IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS Kiwanis International's worldwide service project   In 1994, Kiwanis International made a promise to the world's children: Kiwanis and its Kiwanis family will raise $75 million to virtually eliminate the world's most prevalent, preventable cause of mental retardation: iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). The successful completion of this mission will rank as one of mankind's greatest health-related achievements during the 20th and 21st centuries. More than 1.5 billion children and adults will be saved from disorders that include stillbirths, cretinism, and goiter, as well as diminished academic performance and productivity.   Our contributions to the IDD campaign in the year 2000 total $1,288.05. We are proud of our participation in this global effort to eliminate iodine deficiency.   WHAT IS IDD? Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) is the world's leading cause of preventable mental retardation.  The human body uses iodine for proper physical and mental development. A person needs only a teaspoon of the micro nutrient, consumed in small amounts over a lifetime.   Without a proper diet of iodine, the human body is susceptible to a number of problems identified as iodine deficiency disorders. These disorders include: abortion, fetal brain damage--cretinism, stillbirth, neonatal goiter, child goiter, neonatal brain damage, loss of energy among children, impaired school performance, retarded physical development, adult goiter with complications, loss of energy among adults, diminished productivity and impaired mental function among adults. The solution, however, is simple: Add small amounts of iodine to a person's daily diet. Because salt is consumed almost everywhere on a daily basis, universal salt iodization is considered the most efficient means of virtually eliminating IDD. It is a solution that has been available to the world for more than seventy years; however, more than 1.5 billion people still are at risk of IDD.   "Goiter (IDD) is the easiest of all known diseases to prevent. It may be excluded from the list of human maladies as soon as society determines to make the effort."--David Marine, MD, 1923   FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Why a Worldwide Service Project for Kiwanis International?   As Kiwanians, we are committed to international service. Currently, there are Kiwanis clubs in more than eighty countries and geographic areas, yet never before have we taken on an effort to improve the quality of life for children on a global scale.   Now is the time to demonstrate our commitment to service throughout the world as part of Kiwanis' commitment to Young Children Priority One. We can improve the lives of more than 120 million preschool children, hundreds of millions of older children, and millions of adults who will be better able to care for their children.   2. How did Kiwanis decide upon the virtual elimination of iodine deficiency disorders for its first Worldwide Service Project?   The Kiwanis International Board chose to undertake this project after evaluating a number of global needs. The battle against iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) was chosen for four reasons: IDD's cause is known, the scientific capability to detect it is available, its virtual elimination is achievable, and the success of the program can be monitored afterward. No other program can help so many, so fast, at so little cost. Kiwanis club representatives to the House of Delegates at the 1994 International Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, approved the fight against IDD as our first Worldwide Service Project. At every International convention since 1994, delegates have reaffirmed Kiwanis' commitment to the Worldwide Service Project and the virtual elimination of IDD.   3. What is our goal?   Kiwanis' goal was to raise (US)$75 million in pledges, donations, and commitments to help virtually eliminate the leading cause of preventable mental disability in the world today. Ultimately, our goal is to improve the quality of life for more than 1.5 billion people worldwide.   4. Why did the International Board choose to enter a partnership with UNICEF to eliminate IDD?   Kiwanis International and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) share a global commitment to children in need, and no other organization in the world possesses the necessary leadership and extensive resources of UNICEF. The 1990 World Summit for Children dramatically presented the needs of the world's youngest citizens, and Kiwanis wants to fulfill at least some of these insufficiencies. With this project, we have made a commitment to millions of young people worldwide as part of the Young Children: Priority One program.   Humankind could have eliminated the scourge of IDD seventy years ago when a cure first was discovered. However, only recently have the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and others taken the initiative to eliminate IDD worldwide. The ICCIDD, WHO, and UNICEF do not have all the resources to get the job done. Kiwanis' involvement will help ensure that IDD will be virtually eliminated .   The ICCIDD and the WHO provide the scientific expertise and analysis needed to guarantee that the appropriate action is taken. UNICEF is our partner in the field to make sure that well-managed plans are developed and implemented. Kiwanis provides the moral and financial support needed to meet this challenging goal.   5. What is UNICEF's role?   