| Membership Information |
About Kiwanis
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Guided by six permanent Objects, Kiwanis clubs view their role within their respective
communities with a great deal of foresight. Key aspects to operating an effective club
include:
Evaluating both children’s issues and community needs on an ongoing basis
Conducting service projects to respond to those identified needs
Club meetings traditionally are conducted once a week and offer an atmosphere of
fun, learning, and fellowship. In addition to attending the meetings, the typical
Kiwanian volunteers each month to assist with club service projects.
Service projects often are linked to the Kiwanis program, “Young Children: Priority
One.” This initiative places continuing focus on the needs of children in pediatric
trauma, safety, child care, early development, infant health, nutrition, and parenting
skills.
Service projects also can address other needs within the community, such as
working to stop substance abuse, helping the elderly, promoting literacy, supporting
youth sports and recreation, responding to disasters, and supporting specific
persons in need.
Kiwanis also plays a special role in developing future generations of leaders. K-Kids
clubs at the elementary school level, Builders Clubs in middle school and junior
highs, Key Clubs in high schools, and Circle K clubs at the collegiate level all are
Kiwanis organizations that teach community service and leadership skills to young
people. In addition, Aktion Clubs are made up of adults with mental and physical
disabilities who enthusiastically perform service to help others.
Worldwide, the entire Kiwanis family is committed to eliminating the devastating
effects of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), the world’s leading preventable cause of
mental retardation. More than 1.5 billion people are at risk of suffering IDD because
they do not receive enough iodine in their diet. But, because of Kiwanis’ efforts,
many parents who have been affected by IDD are able to watch their children grow
up healthy and reach their full physical and mental potential. The results of the IDD
program will benefit every future generation.
A typical Kiwanis club is a snapshot of its community, with members from all walks of
life and at every step of the career ladder. They are unified in their belief that
children and their communities benefit from the efforts of a proficient group of caring
and involved volunteers. In a typical year, Kiwanis clubs invest more than 6.2 million
hours and US$100 million in communities around the world. Through these efforts,
the Kiwanis organization truly leaves a lasting impression on future generations
Members and clubs also receive KIWANIS magazine ten times a year, enjoy access to an on-line
community, as well as discounts on products and services. Click here for a list of membership benefits.
Kiwanis Membership
Prospective members are invited to join by existing members. The club’s board of directors then reviews
membership information for approval. Beyond initial induction fees, members contribute annual dues as
determined by the club. Kiwanis clubs meet weekly or twice a month. Members, on average, invest about
six hours a month by participating in meetings, projects, and volunteering in their community. Click here to
receive membership info for a club in your area.
The Objects of Kiwanis
To give primacy to the human and spiritual, rather than the material values of life.
To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.
To promote the adoption and the application of higher social, business, and professional standards.
To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive, and serviceable citizenship.
To provide, through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic
service, and to build better communities.
To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism which make possible
the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism, and goodwill.