the MGRC!

Ronald McDonald House Hero (Deadline Approaching!)

The deadline for Ronald McDonald House Hero applicants 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!

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.

Additionally, the Kiwanis International Children’s Fund is providing graduating members of Key Club International with scholarships to ease the financial burden of higher education. The Children’s Fund appreciates the generous donors whose dedication to education and to the Kiwanis family makes these scholarships possible. Application submissions are due February 1.

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:

1. Use the Sponsorship Toolkit to connect with supporters and fund your journey. 
2. 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

Around the world, Key Clubs are making waves with support from the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF). Hundreds of Key Clubs have received grants from the YOF, allowing them to take their service projects to new heights. Applications for Round #2 of the 2025-2026 grants are due March 1, 2026. Need ideas for projects? Read about the past recipients for inspiration.

As a reminder, Key Clubbers can attend Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) Office Hours to ask questions, gain feedback, and receive any other support with the application process.

Dates: 4 PM PST January 25, February 8, and February 22

Global Leadership Certificate

Do you want to learn how to make a real impact—the kind that changes lives and improves the world? Through the Global Leadership Certificate Program, you’ll learn how to share your voice and serve your community’s needs. With 40 different courses offered based on Key Club’s core values of fellowship, leadership, and service, this program is guaranteed to help you stand out as a candidate for post-secondary education and employment. More importantly, this program will help you become a stronger leader and a dynamic changemaker.

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 20i
• Division 20m
• Division 30
• Division 42v
• Division 45
• Division 50
• Division 52
• 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 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.