KIWANIS CLUB OF LAPEER
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you ever wanted to know about Kiwanis, or at least some things you may have wondered about. If you have any other questions, please contact us.
Q: What is Kiwanis International?
A: Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. Today, we stand with more than 550,000 members from K-Kids to Key Club to Kiwanis and many ages in between in 80 countries and geographic areas. Each community has different needs, and Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children, such as fighting hunger, improving literacy and offering guidance. Kiwanis clubs host nearly 150,000 service projects each year.
Q: What is structure of Kiwanis?
A: Kiwanis International is organized into clubs, divisions, districts and international. This multi-leveled leadership hierarchy means members are supported by a larger network of leaders who are prepared to help clubs be successful while improving communities.
Q: What does the name Kiwanis mean?
A: The name "Kiwanis" was coined from an expression of an American Indian language of the Detroit Area, "Nunc Kee-wanis," which means, "we trade" or "we share our talents."
Q: What is a Kiwanian?
A: An active or retired business and professional man or woman who is a member of a Kiwanis club.
Q: What is the Kiwanis Mission?
A: Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
Q: What is the Kiwanis Vision?
A: Kiwanis will 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..
Q: What are the Objectives of Kiwanis International?
A: There are six main objectives of Kiwanis:
Q: Does it cost anything to become a member?
A: Yes. It's a sliding fee depending on when you join in relation to our Kiwanis fiscal year (October - September). Full year dues are $140. Members are also responsible for paying for their own meals when attending the weekly luncheons.
Q: What is the time commitment to becoming a member?
A: Kiwanis club members are asked to attend as many Wednesday lunch meetings as possible, as well as board meetings at their convenience. They are encouraged to join at least one committee. Members are also expected to volunteer at our fundraising events and other club activities and service projects.
Q: What is the financial commitment to becoming a member?
A: Kiwanis club members are required to pay dues of $140 annually, or pro-rated to the month of joining (the Kiwanis calendar year goes from October 1 to September 30). Club members are responsible for paying for their own lunch (if eating) at the Wednesday meetings. Club members have the opportunity to donate to club projects and fundraisers at their discretion.
Q: Is Kiwanis a political or religious organization?
A: Kiwanis is not a political organization - our members have different beliefs but we do not endorse any candidate or political issue. Kiwanis is not a religious organization - our members come from all faiths, yet we come together united in a desire to serve children. While "spirituality" is a component of Kiwanis, there is no one religion endorsed by Kiwanis.
Q: Does the Kiwanis Club of Lapeer have its own set of Bylaws to follow?
A: Bylaws are rules set by our club in order to ensure that certain standards and practices are maintained regardless of who is in charge. The Kiwanis Club of Lapeer Bylaws are available here for viewing.
Q: Is there a dress code for your meetings?
A: No, we have all kinds of people from attorneys and uniformed military personnel to casual retirees. Business casual is a good rule of thumb, but please feel free to come as you are.
Q: Are there any other expectations once I join?
A: Yes, we expect every new member to jump in and get involved on one or more of our committees, attend a Board of Directors meeting and participate in activities of the club. Members are asked to attend as many Wednesday lunch meetings as possible.
Q: How to I attain the Perfect Attendance status?
A: At the end of each year, "Perfect Attendance" certificates are awarded to members that have attended at least three out of four lunch meetings each month. If you are not able to make at least three lunch meetings, can make up a meeting missed by attending one of the following club activities within that same month:
Q: What is Kiwanis International?
A: Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. Today, we stand with more than 550,000 members from K-Kids to Key Club to Kiwanis and many ages in between in 80 countries and geographic areas. Each community has different needs, and Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children, such as fighting hunger, improving literacy and offering guidance. Kiwanis clubs host nearly 150,000 service projects each year.
Q: What is structure of Kiwanis?
A: Kiwanis International is organized into clubs, divisions, districts and international. This multi-leveled leadership hierarchy means members are supported by a larger network of leaders who are prepared to help clubs be successful while improving communities.
Q: What does the name Kiwanis mean?
A: The name "Kiwanis" was coined from an expression of an American Indian language of the Detroit Area, "Nunc Kee-wanis," which means, "we trade" or "we share our talents."
Q: What is a Kiwanian?
A: An active or retired business and professional man or woman who is a member of a Kiwanis club.
Q: What is the Kiwanis Mission?
A: Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
Q: What is the Kiwanis Vision?
A: Kiwanis will 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..
Q: What are the Objectives of Kiwanis International?
A: There are six main objectives of Kiwanis:
- To give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life;
- To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships;
- To promote the adoption and the application of higher social, business, and professional standards;
- To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive, and serviceable citizenship;
- To provide, through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service, and to build better communities; and
- To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism which make possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism, and goodwill.
Q: Does it cost anything to become a member?
A: Yes. It's a sliding fee depending on when you join in relation to our Kiwanis fiscal year (October - September). Full year dues are $140. Members are also responsible for paying for their own meals when attending the weekly luncheons.
Q: What is the time commitment to becoming a member?
A: Kiwanis club members are asked to attend as many Wednesday lunch meetings as possible, as well as board meetings at their convenience. They are encouraged to join at least one committee. Members are also expected to volunteer at our fundraising events and other club activities and service projects.
Q: What is the financial commitment to becoming a member?
A: Kiwanis club members are required to pay dues of $140 annually, or pro-rated to the month of joining (the Kiwanis calendar year goes from October 1 to September 30). Club members are responsible for paying for their own lunch (if eating) at the Wednesday meetings. Club members have the opportunity to donate to club projects and fundraisers at their discretion.
Q: Is Kiwanis a political or religious organization?
A: Kiwanis is not a political organization - our members have different beliefs but we do not endorse any candidate or political issue. Kiwanis is not a religious organization - our members come from all faiths, yet we come together united in a desire to serve children. While "spirituality" is a component of Kiwanis, there is no one religion endorsed by Kiwanis.
Q: Does the Kiwanis Club of Lapeer have its own set of Bylaws to follow?
A: Bylaws are rules set by our club in order to ensure that certain standards and practices are maintained regardless of who is in charge. The Kiwanis Club of Lapeer Bylaws are available here for viewing.
Q: Is there a dress code for your meetings?
A: No, we have all kinds of people from attorneys and uniformed military personnel to casual retirees. Business casual is a good rule of thumb, but please feel free to come as you are.
Q: Are there any other expectations once I join?
A: Yes, we expect every new member to jump in and get involved on one or more of our committees, attend a Board of Directors meeting and participate in activities of the club. Members are asked to attend as many Wednesday lunch meetings as possible.
Q: How to I attain the Perfect Attendance status?
A: At the end of each year, "Perfect Attendance" certificates are awarded to members that have attended at least three out of four lunch meetings each month. If you are not able to make at least three lunch meetings, can make up a meeting missed by attending one of the following club activities within that same month:
- Fundraiser
- Service Project
- Board Meeting
- Committee Meeting