With the personnel in 200 field offices in more than 140 nations, UNICEF is positioned to achieve our goal. UNICEF also has the necessary delivery mechanisms and relationships with all of the various governments to make this project work. In countries affected by IDD that are supporting the iodization process--from education to testing the population to developing a salt-iodization program--UNICEF's current presence in those countries ensures proper monitoring and guidance in the use of Kiwanis' funds. UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 and acted as the Secretariat for the first World Summit for Children in 1990, then the largest gathering of world leaders ever assembled. The United States government always has strongly supported UNICEF and is, in fact, its largest single donor. All US Presidents serving during UNICEF's nearly five decades of existence have publicly endorsed its work.   6. Why should I give or raise funds for the Worldwide Service Project?   IDD affects more than one-fourth of the world's population. It is the most common, preventable cause of mental disability in children. Even larger numbers of children are affected by IDD in a less obvious manner. A lack of iodine in the diet can affect entire communities by reducing the level of their children's intelligence, locking them into poverty and underdevelopment. These children have less energy, are less able to learn during childhood, and therefore are less able to contribute to society as adults.   By mobilizing our resources for the Worldwide Service Project, we will participate in an historic endeavor to provide iodized salt to more than 1.5 billion people at risk. The project also will prevent the development of goiters and hundreds of thousands of babies being born annually with cretinism, mental or physical disabilities, deafness, or paralysis.   The Worldwide Service Project will establish Kiwanis as an international, community-service organization that responds to international health concerns while supporting Kiwanis' Young Children Priority One program.   7. My club always has raised money to support local projects. Why should we now give to an international project?   Roger Moore, our honorary chairman, offered this answer at the 1994 International Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana:   "We know the miracle of childhood, the discovery, the hope. And we cannot stand idly by and watch as that miracle is wasted--not as long as we have the power to stop it. And we do.   "I do not believe that we have to choose between children here and children there. There are enough resources for all children, thanks to the low-cost technologies now available. In a world where information travels at the speed of light, from one continent to the next, no child, anywhere, should want for something as basic as iodine. "There is another, more practical reason to help: Increasingly, we are living in a world with a truly global economy. Years ago, we could look at people suffering far away and think, 'Oh, what a pity.' We might never feel the effects. This is no longer true. The key word today is 'interdependence.' Markets rise and fall together. Companies expand to other countries or fall away like dinosaurs.   "If we believe in this new world that the fate of another country does not affect our own, we are foolish. Our fates are bound together. In order for nations to soar, their people must be vibrant, self-sufficient, innovative. "I submit to you that iodine deficiency is not simply stealing our children--though this is surely a great consequence--IDD is stealing our productivity and our potential. It is stealing our future." When we address the problems associated with IDD, the quality of life in distant lands will improve and, indirectly, all of our lives will be better.   8. How will this project benefit my club?   Experience has shown that the Worldwide Service Project can help clubs attract new members and generate more funds for more community service. The Worldwide Service Project provides powerful incentives for potential members whose volunteer efforts are needed to fulfill our commitment and improve the lives of more than 1.5 billion people. No service organization ever has had the opportunity to help more people through a realistic, achievable endeavor. Another benefit for every Kiwanis club is the expansion of members'   understanding of the world and how we affect those around us. Kiwanis clubs always have collaborated with other clubs in distant parts of the globe. This project will give clubs an opportunity to increase their sensitivity to world needs, attract new members, satisfy Kiwanis' goal of helping young children, and demonstrate that we truly are an international organization.   9. Will my club receive special recognition for its support of the Worldwide Service Project?   Kiwanis has introduced various forms of recognition for Kiwanis clubs, Kiwanians, and others who wish to contribute.   A special Donor Tribute display has been placed in the Kiwanis International Office. The names of clubs, organizations, and members who contribute (US)$50,000 or more are inscribed on the tribute, and the donor receives a special recognition plaque. The George F. Hixson Fellowship and the Tablet of Honor are available for designated contributions to the Worldwide Service Project in (US)$1,000 increments. The Canadian Osborne Fellowship is available for contributions to the Worldwide Service Project in (Canadian)$500 increments. A club banner patch program also is available.   10. Will the project be promoted worldwide?   