Who we are and what we do
K-Kids is a student-led program with members, club officers, committee chairs, and adult advisors. We suggest clubs have a minimum of 15 students. Average club size is about 30 members, but clubs range in size from 10-120 members. There are also important relationships between the club and other groups. The K-Kids Advisor Guide explains how clubs work and responsibilities of different roles.
Here’s a snapshot of how K-Kids clubs work and who is involved.
Members are the heart of a K-Kids club! K-Kids is for youth 6-11 years old (primary /elementary school age). Clubs attract students who want to make friends, help others through service and learn to be leaders.
Many K-Kids clubs have elected club officers. Officer positions include president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Each officer has specific responsibilities (like leading meetings, taking meeting notes, and keeping track of the budget). Officers usually serve for a year, though some clubs choose shorter terms to allow more members to serve.
Many clubs create committees responsible for specific club activities like service projects, marketing, member recruitment, and fundraising. Committees are made of a chair who leads it and members interested in the work of the committee. Chairs are often selected by the advisor and officers.
K-Kids clubs often have two advisors. The faculty advisor is a teacher, counselor, staff member or adult who guides officers and members. The advisor is chosen by the school or organization’s leader. The Kiwanis advisor is a volunteer from a Kiwanis club who helps with activities. Club also have additional adult volunteers who help.
Most K-Kids clubs are started in partnership with a Kiwanis club. The Kiwanis club pays the initial chartering and annual renewal fees for the K-Kids. The Kiwanis club also selects a member to serve as the K-Kids’ Kiwanis advisor. Where no Kiwanis club exists, the school or organization pays the club’s fees.
Clubs are in schools, youth organizations, libraries, congregations, homeschooling groups, and other community-based organizations. The club’s host site provides a meeting space and an adult who serves as its faculty advisor and who guides and mentors club officers and members.
K-Kids clubs receive a program kit when they charter and (in North America and the Caribbean) when they renew annually. It includes essential tools (an advisor guide, member guide, service guide, officer guides and committee chair guide) and more! Additional resources are available online.
The Kiwanis International staff, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S., provides K-Kids club program materials, awards and contest opportunities, and training and support for club advisors.
Kiwanis International takes the safety of youth in all Service Leadership Programs seriously. Kiwanis provides insurance that covers off-campus club activities. Also, volunteers who work with the K-Kids club must pass a criminal background check with Kiwanis International and complete Kiwanis Youth Protection training. There is also a confidential Youth Protection Helpline number, staffed 24 hours per day, to report any incident, situation or behavior that might put a youth at risk or in which someone feels unsafe: 866-607-SAFE (7233). Learn more at Kiwanis Youth Protection.