Celebrating all abilities

Celebrating all abilities

May 7, 2025 | General interest, Service projects | 0 comments

Kiwanians in the Caribbean bring kids together for an inclusive day of play.

By Nicola Yarde, Pride of Barbados Kiwanis Club member 

On March 15, the Pride of Barbados Kiwanis Club cohosted our annual “Everyone is A.B.L.E.” event. Dedicated to fostering inclusion, understanding and acceptance among children with and without disabilities, A.B.L.E. stands for: 

  • Accept others despite their differences. 
  • Believe we are all equal. 
  • Learn to include. 
  • Embrace. 

With our cohosts, Champion Physio Kids and IncludeU Sports Academy, we brought children together in a space designed to promote equality and break down barriers. Through sports, arts and hands-on activities, participants embraced the message that everyone can contribute, connect and thrive, regardless of their abilities. 

Shining a light on inclusion
In addition to our club, several other Kiwanis clubs were represented, including Barbados Benevolence, Saint John’s Antigua, Barbados All Stars and Barbados-In Action. Their participation highlighted the collaborative effort of Kiwanians across the region and reinforced the Kiwanis mission of improving the world one child and one community at a time. 

This year’s event was attended by the Honourable Kirk Humphrey, minister of people empowerment and elder affairs for the Barbados Parliament. Kiwanis Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District Governor Pam Rodney-White, along with Governor-Elect Cynthia Blackman, were also onsite to celebrate the spirit of inclusivity. 

“The Kiwanis Club of Pride of Barbados should be commended for shining a light on inclusion and reminding us that everyone deserves the chance to be seen, heard and valued,” Blackman says. “This is an amazing project that speaks volumes about the heart of Kiwanis — serving with compassion and purpose. So proud to have been part of it!” 

Pride of Barbados Kiwanis Club President Mary E. Walcott expects the event will remain a mainstay in the club’s service roster. 

“The success of Everyone is A.B.L.E. reaffirms our commitment to creating a more inclusive and accepting society — one where every child is valued and empowered,” Walcott says. “We look forward to continuing this mission in the years to come and invite more Kiwanis clubs and partners to join us in making a difference.” 

Reasons to join Kiwanis

Reasons to join Kiwanis

May 7, 2025 | Club building, General interest, Leadership | 0 comments

Here’s why people become members, from personal impact to benefits and support.

By Tony Knoderer

Kiwanis membership is a way to serve kids and improve communities — which makes every Kiwanis club a chance to change children’s lives. But it’s also a place to change your own.  

Whether you’re looking for reasons to join or you’re a current member who wants to share Kiwanis with someone else, here are some factors that make being a Kiwanian a rewarding experience:   

  • Meaningful impact. Kiwanis empowers you to make a tangible difference in your community.   
  • Personal growth. Membership is a way to enhance your skills and self-confidence — with opportunities for leadership development, public speaking and project management.  
  • Global connection. The Kiwanis family is a worldwide network of like-minded individuals. Membership fosters friendships, collaborations and cross-cultural experiences.  
  • A sense of belonging. Through shared service, Kiwanis clubs offer a sense of camaraderie to their members. In fact, the Kiwanis experience often leads to lifelong friendships. 

In addition to the rewards of volunteer service, Kiwanis membership also results in specific benefits and opportunities:  

  • Partnerships and discounts. Thanks to Kiwanis International’s partnerships with various companies and organizations, members get benefits. For example, our member-discount portal makes great deals available on everything from travel to electronics — and more. 
  • Kiwanis Amplify. This optional online course helps you amplify your skills in ways that resonate even beyond your club. With specific topics and expert speakers both inside and outside the organization, participants work through the material at their own pace and interact with each other in online discussions. 
  • Blog posts and podcasts. Kiwanis International’s blog page is a handy place to find the latest news, success stories and more — including video podcasts featuring Kiwanis members and staff. Our podcast episodes are also available in audio. 
  • Support and training. Kiwanis International provides resources, learning opportunities and more. For example, Kiwanis Engage is a member-exclusive online platform that makes it easier for Kiwanians to connect and collaborate. We also offer clubs a free, easy-to-use service to set up a website. And our teams in Member Services and Information Technology are available to answer questions, provide training and other helpful services. 

