Here are some ways to increase awareness of your K-Kids club and recruit new members:
- Establish a web presence. Connect with the school/organization webmaster to request a K-Kids club page on its website. Not only is this good for the club, but it also highlights the extracurricular activities the school/organization offers. Share this information on your webpage: a description of K-Kids, what the club plans to do this year and who to contact about offering support and/or joining the club. Be sure to link to k-kids.org so visitors can learn more. If club member photos might be posted, be sure to send home Kiwanis photo releases for signatures at the beginning of the year.
- Introduce K-Kids at the back-to-school night or open house. Set up a display table at the school or organization’s event. Download resources from the K-Kids advisor web page to create a colorful and educational display board. Share the who, what, where and how of your club. Provide a sheet to collect names of parents/guardians interested in signing up their kids as members. Include an area on the sign-up sheet for adult volunteers. After the event, follow up with people who expressed interest and invite potential club members to a “Get to Know K-Kids” meeting.
- Schedule a “Get to Know K-Kids” meeting. Download the fillable recruitment posters available at k-kids.org and post them throughout the school or facility, inviting youth to the meeting. The agenda should include lots of fun K-Kids icebreakers and teambuilding activities. Provide refreshments — and don’t forget to give attendees a K-Kids Permission to Participate Form to take home to a parent/guardian, with information about the next club meeting.
- Promote the club. Keep school/organization staff and youth in the know about upcoming service projects. Establish a club promotion committee that can make regular appearances on morning announcements. This group can also create and display posters announcing upcoming service projects and oversee updates posted on a bulletin board in a prominent area. Use ready-made, fillable member recruitment posters located at k-kids.org/advisors.
- Keep current members’ interest. Hang on to the members you have by keeping them engaged. Get club members excited about serving on committees. Use the K-Kids Committee Chair Guide. Do you need a fabulous project to begin the new year? Participate in the 2024 Global Kickoff and learn about the K-Kids and Builders Club global service project. If members need help identifying more service ideas, use the K-Kids Service Guide to identify projects that club members will be eager to conduct. Remember, K-Kids staff at Kiwanis International — as well as online resources — are available to help advisors maintain strong, active clubs.