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As with any service club, there are those out there who do not
know what Kiwanis is, what it does and what it stands for. We
are always happy to spend some time answering anyone's questions
because the fact is, WE ARE PROUD TO BE KIWANIANS! So just in
case you were wondering and you can't find a Kiwanian around
town to ask (Which is hard to believe), here are some of the
answers to our most frequently asked questions.
1. What is Kiwanis?
Well, my friend, Kiwanis is a service club organization. A
service club is a group of people who have dedicated themselves
to volunteering in some way or another to help people in need.
But, Kiwanis is different than the rest. Kiwanis is dedicated to
helping better the lives of children and those in need in and
around our communities.
2. Why is Kiwanis different than the other service clubs?
Kiwanis is different because we actually go out and do
something about it. Without trying to knock any of the other
organizations, because they are all good, Kiwanis is in the
"trenches." We're actually going out there and doing something
about it. We fund, organize and work our projects.
3. What kind of things do you have to do?
We don't have to do anything, we want to do them. We go and read
to children in schools and then give them the books. We get
donations and then go hand them out to the people directly. We
throw parties in which we invite those most in need and then
serve them. We support, however we can, other organizations and
people who also help out the communities. We support our other
Kiwanis Clubs and look at tasks as a team effort. We do so much,
you'll have to come and see for yourself.
4. Does it cost to join Kiwanis?
Yes, it does cost. When you first join we ask for an
administrative fee and the first years dues. The fees are used
to cover administrative costs our club incurs and helps us keep
running smoothly. Once you are a member and you keep in good
standing, meaning paying your annual dues, you'll never be
charged those administrative fees again. If you think about it
and actually break it down to what it costs to be a member,
think of it this way it cost about 3 cents a day, about 10
dollars a month to be a member of one of the most prestigious
service clubs known in the world. Ask yourself, "How much do I
spend on my coffee in a three day period?" Now, can you make
drip coffee at home three days a month?
5. What do I get out of it?
What you get out of it is immeasurable. Close your eyes for
a second and picture yourself sitting in front of a group of
young headstart 4 year olds. These children come from homes
where for whatever reason need help. Their all sitting in front
of you on the floor and you're holding a book up facing them.
You start to read a story out loud. Half way through the book
you look into the group and notice they are all sitting there
quietly, waning on your every word. You catch the eye of one of
them and they smile at you. What's that feeling you have inside?
You finish the book, talk a little about it and then hand the
book to the little one who smiled at you and tell them they can
keep it forever. That little smile is now reaching ear to ear
and the child hugs the book then shows it to their classmates.
Then, you reach behind you and hand the same book to every child
you just read to. We feel that all the time...
Plus you'll make a ton of new friends who truly and sincerely
care about you and want you to succeed.
6. How do I join?
There are many ways to join. You can come to a meeting as a
special guest. We'll welcome you, feed you and then answer any
more questions you night have. And, if you're ready to join
we'll give you an application. Once you turn in your
application, our board reviews it and votes on whether to accept
you into this exclusive club. If you have a good heart and a
passion for children and are willing to follows our simple rules
you become a member. It's that easy. Plus, we have experts if you have anymore questions you need answered
before joining. They are all super nice and some of the kindest people
you'll ever meet. If you want you can email us and we'll get
right back with you, but remember to mention who brought you to
the meeting. Click here to
email. |
