About
The Bushnell's Basin-Pittsford Club (BBP) is a newly formed club that was chartered in April 2023. We have 18 members and are currently looking to increase our membership to better serve the children and families of the community.
Our club, along with the 11 other Finger Lakes Division clubs, take part in service projects, hold fundraisers, and raise money for communities, families, and projects. Our club meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month (except holidays) from 12-1pm at the Pittsford Community Center, located at 35 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsford, NY.
Mission
Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children.
Vision
Kiwanis will be a positive influence in communities worldwide—so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive.
History
Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., by a group of businessmen who called the organization the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers. The name changed to Kiwanis in 1916, after a Native American expression: “Nunc Kee-wanis.” (“We trade.”) That same year, Kiwanis became an international organization with the founding of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Initially focused on business networking, the organization changed its focus to service in 1919 — specifically service to children. Over the years, more clubs were created in the U.S. and Canada, and worldwide expansion was ultimately approved in the 1960s. Today, there are Kiwanis clubs in nearly 80 nations and geographic locations.
Officers
President: Alyssa Hooper
Vice President: Jeff Ashline
Secretary: Catie Whiffen
Treasurer: Howard Miller
Immediate Past President: Barb Wagner
Directors
Becky Ryan
Mary Ellen Travers
Margaret Genova
WHY VOLUNTEERISM IS IMPORANT
Modern life is busy, and it can sometimes be difficult to feel connected to your community in meaningful ways. If loneliness and social isolation are becoming a problem, it may be time to make a change. Specifically, it may be the time to introduce volunteerism into your life.
In a literal sense, the definition of volunteerism is “the act or practice of doing volunteer work in community service.” But volunteerism doesn’t have to be restricted to the action it describes. Volunteerism connotes a mindset or a philosophy. It can also mean an attitude of service or a willingness to give back to your community — and in doing so, to make the world around you a better place.
As it turns out, volunteerism doesn’t just help the organization, population, or community on the receiving end. Volunteering your time or energy can have amazing benefits for you, too. Below are a few ways that volunteering can change your life for the better:
- Facilitates connection. Volunteering gives you the chance to meet new people and can improve your social and relationship skills. Volunteering with family members or friends can provide an opportunity to spend meaningful time with those people, thereby strengthening those relationships.
- Provides a sense of meaning. A lot of research has been done on the link between altruism and happiness. The happiness that many people feel as a result of volunteering may be related in part to the increased sense of purpose and self-confidence experienced when people are generous with their time and energy.
- Helps lengthen your lifespan. In addition to its emotional and mental benefits, volunteering can improve your physical health. Volunteering can lower stress levels and enhance peoples’ overall sense of well-being, both of which can have positive effects on physical health. Many volunteering opportunities also entail physical labor, which can be a great source of exercise.
While most communities have no shortage of volunteer opportunities, the COVID-19 pandemic has made volunteering more difficult. Fortunately, Kiwanis International clubs all around the world are still serving their communities. Kiwanis club members look at the needs of children in their community and decide on projects that will benefit local kids the most. By coming together with others in your area, you can begin to make your community a better place for everyone in it. Reach out to your local Kiwanis club today to get involved!