Of course, there’s also the information and support we provide all around this website. Whether you’re a member or thinking about becoming one, kiwanis.org is an excellent guide to Kiwanis International — who we are, what we do and more. 

Convention registration costs increase May 24

Convention registration costs increase May 24

May 7, 2025 | General interest, Leadership | 0 comments

From education and fellowship to inspiration and celebration, it’s the year’s biggest Kiwanis event.

By Julie Saetre

Get ready: The 2025 Kiwanis International Convention is on the horizon! We’ll gather in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S., June 25-28. Register now to join your fellow Kiwanians for the biggest event of the year — and to help forge the future. 

Here’s why you’ll want to be there: 

  1. Dynamic educational workshops and classes. Explore the ways Kiwanians are building new clubs and gain insight into expanding and nurturing your club’s membership. Learn how to make your club attractive, meaningful and enjoyable for all generations. Dive into master classes that go deeper into leadership training and community service, with subject-matter experts as your guides. Our workshops will get you ready to tackle a to-do list designed to take your club — and Kiwanis — to the next level. 
  2. The Convention Kickoff. Start your experience with a celebration of Kiwanis. The opening session features beloved actor, producer and author Henry Winkler. You’ll be inspired by Winkler’s story and his commitment to helping children reach their full potential. 
  3. Membership Fair and Welcome Reception. Looking for recruiting inspiration? Pick up tips from clubs that have been recognized for their growth efforts after using Two For Two, club boosts, open houses, guest days or their own membership drives. During the Welcome Reception, visit vendors, meet candidates and enjoy entertainment and refreshments. New this year: a DJ and door prizes! 
  4. Fellowship with Kiwanians from around the world. Take time to relax with longtime Kiwanis friends and new connections. Join fellow Kiwanians for the Sunset Social, a special party on the rooftop of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center with finger food, a cash bar and entertainment. On Saturday night, mingle at the Gatsby-inspired bar or hit the dance floor during our Roaring 20s Gala. 
  5. CKI members. Circle K International — the Kiwanis service program for university students — is holding its convention alongside ours at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center! Stop by the CKI booth in the Kiwanis Marketplace to meet some of its members — and learn about the amazing work they do on their campuses, in their communities and around the world! 
  6. Kiwanis Launchpads. There will be two Kiwanis Launchpads this year. Designed to be short and high impact, these presentations will send you home with ideas and inspiration. The first Launchpad will celebrate Key Club’s 100th anniversary by featuring alumni who credit much of their success to the values and skills they learned in Key Club. At the second Launchpad, you’ll hear from the director of the Fred Rogers Institute, as well as an engaging speaker who will teach you how to find joy in conflict through curiosity.  
  7. Kiwanis Marketplace. This is your go-to hub at the heart of the convention. Shop, snap photos, snag swag and more. Here, you’ll find exhibitors and Kiwanis partners who can inspire fresh ideas on impactful service projects and effective fundraisers. You can also browse Kiwanis-branded merchandise, including special-issue 2025 convention items. Meet the candidates running for international officers and trustees. Learn about your host city. Get details about our ongoing Build. Nurture. Retain. membership initiative. Explore the new Kiwanis Engage membership platform. And more! 
  8. 2025 Kiwanis Annual Meeting. Get informed about the business of Kiwanis International and add your voice to our future. Delegates from clubs around the world will elect the organization’s next leaders and vote on amendments. 
  9. Celebrations. From the Welcome Reception and the Convention Kickoff to the Kiwanis Roaring 20s Gala, you’ll celebrate Kiwanis and the amazing work our clubs and members accomplish every day. Have breakfast with our Signature Project Contest finalists (and see who wins the big prizes). Enjoy lunch on Thursday while learning about The Possibility Project’s Generosity Challenge and on Friday while marking Key Club’s milestone centennial birthday. And get ready for a night of glitz and glamor at Saturday night’s Roaring ’20s Gala. 
  10. Our host city. Pittsburgh is a versatile destination brimming with discoveries. From the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, you’ll have easy access to the Cultural District, the historic Strip District and the Allegheny River. You’ll also be located near shops, restaurants, galleries and theaters. From sightseeing to the sports scene, breweries to bistros, and amusement rides to museums, Pittsburgh has something for everyone!