Fantasy football brings Kiwanis club together  

Fantasy football brings Kiwanis club together  

A virtual, single-focus club in the U.S. mixes members’ sports fandom with service to children.

By Tony Knoderer

When it comes to opening new Kiwanis clubs, many members find success by bringing together people who share a specific interest. They’re called single-focus clubs — and the focus can be on just about anything that creates a sense of fellowship.  

In the U.S., for example, Kiwanis Club of The East Coast was designed for members to meet virtually for a fantasy football league. (That’s American football.) Members also donate US$100 quarterly to support service projects, which have included a water project in Africa, service animals and sheltering single moms and their children. 

In its first year, the club also formed a charitable foundation. Fundraising is based on member donations but has extended its reach with GoFundMe pages on behalf of its charities.

Members do reach beyond sports and occasionally gather in person. In fact, the club has provided birthday parties for children who have cancer and are in the hospital on their big day. 

Kiwanis Club of The East Coast is a reminder that the “classic” club format is just one option. Learn more about club types on our website. And see how your own club can “think outside the meeting box.” 

Tips to improve the club experience 

Tips to improve the club experience 

For club presidents and anybody who aspires to be one, here are some ways to keep members coming back.

By Julie Saetre

From members who have been with your Kiwanis club for years to those who have just joined, everyone wants to feel appreciated — and part of something special. Here are a few important ways to make it happen. 

Listen to your members
Conduct a member satisfaction survey to find out what matters to your club, then schedule a retreat with club leaders to review the results. Identify current club elements to maintain and develop, other efforts that should be changed or dropped, and new ideas you should consider implementing. 

Take advantage of available resources
Your Kiwanis district and Kiwanis International are ready to help you. Contact your district office to get advice from the district membership team. In the meantime, the Kiwanis International website offers valuable resources, such as the club president leadership guide and Kiwanis Club President 101 and 202 training videos. 

Also, attend the Kiwanis International convention and your district’s annual conventions. You’ll find a wealth of workshops and events that offer information from subject experts and fellow Kiwanians. The 2024 Kiwanis International Convention even includes a Club Leader Academy. 

Value your members
Make club meetings meaningful: Always have an agenda and respect your members’ time by sticking to the schedule. Also meet monthly with your club board to evaluate progress toward club goals. Include some fun events in your annual schedule to reward members for their hard work and give them the opportunity to foster friendships and connections. Use every possible opportunity to recognize club members and honor their efforts. 

And don’t forget the importance of new members. Make sure they get a meaningful induction and new-member orientation. Guide your officers and members in making new Kiwanians feel welcome, needed and appreciated. 

Strengthen your club
The more club members you have, the more children you can help. Conduct at least one concentrated membership drive campaign during the year. The Kiwanis Two For Two membership growth tool is a great place to start. Kiwanis International also has a club toolbox detailing how to create a membership plan, find a club coach and hold a club boost. 

Where to find Kiwanis and custom logos 

Where to find Kiwanis and custom logos 

For clubs looking for logos to use on websites, materials, items and more, we have everything you need online.

By Tony Knoderer

Kiwanis International’s logo is the face of the organization. That’s why we make it available for download — so clubs can use the latest version and keep their branding consistent. 

Of course, logos can be used in different places and in different ways. That’s why we offer a couple different resources on the Kiwanis International website: 

  • The Kiwanis logos page. This is where you find downloadable files for the Kiwanis seal and the Kiwanis logo (with examples of each on the page, so you can see which is which). You’ll also find quick tips on usage, various file formats and details on which formats to download, depending on how and where you’re using them. 
  • Kiwanis custom logos. We also can create a custom logo for your club — at no cost. Go to this webpage for details and a link to the customization order form. 

The logo is a key part of Kiwanis branding. But it’s just one part. Our branding and marketing webpage has links to all of our resources — including social media assets, club anniversary tools and ideas, and much more.