Awards & recognition

Volunteers give a part of themselves. They invest their time, energy and skills to make a difference in their communities. Recognizing a person’s value and investment is key to retaining members — and motivating them to stay invested in your club. You can recognize exceptional members with any of the following awards.

Ruby K Award
Honor Kiwanians who invite five or more new members during their Kiwanis career with a Ruby K Award, free of charge. Ruby K pins recognize members for inviting new members — from five to 100 people. (Further Ruby K awards are given for multiples of 25 over 100.) The award is cumulative, so previous recipients are eligible for a new Ruby K when they invite additional members. Submit an application.

Distinguished members and clubs
Kiwanis International gives “distinguished” awards to individual Kiwanians and clubs that meet established criteria demonstrating special dedication to service, membership strength and Kiwanis education. Distinguished members receive a lapel pin. Distinguished clubs receive lapel pins for the president and secretary, along with a patch for the club’s banner.

• • 2022-23 Distinguished criteria for districts and clubs
  • 2023-24 Distinguished criteria for districts and clubs
  • 2024-25 Distinguished criteria for districts and clubs
  • Programme de Récompenses 2024/2025 (2024-25 Distinguished criteria for districts and clubs in French)
  • Programa de Reconocimiento 2024-25 (2024-25 Distinguished criteria for districts and clubs in Spanish)

Life membership
Thank a member who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to The Objects of Kiwanis and the mission of Kiwanis International with life member status. A gold-tone membership card, desktop award, distinctive lapel pin and lifelong exemption from Kiwanis International dues are some of the ways life members are honored. Submit an application.

Legion of Honor
Honor members who have served in Kiwanis for 25 years or more with the Legion of Honor award. They deserve recognition for helping to make Kiwanis the great organization it is today. Certificates signed by the Kiwanis International president and executive director, as well as lapel pins that reflect the highest office held by the honoree, are available for presentation. Purchase Legion of Honor award material from the Kiwanis Family Store. Please provide the recipient’s name, the number of years he or she has been a Kiwanian and the highest club office he or she has held.

Robert P. Connelly Award
With the Robert P. Connelly Award, you can honor someone in your club or community who risked their personal safety to protect another person’s well-being. This includes — but is not limited to — individuals who risked or sacrificed their lives to save someone else. Connelly was a 34-year-old member of the Kiwanis Club of Lisle, Illinois, U.S., who lost his life when he attempted to rescue a woman who had fallen onto the tracks during a Kiwanis Kids’ Day event at a train station in 1966. The Robert P. Connelly Award kit includes an explanation of the award and its history, a Medal of Heroism and a commemorative certificate. Shop | Kiwanis Family Products.

Marc H. Litwack Legacy of Leadership Award
The Marc H. Litwack Legacy of Leadership Award was established to commemorate the legacy of Marc Litwack, the esteemed former Kiwanis International governor, Circle K International leader and Key Club International leader. This prestigious award recognizes individuals  Key Club alumni who exemplify extraordinary leadership qualities and have made significant contributions to their professions and communities. Nominations for 2025 will open in February. For more information email, keyclubalumni@kiwanis.org.