By Kelly Liland, International Trustee
Western Canada District
When I first heard about Circle K International, I wasn’t sure if it was for me. I’d emailed a few student organizations, but honestly I didn’t expect much. To my surprise, the charter president of my local CKI club responded faster than anyone else. That quick reply made me think, “Maybe this is worth checking out.” So I went to my first meeting, feeling a mix of curiosity and nerves.
The first meeting I attended was virtual because of COVID. We did a Free Rice competition (which I totally crushed) followed by a game of Among Us. It was a blast and really showed me what CKI is beyond presentations and slides — it’s about connection and having fun together. After that, I made sure to incorporate service projects into our meetings, like making thank-you cards for janitorial staff or packing backpacks for kids. Giving new members a chance to experience service firsthand is so important. I truly believe you have to show people what CKI is, not just tell them.
The day after my first meeting, I got a message saying, “Glad you came!” It wasn’t a big deal, but it made me feel noticed and appreciated. Before the next meeting, the charter president reached out again, asking if I’d be coming back. That follow-up made all the difference. I didn’t feel like another name on a list; I felt part of something real.
When I started tabling for our club, I quickly realized that people won’t stop by just because you’re there. For me, free food was a total magnet. If there’s chocolate involved, count me in every time! I also got creative and handed out Goldfish crackers, calling it “Swimming into Service.” It was a silly little idea, but it made people smile and ask questions — which is exactly what you want.
Later, when I became district governor, I was thrown into leading a district officer training conference with almost no prior experience. I was nervous out of my mind, but luckily, the CKI website became my best friend. It’s packed with brand guides, detailed role descriptions from the club to international level, event templates and tons of resources. Using those tools gave me confidence to lead and support others, and it reminded me how important it is to tap into what’s already available instead of trying to do everything on your own.
One of my favorite memories from recruiting was during CKI Week. We had a day for Random Acts of Kindness, so I made a dessert board to take to the campus quad, featuring treats that started with C and K and I. It was a small gesture, but it created a buzz and showed what Circle K is all about: kindness, fun and community.
Keeping up the energy after recruitment is just as important. I made a plan for the year, reached out to check if people were coming to events and used friendly competition to help members bond. I learned that recruitment doesn’t stop after one meeting — it’s about staying connected, being consistent and making it fun.
So get out there and recruit like you just spotted the last slice of pizza at a late-night study session! With the right energy, a little creativity and genuine connection, your club could grow beyond your wildest dreams.