4 responses to recruiting roadblocks

4 responses to recruiting roadblocks

Apr 1, 2026 | Club building, General interest | 0 comments

Check out these responses for common objections to joining Kiwanis.

By Tony Knoderer

When you talk to people about becoming Kiwanis members, you might occasionally find that someone is interested in service generally — but has specific reasons for not joining Kiwanis.

Some of these roadblocks are actually pretty common. Here are a few that many Kiwanians have heard, along with responses that have helped overcome them:

  • “I’m too busy.” Explain that most Kiwanians have additional priorities and responsibilities —  in fact, it’s a strength — but clubs decide how often they meet, and members decide how active they will be. Busy people prioritize what matters to them. 
  • “It costs too much.” Ask them what appeals to them about Kiwanis. Then let them know that member dues are what make it happen. Dues allow Kiwanis International to pay for members’ leadership education, club membership resources, club growth support, Kiwanis youth programs and much more.  
  • “It’s hard to join.” 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. They don’t have to choose just one! 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, always mention that membership helps develop leadership skills that also improve careers and communities. In fact, a Kiwanis club is a place to network with community leaders. (And don’t forget to mention Kiwanis Amplify.)

Our online club toolbox has many resources you can use to grow your club — including a dedicated webpage for recruiting materials. Find customizable club brochures, inserts designed to fit them and more! 

And download our handy one-page resource with tips and tactics for inviting guests. Use it and share it with other members! 

Panama becomes latest Kiwanis district 

Panama becomes latest Kiwanis district 

Mar 27, 2026 | Club building, General interest, News | 0 comments

The 2025-26 governor discusses the road to district status. 

By Tony Knoderer

Kiwanis International is pleased to welcome Panama as the 49th district in the organization.

Panama has been a part of the Kiwanis family since 1967, when the first club was formed there. Today, the district has over 1,000 members — and continues to grow. In 2025-26 alone, Panama has added 13 new Kiwanis clubs (nine of which are Kiwanis Voices clubs for members ages 18-26).

Panama’s previous Kiwanis affiliation had been with the Andean-Central American District (DACA), which was established in August 1975. Discussions regarding Panama’s potential for becoming its own district started more than 20 years ago, says Alfredo Luciani, Panama’s 2025-26 governor. Representatives from Panamanian clubs gathered in 2002 with then Kiwanis International President Brian Cunat to propose the idea.

“However, given the existence of only six clubs and a membership base of approximately 170 individuals, such a creation was not yet deemed viable,” Luciani says.

The effort was eventually revived, he adds, led particularly by Kiwanis member Eda de Wong.

“The creation of additional clubs was essential,” Luciani says. “In 2013, Eda de Wong established six new clubs, bringing our total membership to just over 300.”

In 2016, Panama’s Kiwanis clubs left DACA to position itself for the effort to become a district.

“A new chapter in our history began under the leadership of Vianka de Keene, who served as the first director of the Kiwanis Panama Pre-formation District,” Luciani says. “All subsequent district directors engaged in a vigorous campaign to strengthen our organization and transition us into a provisional district — a status contingent upon the commitment to create new clubs and achieve a substantial increase in membership.”

Luciani also credits Panamanians who had served as governors of DACA, calling them “worthy examples of Kiwanis leadership and our source of inspiration.”

For Luciani and his fellow leaders, those examples stand as motivation to support Kiwanis clubs and members as Panama’s new era begins.

“The task now falls to all of us to support their growth and retention, upholding the highest standards of quality and Kiwanis commitment,” he says. 

Get ready for Membership Month 

Get ready for Membership Month 

Mar 23, 2026 | Club building, General interest, Service projects | 0 comments

Here are resources to make May a time for recruiting, orientation and more.

By Tony Knoderer

For many Kiwanis clubs, May is a great time for a club-strengthening campaign, whether it’s designed to emphasize recruiting people from the community or to strengthen the club’s value for current members. Or both! 

That’s why May is Membership Month at Kiwanis International. 

For your new members, we have resources that help build confidence and a sense of connection — and help them feel ready to lead from day one. In fact, whether members are just getting started or looking to deepen their understanding, these three learning opportunities provide a strong foundation for success: 

  • Updated member orientation resources. Get new members set for success with our updated orientation materials. Use the refreshed PowerPoint slide deck to host a structured group orientation and reference the talking points for a more informal, one-on-one conversation. These tools make it easy to introduce Kiwanis values, expectations and opportunities in a welcoming way. Click here to get the newly updated orientation slides. 
  • Kiwanis 101. Our newly recorded “Kiwanis 101” video is a quick, engaging way to help new (and seasoned!) members better understand Kiwanis’ history, organizational structure and global impact. We also have an excellent complement to the video: a helpful glossary of commonly used Kiwanis terms and acronyms, perfect for building confidence and clarity. Find links to the video and the glossary here. 
  • Kiwanis Amplify. Take new member engagement to the next level by sponsoring participation in Kiwanis Amplify. This dynamic program helps new Kiwanians build leadership skills, expand their network and connect with members from around the world. Registration is just US$50. It closes April 30, so don’t wait! Register for Kiwanis Amplify here. 

 Of course, Kiwanis International has other tools, tips and resources to help your club find and attract potential members throughout your community: 

  • Encourage clubs to plan a May open house and determine a guest list of invitees.  
  • Use the Roster Analysis Worksheet as a reminder of individuals who likely would enjoy being part of Kiwanis — and whose skills, relationships and experiences could enrich a club’s impact.  
  • Our resource on hosting potential members can help.  

Getting started
If May doesn’t work as Membership Month for your club, choose a month that does — and then take time in May to plan your event. Either way, get started now! Look at your May calendar of meetings, service projects, fundraisers and social events and invite guests to attend.