Understanding the Kiwanis family

Written by: Anderson Hamm | District Kiwanis Family Emphasis Chair

The Kiwanis family is a term used when talking about all of the different branches of Kiwanis. These include: Kiwanis, Circle K, Key Club, Builders Club, K-Kids, and Aktion Club! Each branch sharing the same core values of serving your community.  You can join each branch at a different age, each with a focus on a part of the Kiwanis family mission. This becomes apparent with the motto for every group, so grab your snorkel because we're diving in!

Kiwanis is for anyone over 18 and was founded in 1915 and quickly grew into one of the largest service organizations in the world. Their motto, “Serving the Children of the World,” clearly states their main focus and what they do. Kiwanis, Circle K, and Key Club are organized the same way, with international, district, and local boards. Kiwanis also sponsors each of the other branches.

Aktion Club is for adults with disabilities and was founded in 1987. Their motto is “Where development has no disability,” and they focus on the same tenets as Kiwanis.

Circle K, not the gas station, is for anyone in college and was founded in 1947. It is a mirror image of Key Club and serves as a bridge into Kiwanis. Their motto is “Live to Serve, Love to Serve,” with a focus on leadership and community.

Key Club, I’m guessing you know this one, is for anyone in high school and was founded in 1925. Interesting fact: that means we are older than sliced bread and the chocolate chip cookie! Our motto is “Caring — Our Way of Life,” and like Circle K, we focus mainly on our community and leadership.

Builders Club is for anyone in middle school and was founded in 1975. Their motto is “Building leaders,” and you’ll never guess what their focus is.

K-Kids is for anyone in elementary school and was founded in 1990. They are the newest member of the Kiwanis family, and their motto is “Young leaders helping others,” and their main focus is serving their community.

So, in conclusion, if you thought of the Kiwanis family as a game of Monopoly, it would make no sense at all because there's no comparison. However, if you thought of it as a tree, Kiwanis is the main body, and each of their leadership programs are the branches.