Running for Higher Office

Written by: Harrison Keenan | Division 9 LTG and Shiv Patel | Division 7 LTG

Deciding to run for a higher office in Key Club International can feel intimidating at first, but it

is one of the clearest ways to grow as a leader. In the Georgia District of Key Club International,

leadership is built step by step, with each level bringing greater responsibility and higher

expectations.

Most members begin at the club level. Roles such as president, vice president, secretary,

treasurer, editor, webmaster, or class director keep a club functioning. These officers run

meetings, track service hours, organize projects, and ensure communication remains organized.

Elections are usually held before the district convention or at the start of the school year. An

election committee, typically comprising graduating members and the advisor, oversees the

process to ensure fairness. You express interest, ask questions, and put your name forward.

Sometimes it works out in your favor. Sometimes it does not. If it does not, there are usually

other ways to serve and grow.

Running for district office is a much bigger commitment. Positions such as lieutenant governor,

committee chair, secretary-treasurer, bulletin editor, and governor require more time. District

officers support multiple clubs, hold meetings, plan service leadership programs, and maintain

regular communication across divisions. They also work throughout the year toward

position-specific goals, including earning distinguished awards.

At SLC, the election process is structured and layered. Candidates must meet eligibility

requirements, and campaign materials cannot even be displayed until registration opens. Each

candidate first speaks at their divisional caucus, where they are given three minutes for a speech and two minutes to answer questions. Those questions test how well you think under pressure.

On the second night of SLC, candidates appear before the Nominating Caucus, which includes

two delegates from each division and current district officers. This group evaluates candidates

carefully. If multiple people are running for Governor, Secretary Treasurer, or Bulletin Editor, the

caucus votes by secret ballot to narrow the field to the top two candidates who will move on to

the House of Delegates. At the House, candidates speak again. The Governor receives three

minutes, while other candidates receive one minute. Afterward, delegates vote, and the new

district board is elected.

There is also the international level, which includes eleven trustees, a vice president, and a

president. These leaders support districts worldwide and work directly with Kiwanis

International. Before running for office internationally, a candidate must first earn endorsement from their district, which underscores the seriousness of the process.

Running for higher office is about asking yourself whether you are ready to represent Key Club

beyond your place as a member and if you’re ready to take on the responsibilities.