October 11, 2021 — Kiwanis International Board declares emergency conditions persist. Read more.
June 8, 2021 — Kiwanis International has updated its guidelines to help clubs serve safely with adequate health protocols. Read more.
February 9, 2021 — The Kiwanis International Board of Trustees extended a declaration that emergency conditions exist because the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the operation of the organization. When the Board of Trustees first issued the declaration in April 2020, it asked all leaders and staff to focus on the immediate needs of the clubs and members. The declaration will be reviewed at the next board meeting in April.
October 29, 2020 — Some Kiwanis clubs have resumed in-person meetings and events. Kiwanis International has compiled guidelines to help them serve safely with adequate health protocols while adhering to insurance policy changes. Read more.
July 15, 2020 — Kiwanis International acknowledges some communities are reopening and Kiwanis clubs have started meeting or will begin meeting shortly. Kiwanis International does not mandate meeting guidelines; however, Kiwanis requires clubs follow WHO, CDC, state and local guidelines for public gatherings. For Kiwanis clubs that meet in restaurants and venues, Kiwanis urges you to meet with the facility to understand all guidelines for public meetings. These guidelines include, but are not limited to, social distancing, wearing face masks and adhering to the maximum number of people who can meet in gatherings.
April 23, 2020 — The Key Club International Board concluded that holding a convention in San Francisco, California, this year would be a health threat to Key Club members, their families and all individuals traveling to and from the convention. The Kiwanis Youth Programs Board of Trustees concurred and voted to cancel the 2020 convention.
April 22, 2020 — The 2020 CKIx convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, is canceled. After extensive conversation with our leaders and in consultation with local, state and federal health agencies, it was decided that it is inadvisable to hold CKIx this year.
April 22, 2020 — The 2020 Kiwanis International Convention is canceled. Today, the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees declared a condition of emergency exists because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The board concluded that conducting a convention for the 2019-20 administrative year would be inadvisable and impracticable because of the health threat to Kiwanis members, their families and all individuals traveling to and from the convention.
March 25, 2020 — While there hasn't been a formal change on the website or registration form to extend the early registration pricing, if the 2020 Kiwanis International Convention does go forward, Kiwanis would allow everyone to make up for lost time and register at the discounted rate. Additionally, we will provide full refunds of registration fees should the convention be canceled because of COVID-19.
March 17, 2020 — Message from Kiwanis Youth Programs Executive Director Michelle Study-Campbell:
- The Circle K International Governors and Administrators Conference (GATC) scheduled for April 2-4, 2020, has been postponed. The rescheduled date will be announced at a future time.
- The Key Club International Governors and Administrators Conference (GATC) scheduled for May 28-31, 2020, has been postponed. The rescheduled date will be announced at a future time.
- SPARK!, a Circle K International leadership experience, scheduled for May 28-31, 2020, has been postponed. The rescheduled date will be announced at a future time.
March 16, 2020 — Message from 2019-20 Kiwanis International President Daniel Vigneron:
As we’re all impacted by the spread of COVID-19 to some degree, Kiwanis International wants to keep members and the kids we serve safe during this time. We are asking all clubs to postpone all events — including in-person meetings, projects and fundraisers — through the month of April.
Up-to-date health information is available from the World Health Organization, your country's health department, as well as local governmental health agencies.
We realize that interactions with fellow Kiwanians will be missed, and we encourage you to find ways to connect during this difficult time. Skype, Facebook chats and conference calls on a landline or mobile phone are all options. These resources can help your club stay connected and plan.
Work together to generate ideas on how your club can help your community — and when things return to normal, you’ll be ready to help kids.
Kiwanis will continue to serve you and provide ideas about how to continue making an impact. If you haven’t followed us on social media, please do. Follow Kiwanis on Facebook for the most up-to-date news and information.
Thank you for all you do for Kiwanis. Let’s work together to stay strong during this uncertain time so we’ll all be healthy and ready to help those who need us most.
March 13, 2020 — Due to recommendations by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb regarding COVID-19, Kiwanis International staff will be working away from the office beginning Monday, March 16. During this time, Kiwanis staff will continue to provide its usual assistance, guidance and service to all of our members and clubs.
March 13, 2020 — Message from 2019-20 Key Club International President K'lena Schnack and Vice President Kaitlin Cirillo:
"For nearly 100 years, Key Club International has played an invaluable role in the lives of students and supporters worldwide. Through times of prosperity or struggle, Key Club has a unique way of promoting not only the importance of student leadership, but compassion for others. With the recent increase of global cases of COVID-19, our thoughts remain with those affected as well as their communities. As leaders, we remain united in our passion for service. We understand the disappointment caused by the cancellation of district events, but do not let this current situation take away from the countless ways we have impacted not only our communities, but the world throughout the year. In coordination with Kiwanis International staff, we are working to provide you with ideas to continue to serve your homes, schools and communities. While we continue to monitor the situation and its potential impact, we ask that you remain vigilant and take all precautionary measures to remain safe."
March 12, 2020 — Message from 2019-20 Kiwanis International President Daniel Vigneron:
"The Kiwanis family is always in our thoughts. With the recent increase in global cases of COVID-19, many club and district events have been cancelled or postponed. I know communities and clubs around the world are feeling the impact and our heart is with them."
"I am in frequent contact with Kiwanis International staff and we are closely monitoring the situation and the potential impact on the organization. Please follow the guidance of your local health officials regarding club meetings and scheduled events. Please, stay safe."
March 10, 2020 — Kiwanis International is closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and continuously assessing the potential impact on upcoming events and operations.
As the number of global cases increases, we recommend that members of the Kiwanis family adhere to the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) along with national, regional and local health authorities. Strict adherence to these guidelines will allow us to protect the health and safety of our communities, members and program participants.
We are aware that some of our upcoming district and club events and meetings (mid-year conferences, Key Club district conventions, etc.) may be canceled or postponed. Kiwanis International staff is available to help districts as they consider options and make these decisions.
We urge everyone to follow the WHO’s basic protective measures:
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
- Maintain distance in social interactions
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Practice respiratory hygiene
- Seek medical care early if you have fever, cough or difficulty breathing
- Stay informed and follow the advice of your healthcare provider
Our top priorities are the safety and health of our members. We encourage all clubs and districts to focus on proactive measures regarding personal health and to regularly monitor official information from their respective departments of health for appropriate next steps.
Please contact us with any questions.
Resources:
WHO (World Health Organization)
WHO Advice for the Public
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention