A July 4 idea for U.S. clubs

A July 4 idea for U.S. clubs

Mar 26, 2026 | General interest, News, Service projects | 0 comments

Celebrate America’s 250th with a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

By Tony Knoderer

In the United States, July 4 will be a national milestone: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For that reason, this year’s celebration of Independence Day will be especially meaningful.  

That makes it an excellent opportunity for U.S. Kiwanis clubs to conduct a service or education project. And we have an idea: a public reading of the Declaration of Independence for the 250thhnniversary on July 4.  

It’s the kind of event that can bring people together, both as spectators and participants — from club members to community leaders and many others. And your Kiwanis club can be the guiding force of the event. Here are some steps for making it successful: 

  • Appoint a committee. See who is excited about getting involved. You’ll want members who bring the right blend of experience, capability and interest. When the club has agreed upon the committee chair, download and use this guide for selecting members. 
  • Secure an event location. What kind of venue do you envision for the reading? How many people do you expect to attend? What kind of audio/visual equipment will you need? Consider these kinds of questions when locating a venue. 
  • Find participants. Who do you want to take part in the reading? Reach out to local lawmakers, business leaders, teachers, members of the police and fire departments, and others. Don’t forget to include club members from the Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs you sponsor! 
  • Publicize the event and contact local media. Make sure people know about the event. Club flyers and personal interactions matter — but think big. Attempt to interest local media for community-wide coverage. In our “PR Tips and Tools,” you’ll find guidance for working with the media, developing key messages, “pitching” the story (including a template for a news release that you can adapt) and handling a television interview. And make sure there’s plenty of Kiwanis signage at the event. 
  • Share on social media and your club website. Include information about the event on your website and post about it frequently on social media. It will seem more exciting to the community if your club seems excited! 
  • Follow up. Don’t let the excitement end when the event ends. Post photos, videos and more on the club’s website and social media accounts so that even people who weren’t there can get a glimpse of the experience. They might think about going to your next event — or even about becoming a member.  

For Kiwanis clubs inside and outside the U.S., any major national anniversary or milestone is an opportunity to lead a local celebration of civic pride. On July 4, we hope U.S. clubs will seize that opportunity in their country — and then reflect together on both the event and the larger meaning of the day.   

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. 

Grants help CKI serve schools and communities 

Grants help CKI serve schools and communities 

Mar 20, 2026 | General interest, Kiwanis Children's Fund, Service Leadership Programs, Service projects | 0 comments

Six Circle K International projects receive Tomorrow Fund grants. 

By Erin Chandler

In college and university communities around the world, members of Circle K International are already making a difference through service and leadership. The Kiwanis Children’s Fund established the Tomorrow Fund to help these clubs and districts implement more creative solutions to problems and make the greatest possible positive impact.  

This February, the Children’s Fund awarded six Tomorrow Fund grants — all to improve the lives of people in CKI members’ schools and surrounding communities.  

Hygiene Kits for the Homeless
Circle K International of Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, U.S.
When Johns Hopkins University CKI teamed up with Hand4Hand Global to assemble and distribute 50 hygiene kits to people facing homelessness in their community last year, recipients were so enthusiastic that the club quickly ran out of supplies. This year, a Tomorrow Fund grant will help double the number of hygiene kits the club is able to make. Members also plan to add blankets, socks and hand warmers to the soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, menstrual products and other essential hygiene items the kits contain. The goal of the project is to improve the health and dignity of people experiencing homelessness and prevent them from being denied work or housing due to appearance or hygiene. 

Finals Week Care Package Tabling
Circle K International of the University of California San Diego, California, U.S.
When the University of California San Diego Student Foundation was hit by a decline in membership and funding, CKI members stepped up to make sure the foundation’s longstanding Finals Week Care Package project continues. Together, CKI and Student Foundation volunteers hand out practical care packages to students during the week of final exams. A Tomorrow Fund grant will help fill the packages with snacks, small hygiene products, hand sanitizer, face masks and a few comfort items, like stickers. This small form of support reduces stress and financial strain on students during busy times, and it grows in popularity each year. 

UE Circle K International Prom
Circle K International of the University of Evansville, Indiana, U.S.
For over 10 years, University of Evansville CKI has hosted a prom for special education students in nearby school districts. A Tomorrow Fund grant will go toward decorations, food, and craft supplies for attendees. The event is an opportunity for high school students with disabilities and their families to dance and have fun in a supportive and welcoming environment. 

CKI Artsaya Maglaro 2026
Circle K International of the University of the Philippines Los Baños
University of the Philippines Los Baños CKI is working to guide kids away from screens and toward outdoor activities, social connection and creativity. A Tomorrow Fund grant will help cover food and supplies for the club’s Artsaya Maglaro project, where 30 kids — 10 more than last year — will spend part of their summer vacations taking part in traditional games of the Philippines followed by creative art sessions. The club hopes to make the project bigger every year to promote physical, mental and emotional health and development while reviving a deeply rooted Filipino tradition of play. 

Resiliency Ropes
Circle K International Georgia District, U.S.
At this year’s Georgia District convention, CKI and Key Club members will spend one hour making approximately 300 kid-friendly “resiliency rope” bracelets for children in foster care in the Atlanta area. A Tomorrow Fund grant will help supply the paracord, clips and other supplies to make the durable bracelets. Kids in foster care can then use their resiliency ropes as calming, sensory grounding tools during times of stress. The resiliency ropes also can secure items or bags. CKI members hope that the bracelets will help give kids in foster care a sense of control and continuity in the midst of instability. 

Food Pantry Meal Kits
Circle K International Nebraska-Iowa District, U.S.
A Tomorrow Fund grant will help purchase supplies for meal kits that CKI, Kiwanis and Key Club members will assemble at the 2026 Nebraska-Iowa CKI District Convention. Each kit will contain nonperishable foods, shelf-stable ingredients and a recipe card for a balanced meal that can feed a family of four. Convention attendees also will assemble birthday boxes with cake ingredients, a cake pan, balloons, candles and a birthday card. The goal of the project is not just to address food insecurity, but to alleviate the mental burden of planning a healthy meal and the financial burden that can come with celebrating important milestones. The project is designed to be easily replicable in convention attendees’ home clubs and communities.  

How to get involved
Does your Circle K International group have a project idea that could benefit from a Tomorrow Fund grant? Learn more about the grant and how to apply. If your Kiwanis club does not yet sponsor a CKI club, learn about the advantages of chartering one.