Sponsored youth aid 1-million-member goal

Kiwanis clubs wanting to do their part in reaching the 1-million-member goal might just be sitting on a gold mine of untapped resources—if they support a sponsored youth program.

“I can think of many opportunities to recruit Service Leadership Programs (SLP) parents into Kiwanis,” says Tony Cooper, international growth manager for SLP.

There’s no time like the beginning of the school year to start planning events that will introduce SLP parents to Kiwanis. Tony’s suggestions include:

Awards celebrations for Key Club, Builders Club, K-Kids, and Aktion Club:  “The Kiwanis club can host an awards celebration at the end of the school year to recognize the accomplishments of the Key Club, Builders Club, or K-Kids members and leaders, and invite the parents to attend,” Tony says. “A similar celebration can be scheduled in the spring for the Aktion Club and held at the sponsoring agency or other appropriate location. Schedule a few minutes during the program for the Kiwanis club president to talk about the sponsoring Kiwanis club and the types of service Kiwanians perform in the community. Have informational fliers available, and invite the parents to consider joining Kiwanis. Have as many Kiwanians as possible on hand. If the Kiwanians know any of the parents, be sure they make a personal invitation to join the Kiwanis club.”

BUG (Bring Up Grades) or Terrific Kids awards: “These are usually conducted with elementary school students. The Kiwanis club can invite parents to the awards celebrations. There is usually a very positive feeling at these events. Parents are feeling proud of their kids for improving their grades, behavior, or attendance. It’s a great opportunity to introduce the Kiwanis club and say a few words about why Kiwanis sponsors BUG or Terrific Kids. Leaders can mention that the mission of Kiwanis is to serve the children of the world … beginning with their local community,” Tony says.

Scholarship award recipients: “Many Kiwanis clubs give scholarships to graduating seniors and award them at a Kiwanis meeting to which the parents are invited. What a perfect opportunity to have the parents attend a Kiwanis meeting, and see the club in action. These parents see in a very personal way, how Kiwanis serves the youth in the community,” Tony says.

Fundraising projects: If the Kiwanis club has a signature fundraising project, invite the parents at any of the above events to participate in it. Explain that this is where the Kiwanis club gets the money to fund the projects for their children. If the parent helps with a fundraising project and has a good experience meeting club members, it may encourage them to join Kiwanis,” Tony says.

In addition, a Kiwanis Growth Membership Revolution  booklet addresses membership expansion by utilizing sponsored programs to build new Kiwanis clubs.

Kiwanis International’s Six Pak program includes information to reach SLP parents by honoring all graduating sponsored youth at the end of the school year.

Both resources offer valuable tips to ensure a successful guest experience.

Basically, no matter what time of the school year, it is always a wise decision to reach out to SLP parents as potential Kiwanis members. Just be sure to have plenty of informational fliers available and invite the parents to join Kiwanis.