Q: What is Kiwanis, anyhow?
Kiwanis is one of the greatest service club organizations this side of the moon. Our Kiwanis International Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana assists Kiwanis clubs and the Kiwanis Family of sponsored youth organizations in over 90 countries provide service to children and their families around the world.
Q: How often do Kiwanis Clubs meet?
Most Kiwanis clubs meet weekly, each club choosing the day and time of its' meeting. Usually the clubs meet for one hour during a mealtime.
Q: Are there dues and other charges to join Kiwanis?
There are modest dues collected every three or six months. In addition, most clubs use minor fund raising techniques to help cover club expenses. Public fund raisers are conducted to collect funds for providing services to children and their families around the world. A member may expect out of pocket expenses to be $2.00 to $5.00 per week in addition to meal costs.
Q: What happens at Kiwanis Club meetings?
Meetings are opened with a pledge of allegiance to the American flag, an invocation and sometimes a rousing song. A new and interesting speaker is usually invited each week to present a lively topic during or after the meal. Fun games and/or drawings are held for prizes. A few announcements, then a lot of fellowship round out the meetings.
Q: Who can join Kiwanis and what are the age limits?
Men and women 18 years or older may join Kiwanis. Also, there are various Kiwanis sponsored clubs for youth in educational institutions from middle schools up to colleges. Any Kiwanian can help you find an appropriate Kiwanis club or Kiwanis sponsored youth organization.
Q: Are there small or large conferences besides club meetings?
Divisions of about 10-20 Kiwanis clubs hold division council meetings regularly to discuss club projects and to educate members. Kiwanis districts have 1-3 conferences each year where upwards of 600 clubs come together for education and enjoyment. Kiwanis International has at least one annual conference usually in North America but sometimes on other continents. European and Asiatic meetings are held in addition to the International meeting.
Q: What is a major emphasis of service that Kiwanis promotes?
IDD or Iodine Deficiency Disorder is a major project of Kiwanis which has saved many lives and helped to rid children of mental retardation and other conditions such as goiter due to iodine deficiency. Iodized salt plants are being built around the world to prevent this condition.
