Service that protects the environment 

Service that protects the environment 

Mar 15, 2024 | General interest | 0 comments

With “green” projects, Kiwanis clubs are serving kids and safeguarding the future. Here are a few examples.  

By Julie Saetre

Kiwanians around the world know that helping kids includes helping the planet we all live on. These Kiwanis clubs have found innovative ways to do both, from community gardens to environmental awareness programs. Let them inspire your own Earth-friendly club project. 

Recycling plastic in Aklan, Philippines
The Kiwanis Club of Golden Salakot Aklan in the Southern Philippine District recently launched Project BAYLO: “Basura ay Yaman at Likas kayang Oportunidad Para sa Kabataan,” a Filipino acronym for “Trash is a treasure and a sustainable opportunity for the children.” 

The initiative encourages children to collect at least 525 grams of shredded and compacted single-use plastics, place them in plastic bottles and exchange the bottles for a kilo of rice and school supplies. This innovative approach not only tackles plastic waste but also empowers kids by providing them with essential resources in exchange for their help in creating a cleaner environment. 

This project aligns with the Kiwanis Asia-Pacific Region’s environmental stewardship campaign by promoting social responsibility and by contributing to the production of eco-friendly chairs, benches and other items made from the collected plastics. 

Project BAYLO kicked off at Kalibo Pilot Elementary School in Aklan, Philippines, with 150 children participating. 

Putting down roots in Jamaica
In Jamaica, two club presidents had an idea: Get young people involved in raising awareness about climate change issues. The result was the Climate Change and Disaster Risk Mitigation Project — a joint effort of the Kiwanis Club of North St. Andrew and the Kiwanis Club of Eastern St. Andre.  

In 2018, members of several CKI, Key and Builders Clubs were challenged to develop a project in their schools to reduce the effects of climate change based on training they all received from experts. The winner of the competition was the Half Way Tree Primary Builders Club for its rooftop garden project, which is still growing strong today. The green roof helps absorb rainwater, provides insulation, creates a habitat for wildlife and lowers urban air temperatures. 

Growing produce and job skills in Tulsa
In North Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S., some 4,000 children live in low-income families. Twenty-five percent go to bed hungry every night, and 58% drop out of school before graduating high school. 

Chris Beach, a member of the Tulsa Kiwanis Club, knows these statistics too well. He is the director of partnerships and development for Tulsa YouthWorks, which empowers more than 200 at-risk elementary school children in North Tulsa. Beach’s fellow Kiwanians provided YouthWorks with a US$55,000 donation to teach kids how to grow fruits and vegetables year-round in the Multi-Ponic Greenhouse, which uses hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic systems.  

Now kids are learning advanced gardening skills, and the produce is helping feed North Tulsa families through area churches and other strategic partners. 

Teaching green living in Victoria
The Kiwanis Club of Shepparton Sunrisers, Victoria, Australia, received a silver award in the 2023 Kiwanis Signature Project Contest for its Sprout Healthy Lifestyle Garden and Education Centre. Attached to the KidsTown Adventure Playground, this interactive space offers multicultural and indigenous food demonstrations, workshops on caring for the local environment, health programs for children and the chance for families to spend quality time together outdoors. The interactive Adventure Playground is free and easily accessible to the 10,000 annual KidsTown visitors. 

Tagging trees in Ohio
Mike Marks, a member of the Bath Richfield Kiwanis Club in Ohio, U.S., loves trees. In 2022, he and fellow Kiwanian Laura Yost proposed labeling trees as a club project. Through Kiwanis Naming of Trees, or KNOT, Bath Richfield club members create club-branded signs that include the common name of the tree, its genus and species, a picture of its bark, nut or flower and a fun fact. 

The entire club membership researches the fun facts used, and arborists contribute their time to help identify each tree and supply the scientific information. Next up: a partnership with staff and students at Bath Elementary School to identify, tag and name trees along nature trails on the school’s property.  

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.