Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. Today, we stand with more than 550,000 members from K-Kids to Key Club to Kiwanis and many ages in between in 80 countries and geographic areas. Each community has different needs, and Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children, such as fighting hunger, improving literacy and offering guidance. Kiwanis clubs host nearly 150,000 service projects each year.
Membership Benefits
There are lots of reasons to join of club, but here are some of the benefits you can remind your friends, family and acquaintances they’ll enjoy as a member of Kiwanis.
As a member of Kiwanis, they will:
- Change children’s lives
- Improve the community and the world
- Build friendships
- Enhance their leadership skills
- Develop business contacts
Kiwanis also offers members access to special products and services, Kiwanis magazine and other great tools.
Identifying New Members
Part of Kiwanis’ appeal to potential new members is that it affords them the opportunity to be a part of meaningful, hands-on service experiences. But you should know they also want:
- Service leadership programs
- Reasonable dues
- Few meetings
- Social events
- Their voices to be heard
- Opportunities to be active
- Value for their time and money
Think about friends, family, neighbors, colleagues – anyone who has expressed interest in your club or service activities in the past. Work as a club to identify prospective members on a regular basis. It will take teamwork to strengthen your club.
How do you approach prospective members?
One way of sharing Kiwanis with others is to hold a membership drive. A membership drive focuses the club’s efforts on inviting potential members to an event planned just for them. Three simple steps will help your club become stronger this year.
To get started, download the hosting membership drive tool. The tool will provide you tips and advice for completing these three steps:
Step 1: Prepare
Two months before the proposed event date, assemble your team. Look for people who are committed to making the club stronger and better. Also begin considering what promotional materials will be needed. Visit the Kiwanis Family Store to see everything that’s available.
Six weeks before the event, you’ll want to think about the date, location and theme of the meeting. It’s also a good time to plan your meeting agenda.
Step 2: Invite
You can conduct a roster analysis or check a chamber of commerce list for ideas of who to invite. However, the people most likely to join are the colleagues, friends and family of your members. Give them at least three weeks to respond to an invitation, but also ask that any member who refers a guest follow up with a personal invitation as the date gets closer.
On the big day, focus on hospitality. Make your guests feel welcome and focus on sharing your club’s impact and the fun you have together.
Step 3: Follow up
Follow up with all of your guests a few days later to encourage them to join. Plan a new-member orientation and installation to help new members feel special and involved.
Your club can also host an open house or special guest day, or invite the community to take part on your Kiwanis One Day event or during other club projects.
Referring Prospective Members
Do you work with someone who would make an excellent Kiwanis member? Contact your club’s membership chair who works closely with the president and secretary to plan membership drives and special club meetings for prospective members.