MARYSVILLE – Once special needs students get through the high school and transition programs, some often lack things to do. That is one reason why teacher Jim Strickland is teaming with the Marysville Kiwanis Club to form the Marysville Tulalip Aktion Club.

Stickland noted at the first meeting that Aktion is spelled with a k for “Kiwanis” instead of the usual “c”.

He also said that while 15 people were there and about five others have expressed an interest, he wants to get the word out to the entire community about the club.

Some adults with special needs may not be in a network where they would hear about it.

All special needs adults are welcome.

Strickland told participants that they can help “transform our community in a positive way. We can take action and make our community a better place.”

He said in school they often do community service, and this club will allow them to continue to do that.

“As an adult you can help in the community, too,” he said. “Our community can be a better place due to the Aktion Club.”

Kiwanis Club president Steve Powell talked with the members about things that the organization does in the community, and how some Aktion Club members may be able to help out.

He mentioned community service projects like the maintenance of Kiwanis Park and the Kiwanis One Day, which this year will be at the dog park at Strawberry Fields.

He also mentioned events where Kiwanis sells food and gives out popcorn, such as Movies in the Park, Concerts in the Park, Touch a Truck, the Fishing Derby and the city’s Fourth of July celebration.

Profits go to the club’s scholarship fund of graduating high school seniors in Marysville.

“Kiwanis helps us, and we help them,” Strickland said.

He showed a Kiwanis International video online that talks about the Aktion Clubs.

It talked about how too often people think of those with special needs as “recipients of community service, rather than providers.”

Strickland added, “There’s a lot we can do to make a difference.”

The club plans to meet every other week at the YMCA on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. Strickland asked members to think about projects they might want to do locally and issues they want to get involved in between now and the next meeting April 24.