Kiwanis helps kids around the world. Local clubs look out for our communities and the international organization takes on large-scale challenges, such as fighting disease and poverty. We are generous with our time. We are creative with our ideas. We are passionate about making a difference. And we have fun along the way!
Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Kiwanis strives to be a positive influence in communities worldwide — so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive.
What type of service does Kiwanis do?
Kiwanis’s mission is to improve the world, one child and one community at a time. Therefore, our service focuses on improving the community and the lives of children with projects such as:
Children’s Health and Safety – Kiwanis Clubs work with our partners at Tufts Children’s Hospital to provide educational resources and in-home safety tools to new parents, host bicycle and helmet safety days, provide concussion information, promote first aid/CPR training, and put on other programs to prevent childhood injury. Globally, Kiwanis Clubs have also raised millions to eliminate Iodine Deficiency Disorder and Maternal/Neonatal Tetanus, improving children’s health and saving lives around the world.
Children’s Literacy – Kiwanis Clubs create reading corners in community spaces, donate books to schools, read to elementary students, and sponsor the Reading is Fundamental program.
Food Insecurity – Kiwanis Clubs perform food drives, distribute holiday meals, host community dinners, and support local soup kitchens and food pantries to ensure children and families receive healthy, nutritious meals.
Community-Specific Needs – Kiwanis Clubs partner with local schools and non-profits to provide school supplies, clothing, coats, shoes, and other items to children and families in need. Kiwanis Clubs build playgrounds (including playgrounds with specialized equipment for children with disabilities) and sponsor “buddy benches” to ensure that kids have a safe and accessible place to play.
Community Building – Kiwanis Clubs sponsor community beautification events, community gardens, programs for senior citizens, events honoring veterans, parades for holidays, and other events to build community. Kiwanis Clubs also recognize first responders, teachers, youth volunteers, and others in their community whose incredible deeds improve the lives of children and families. Finally, Kiwanis members form a community among themselves–in the local club, across New England and Bermuda, and around the world. Many longtime Kiwanians report meeting many of their closest friends through Kiwanis.
Service Leadership Programs – Kiwanis Clubs sponsor service clubs in elementary schools (K-Kids), middle schools (Builders Clubs), high schools (Key Clubs), colleges/universities (Circle K clubs), and at programs for adults with disabilities (Aktion Clubs). These programs develop a heart to serve, but also teach young people and adults with disabilities to be leaders and advocates. Key Club International and Circle K International are both student-led organizations at the local, regional, and global level. Whether planning an individual service project, chairing a club committee, or leading a global organization, students of all ages and adults with disabilities gain confidence, learn leadership and communication skills, and develop their character through our programs. By working with them, we learn and grow in the same ways. Through these programs, we support the next generation of community servants and leaders.
How is Kiwanis different than Rotary or Lions?
Like Rotary and Lions, Kiwanis Clubs focus on building community and serving people in need. All three organizations focus on service and community, and all are amazing contributors to communities around the globe. However, the new Kiwanis Club of Weymouth will follow the Kiwanis 3-2-1 model, focusing more on service than meetings. In a typical month, Kiwanis will spend:
3 hours engaged in service to the community.
2 hours in a social event with club members and/or our Service Leadership Programs.
1 hour meeting about club business.
In this way, we will structure our club for busy people, working parents, commuters, and others who want to serve their community but cannot commit to the obligations expected by a more traditional service club.
Our Kiwanis Club will also plan fundraising events to support our community service efforts.
About Kiwanis
What is Kiwanis?
Kiwanis helps kids around the world. Local clubs look out for our communities and the international organization takes on large-scale challenges, such as fighting disease and poverty. We are generous with our time. We are creative with our ideas. We are passionate about making a difference. And we have fun along the way!
Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Kiwanis strives to be a positive influence in communities worldwide — so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive.
What type of service does Kiwanis do?
Kiwanis’s mission is to improve the world, one child and one community at a time. Therefore, our service focuses on improving the community and the lives of children with projects such as:
How is Kiwanis different than Rotary or Lions?
Like Rotary and Lions, Kiwanis Clubs focus on building community and serving people in need. All three organizations focus on service and community, and all are amazing contributors to communities around the globe. However, the new Kiwanis Club of Weymouth will follow the Kiwanis 3-2-1 model, focusing more on service than meetings. In a typical month, Kiwanis will spend:
In this way, we will structure our club for busy people, working parents, commuters, and others who want to serve their community but cannot commit to the obligations expected by a more traditional service club.
Our Kiwanis Club will also plan fundraising events to support our community service efforts.
Interested in learning more? Please contact us or apply to join our Kiwanis club here.