Yes. The Worldwide Service Project offers a tremendous opportunity to elevate the visibility of Kiwanians internationally.   Kiwanis, in conjunction with UNICEF, is working with national governments and the news media in developed and developing countries to inform the public about the importance of using only iodized salt. Kiwanis has produced public-service announcements (PSAs) for global use which already have been aired on major television networks, including CNN International. Special press releases and other publicity materials have been provided to clubs and districts to support their efforts.   11. What tools are provided for Kiwanians to promote the project?   A variety of materials are available to support our Worldwide Service Project, including project brochures, videos, and even speakers. Club program kits and training programs also have been developed.   12. To whom should I direct questions about IDD and the Worldwide Service Project?   E-mail: wsp@kiwanis.org   13. How are Kiwanis funds used?   In most cases, a salt plant, facility, or factory already is in place. The machinery necessary may be an iodization machine as well as the necessary quantities of iodine. In some cases, nothing exists, and we must build from the ground up. To install a credible program, we may need to begin with assessment, legislation, advocacy, education, or the distribution of iodized oil until iodized salt is available. We will, in consultation with our partners, provide the funds needed to install the necessary pieces, such as education, initial facility management, the building of the facility, and installation of the iodization equipment to get an installation up and running.   14. Who manages our support for the Worldwide Service Project?   All contributions or gifts are deposited with the Kiwanis International Foundation (KIF) or a KIF-approved depository, such as the Kiwanis Foundation in Canada. No gifts should be given to an unauthorized organization or depository. Kiwanis receives detailed country proposals from UNICEF for specific sites to be awarded installation grants. Once the proposals have been reviewed and approved by the Kiwanis IDD Allocations Committee, grants are made to UNICEF. All funds allocated are used to fund approved programs; no money is retained by the UNICEF National Committees or UNICEF headquarters. The Kiwanis Allocations Committee has been set up specifically to allow Kiwanis to approve and monitor the use of all funds.   15. How can money be transferred to the Kiwanis International Foundation?   Contributions should be forwarded to the Kiwanis International Foundation, 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, USA, or to one of its approved depositories. In some nations, the money will remain in that country's KIF-approved depository until the Kiwanis International IDD Allocations Committee approves the release of funds to UNICEF to support a facility. All gifts and pledges will be acknowledged by the Foundation.   16. Within a district, who will be responsible for collecting contributions, and how should contributions be banked?   All checks should be made payable to the Kiwanis International Foundation Worldwide Service Project and sent directly to the KIF in Indianapolis, Indiana, or to an approved KIF depository in selected countries. Members should handle pledges or contributions as little as possible. District, regional, and zone chairpersons should not collect funds; they should have funds sent directly to the KIF. If placed in a situation in which a pledge or gift is handed to them, they should send it immediately to the Foundation in Indianapolis, noting that it is for IDD. Districts should not set up any IDD accounts.   17. Are any of the funds raised by Kiwanis used to pay UNICEF administrative costs? No. All funds provided by Kiwanis are utilized to provide salt-iodization programs.   18. Is a gift to the Worldwide Service Project tax-deductible?   All US contributions should be given to the Kiwanis International Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions to the KIF by persons living in the US are tax-deductible (see a tax consultant for more details). 19. How and where are salt projects implemented?   The Kiwanis International IDD Allocations Committee, in consultation with UNICEF, identifies areas of the world to receive salt-iodization assistance. The Allocations Committee has approved the transfer of funds to support iodization programs in several nations; for a complete, up-to-date list, see Our Progress. As Kiwanians and others present gifts to the Kiwanis International Foundation--or other KIF-authorized depositories--the funds will be pooled, allowing the Allocations Committee to transfer money to support additional programs. 20. May an individual, club, division, or district fund an entire salt-iodization program installation and select the country?   Yes. An individual, club, division, or district may earmark contributions for a country program. The International Board, however, strongly discourages the identification of countries or specific locations, because a concentrated effort needs to be maintained and sporadic placement could prove to be more costly and less productive. If a donor has a very special interest, he or she should contact the Worldwide Service Project staff at the International Office in Indianapolis, Indiana.   PROGRESS The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reports the Kiwanis family helped save more than 8 million children from being born with iodine deficiency disorders and mental retardation in 1999.   In 2001 Kiwanis surpassed its $75 million goal.