Overcome recruiting roadblocks

Overcome recruiting roadblocks

Mar 13, 2024 | Club building, General interest | 0 comments

If someone needs extra persuasion to join your Kiwanis club, check out these four responses to common objections.

By Tony Knoderer

Sometimes the person you’re trying to recruit for your Kiwanis club has an objection, or just a hesitation. Some of these roadblocks are actually pretty common. Here are a few that many Kiwanians have heard — and responses that have helped overcome them.  

  • “I’m just too busy.” Explain that most Kiwanians have additional priorities and responsibilities. In fact, that’s a strength. Busy people prioritize what matters to them. Also explain that clubs decide how often they meet, and members decide how active they will be. 
  • “It costs too much.” Whatever appeals to someone about Kiwanis, member dues are what make it happen. Let them know that dues allow Kiwanis International to pay for leadership education for members, club membership resources, club growth support, Kiwanis youth programs and much more.  
  • “It’s hard to join.” Actually, they only need to complete an application and pay a prorated dues amount, depending on the month they join. 
  • “I’m part of another organization.” Ask them to consider what Kiwanis offers — and whether it could complement their existing affiliation. Either way, thank them for serving the community and ask whether they know anyone who might be interested in Kiwanis. 

Whatever the response to your recruiting efforts, don’t forget to mention that a Kiwanis club is also a place to network with community leaders — and that membership helps develop leadership skills that improve careers, communities and relationships. 

Make sure your club is accessible

Make sure your club is accessible

Mar 1, 2024 | Club building, General interest | 0 comments

The answers to a few questions can help create a positive experience for current and potential members.

By Tony Knoderer

For any Kiwanis club, retaining current members and appealing to potential members involve certain key elements. But for each group, one of the most important is accessibility.  

How easy is it for people to attend your club’s meetings and events, or even to find the information they need? Here are a few questions to consider:   

  • Do you meet in a location that’s convenient for everyone — whether physically, geographically or in other ways? If not, make adjustments when possible or consider an alternate venue. 
  • Does your club meet at a convenient time for everyone? If not, consider alternating or changing meeting times. In addition, alternative meeting options — such as a virtual option or satellite membership — can allow all members to participate.  
  • Can members easily find meeting minutes if they are unable to attend?  
  • Do your meetings and service projects accommodate members’ family commitments, career constraints or religious practices?  
  • Does your meeting include a meal? The cost and/or time required may deter a potential new member. Consider making the meal optional.  
  • Can a potential member find current information about the club on a website or social media page?  
  • Are potential members included in club service projects? How is this advertised? 

If you want more tips and information about inclusiveness, we have a webpage with links to resources — including the “3 ways to make your club more inclusive” flyer, which features the above tips and much more. 

The Kiwanis family in fiction

The Kiwanis family in fiction

Feb 29, 2024 | General interest | 0 comments

Five popular movies and TV shows that have name-checked Kiwanis and Key Club over the years.

By Erin Chandler

Kiwanis International has been serving the children of the world for over a century — and in that time, it has permeated popular culture as well. In movies, TV and written fiction, the presence of a Kiwanis club succinctly tells the audience that the setting is a community that helps out its less fortunate members. Characters might say they are Kiwanians to indicate a dedication to service or a thriving social life. Or they might mention an affiliation with Key Club to indicate that they are high achievers involved in their schools and communities. 

Below are five examples of movies and TV shows from the past 40 years that have referenced the Kiwanis family. What is your favorite mention of Kiwanis, Key Club or another Service Leadership Program in popular media? 

“Back to the Future” (1985) and “Back to the Future Part II” (1989)
When Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) travels back to 1955 in the classic film “Back to the Future,” he wanders past a sign welcoming visitors to the fictional town of Hill Valley, California, U.S. — “a nice place to live.” Part of what makes it nice, no doubt, is the plethora of service organizations advertised on the sign, including Rotary International, Lions International, Optimist International and, yes, Kiwanis International. While the Kiwanis logo is absent from the town sign in 1985, it is back when Marty travels forward to 2015 in “Back to the Future Part II.” In a timeline with flying cars, Kiwanis is still serving the children of the world. 

“Frasier” (1993-2004)
In season six, episode 19, Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce) mentions that he was a member of Key Club at his fictional alma mater, Bryce Academy. Niles admits that he initially joined Key Club — along with chess club and drama club — out of a sense of competitiveness with his older brother, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer). However, its principles may have benefited him in the long run — he went on to help others in his profession as a psychiatrist. 

“The King of Queens” (1998-2007)
In the first episode, Doug Heffernan’s (Kevin James) father-in-law, Arthur Spooner (Jerry Stiller), moves in with him. When Doug finds out Arthur is planning to invite his Kiwanis club over after numerous hijinks have already disrupted the day, he lays down a series of house rules — including “no parties” and “no Kiwanis.” But Doug shouldn’t worry about Kiwanians in his home: The sitcom’s setting is Queens, New York, U.S., so Arthur is probably a member of the perfectly reputable Kiwanis Club of Lefferts-Liberty, Queens County.

“Gilmore Girls” (2000-2007)
In season three, episode 21, we learn that high school senior Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) has received a US$250 scholarship from a Kiwanis club — possibly the Kiwanis Club of Hartford, Connecticut, U.S., which is the location of Rory’s fictional school, Chilton Academy. It’s no surprise that Rory receives the club’s recognition: She is valedictorian of her graduating class, bound for Yale University and, in her mother’s words, “the most deserving kid ever.”  

It’s also possible that Rory’s fictional hometown, Stars Hollow, has its own Kiwanis club — town selectman Jackson Belleville (Jackson Douglas) is on his way to a Kiwanis luncheon in season five, episode five. Considering the town’s packed schedule of themed festivals, the Kiwanis Club of Stars Hollow would undoubtedly be busy with quirky community activities and fundraisers all year long.   

“The Flash” (2014-2023)
Key Club prides itself on helping students develop into tomorrow’s leaders. In the universe of “The Flash” TV series, it may have even helped one of them develop into a superhero. When Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) —a.k.a. The Flash— temporarily loses his memory in season three, episode 21, his fiancée, Iris West (Candice Patton), reminds him that he was a member of his high school’s Key Club, along with the science club, astronomy club, anime club and yearbook staff. A true hero, Barry was helping others even before he acquired his super speed.