Kiwanis is a volunteer organization where members meet locally to serve their communities
Kiwanis is an international network of local clubs made up of volunteers who donate time and money to community projects, mostly focused on children and youth. Members are typically business owners, professionals, and community members who meet regularly—usually weekly or monthly—to plan service work, fundraise, and socialize. Unlike a social club where membership is the main point, Kiwanis exists to do work: build playgrounds, fund scholarships, support youth sports leagues, provide meals to children, or run mentorship programs.
Each Kiwanis club is independent and run by its own members, though all clubs follow the same basic structure and values set by Kiwanis International, the umbrella organization. There is no single national headquarters you contact to join; instead, you find and join a club in your own city or town. Clubs vary widely in size, focus, and activity level depending on who shows up and what the community needs.
Key Takeaways
- Kiwanis clubs are local volunteer groups where members meet regularly to plan and carry out community service projects, usually centered on helping children and youth.
- You join by finding a club in your area, attending a meeting, and paying membership dues, which typically range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per year depending on the club.
- Members commit time to club meetings, committee work, and service projects, though the exact time commitment varies by club and what projects are active.
- Kiwanis has a formal structure with elected officers, committees, and a code of ethics, but day-to-day decisions are made by the local club membership.
How to find and join a Kiwanis club near you
Start by visiting the Kiwanis International website, which has a club locator tool. Enter your city or zip code and you will see a list of clubs in your area, along with their meeting times, locations, and contact information. Most clubs meet weekly at a restaurant, community center, or church, usually for breakfast or lunch. Some clubs meet in the evening or on weekends.
Contact the club directly—the website will list a president or membership chair's phone number or email—and ask if you can attend a meeting as a guest. Kiwanis clubs almost always welcome visitors. Go to a meeting, meet the members, ask questions about what they do and what membership involves. There is no pressure to join after one visit; many people attend several meetings before deciding.
If you decide to join, you will fill out a membership form and pay dues. Dues vary by club but typically range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per year, depending on the club's size and activities. Some clubs offer reduced dues for students, retirees, or new members in their first year. Once you are a member, you can attend all meetings and take part in club decisions and projects.
What members actually do at meetings and projects
A typical club meeting lasts one to two hours and includes a meal, announcements, and discussion of upcoming projects. Members may vote on which community projects to support, discuss fundraising ideas, or plan the details of an event the club is running. Meetings follow a formal structure with a president, secretary, and treasurer leading the discussion, though the tone is usually casual and friendly.
Outside of meetings, members volunteer for specific projects. One club might organize a youth sports day, another might pack meals for a food bank, and another might raise money for a children's hospital. Projects can be one-time events—a single Saturday morning—or ongoing commitments like mentoring a youth group throughout the year. The amount of time you spend on projects depends on which ones you choose to join and how active you want to be.
Kiwanis also has a formal structure of committees. A club might have a committee focused on fundraising, another on youth programs, another on membership, and so on. If you join a committee, you attend committee meetings in addition to the main club meeting. This is where the detailed planning happens.
Membership dues, costs, and what your money supports
When you join Kiwanis, you pay annual membership dues to your local club. The amount varies significantly by club—some charge $300 to $500 per year, while others charge $1,500 or more. Dues typically cover the cost of club meetings (meals, room rental), administrative costs, and a portion of the club's charitable giving. Some clubs also charge a one-time initiation fee when you first join.
In addition to dues, you may be asked to contribute to specific fundraising efforts or projects. For example, if the club decides to sponsor a youth scholarship, members might be asked to donate or help sell raffle tickets to raise the money. These contributions are usually voluntary, though there is often an expectation that members will participate in fundraising in some way.
Your dues money and fundraising efforts go directly to the club's service projects. A club might spend money on playground equipment, youth sports uniforms, school supplies, or scholarships. Each club decides how to spend its money based on what members vote to support. Kiwanis International itself does not take a large cut; most of the money stays local.
Different types of Kiwanis clubs and specialized groups
The main type is a standard Kiwanis club, open to adults in the community. But Kiwanis also runs Key Club, which is for high school students, and Builders Club, which is for middle school students. These youth-focused groups follow the same volunteer model but are led by young people with adult mentors. If you have teenagers interested in community service, these are entry points to Kiwanis.
Some areas also have Kiwanis One Day, which is a one-time volunteer event where people come together for a single project without joining a club. This is a way to try out Kiwanis work without a membership commitment. Additionally, some clubs focus on specific causes—one might emphasize youth sports, another might focus on hunger relief—though all clubs follow Kiwanis's overall mission of serving children and youth.
The structure and leadership of a Kiwanis club
Each club has elected officers: a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. These roles rotate annually, so members take turns leading. The club also has a board of directors made up of current and past officers who make decisions between meetings. Committees handle specific areas like fundraising, membership, youth programs, and community service.
Kiwanis International provides guidelines and support, but each club is self-governing. The club decides which projects to support, how much money to spend, and what the club's priorities are. Kiwanis International does set a code of ethics that all members agree to follow, which emphasizes integrity, service, and respect for others.
Time commitment and what to expect as a member
The time commitment depends on how involved you want to be. At minimum, you attend the weekly or monthly club meeting, which takes one to two hours. If you join a committee or volunteer for projects, you will spend additional time. Some members spend just a few hours a month; others spend ten or more hours weekly if they are deeply involved in leadership or major projects.
Kiwanis expects members to be active participants, not just dues-payers. Most clubs have an expectation that you will attend meetings regularly and volunteer for at least some projects. If you miss many meetings or never show up to volunteer, the club may ask you to resign or not renew your membership. The exact expectations vary by club, so ask about this when you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a business owner or professional to join Kiwanis?
No. While many Kiwanis members are business owners or professionals, the organization welcomes anyone interested in community service. Teachers, retirees, students (through Key Club or Builders Club), and people in any profession can join. Some clubs actively recruit from different backgrounds to bring diverse perspectives to their work.
What if there is no Kiwanis club in my town?
You can start one. Kiwanis International provides resources and guidance for founding new clubs. Contact Kiwanis International through their website to learn about the process. You will need to find a group of interested people in your area and work with Kiwanis to charter the club officially.
Can I join Kiwanis if I am retired or on a fixed income?
Yes. Many clubs have retired members and offer reduced dues for people on fixed incomes. Talk to the club president or membership chair about your situation; most clubs will work with you to make membership affordable. Some clubs also offer payment plans for dues.
How is Kiwanis different from other volunteer organizations like Rotary or Lions Club?
All three are service organizations with local clubs, but Kiwanis focuses specifically on children and youth, while Rotary and Lions Club have broader community focuses. Kiwanis also runs youth-led clubs like Key Club and Builders Club. The culture and specific projects differ by organization, so visiting a meeting of each can help you decide which fits you best.
What happens if I need to take a break from Kiwanis?
You can resign from your club at any time. If you think you might return later, talk to the club about a leave of absence or temporary suspension of membership rather than resigning. Some clubs will hold your membership for a period if you need to step back due to work, family, or other commitments.