New England and Bermuda District of Key Club International's
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77th Annual
District Educational Conference
Service Under the Stars
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March 27 - 29, 2026
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Sheraton at Monarch Place
Springfield, Massachusetts
House of Delegates
Each year at the District Educational Conference, the House of Delegates convenes to conduct the official business of the District. This includes electing the District Governor, District Secretary, District Treasurer, and District Bulletin Editor. In addition, the House of Delegates may endorse up to two candidates from the New England and Bermuda District to run for Key Club International Trustee and up to one candidate to run for either Key Club International President or Key Club International Vice President at the subsequent Key Club International Convention. Finally, the House of Delegates may consider amendments to the District Bylaws.
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Candidates for District Office and International Endorsement must submit signed candidacy paperwork in order to run. Candidate paperwork was due by February 13, 2026, for candidates to campaign prior to the House of Delegates. Candidates who submit their paperwork on time will be introduced at the Opening Session, be included in the Candidate Booklet, and be given an opportunity to speak and answer questions in the state caucus sessions.
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Key Club members may run off the floor for District Office and International Endorsement so long as they submit signed and completed candidate paperwork prior to the start of the House of Delegates. Candidates who run off the floor will not be permitted to caucus or distribute literature at DECON. They will be granted the same amount of time to speak at the House of Delegates as declared candidates.
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Delegates
Each Key Club in good standing is entitled to send two voting delegates to the District Educational Conference. It is recommended that the Key Club President serve as one of the Key Club's delegates, although this is not required. In addition, members of the District Board serve as delegates-at-large.
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Voting Procedure
Votes during the House of Delegates will take place either by a voice vote (for simple yes/no votes) or by electronic ballot. Delegates will need a smart phone or other internet connected device to vote during the House of Delegates.
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A candidate must win a majority of votes in order to be elected. Should there be more than two candidates and no candidate received a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes will be eliminated and another vote will be held. This process will continue until a candidate wins a majority.
Bylaw Amendments
The House of Delegates may consider amendments to the District Bylaws.
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Proposal of Amendments to the District Bylaws
Proposal Submission Deadline:
All proposed amendments to the District Bylaws, whether submitted by individual Key Clubs or the District Board, must be submitted to the District Administrator no later than 45 days prior to the call to order of the House of Delegates at District Educational Conference.
Review by District Administrator:
Upon receival, the District Administrator shall review each proposed amendment to ensure it does not conflict with the District Bylaws, the Kiwanis District Bylaws and Policy Code, the Key Club International Bylaws and Policy Code, or any applicable governmental laws and regulations.
Distribution to Key Clubs:
All approved proposed amendments must be sent by the District Administrator to all Key Clubs in the district no later than 20 days prior to the call to order of the House of Delegates to allow adequate time for club review prior to District Educational Conference.
Note: this year, 45 days prior to House of Delegates is Monday, February 10, 2026 and 20 days prior to House of Delegates is Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
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Consideration at House of Delegates
Once a Proposed Amendment is brought before the House of Delegates, delegates will debate the amendment. Two microphones will be set up: a "Pro" microphone and a "Con" microphone. Debate will commence with the delegate who moved the adoption of the Proposed Amendment and alternate between the "Pro" and "Con" microphones. No delegate may speak a second time until all delegates wishing to speak have spoken. Debate on each amendment shall not exceed 20 minutes.
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Once debate has ended, a vote will be held by electronic ballot. All amendments to the District Bylaws require a 2/3 vote.
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Ratification of Bylaw Amendments
All amendments to the Key Club District Bylaws must be ratified by the Kiwanis District Board and Key Club International.
Proposed Amendments (2026)
The District Board submitted three proposed amendments to be considered at the 2026 House of Delegates.
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1. District Dues Increase
This proposal would increase District Dues from $3.50 per member to $5.00 per member.
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2. Modernization of Language
This proposal eliminates gendered pronouns, updates titles, and replaces references to using mail with e-mail throughout the bylaws.
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3. Combination of District Secretary-Treasurer
This proposal combines the roles of District Secretary and District Treasurer.