Kiwanis members are encouraged to work with young people in schools. But how should you go about it?

Before you do a project or sponsor a Service Leadership Program in your local school, here are some tips to consider:

• Be sure your members are trained to work with youth.
  Visit kiwanis.org/youthprotection to learn more about serving children in the safest possible way — even before you make a plan to enter the school.

• Talk to officials at the school.
  You can’t simply walk into a school without making a plan and alerting the adults that you plan to show up. Call ahead of time, explain who you are and what Kiwanis is and what type of project you’d like to do with the students.

• Have a written plan written when you meet.
  Brainstorm ideas with your club about projects you can accomplish — and accomplish well. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.

• Listen to learn.
  The faculty and administration will help guide you to what the biggest needs are — you should follow their lead.

• Use Kiwanis resources.
  If sponsoring a Service Leadership Program within the school is a great option, go to kiwanis.org/charter for more information.