Department guidelines (Showcase, People, Clubhouse)

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KIWANIS MAGAZINE GUIDELINES

Kiwanis International has a variety of publications to publish a variety of articles about Kiwanis-family clubs and their members. All submissions are encouraged, and the following information will help you submit ideas for consideration.

Generally, Kiwanis International sorts Kiwanis-related articles into four categories: “Showcase,” “People,” “Clubhouse,” and “Roundtable.” With the exception of “Roundtable,” there is no need to write the story. Simply provide details and contact information.

“Showcase”

“Showcase” articles feature Kiwanis club community-service, fundraising, and membership-development efforts that have been completed. The objective of “Showcase” stories is to give other clubs ideas they may want to adapt for their own communities. Include the following:

Detailed Description: What inspired the project? Why was it selected? What need did it fill? What action was taken and when? What barriers were overcome and how? Who participated? What were the key elements to its success?
Funding: How was the project financed? If sponsors were involved, how were they acknowledged? Be specific in giving amounts raised and spent. Also, difficulties encountered in raising funds and the ways you surmounted or avoided them would help others.
Human Interest Items: What did people say about the project? Describe any interesting anecdotes that show how the recipient(s) of your service, the public, officials, or Kiwanians reacted to the project.
Help: Other clubs may want to adapt your ideas for their community. Does your club have a Web page, which can help them plan their event?
Photograph: A good “action” photograph is required. (Outlined here.)

“Clubhouse”

The “Clubhouse” section creates a sense of community and fellowship within the Kiwanis family. It focuses on fun, interesting, inspirational items—short, quick reads designed to draw readers’ attention and help them enjoy being Kiwanians. Elements of the Clubhouse section include:

Funny or unusual anecdotal stories in which the Kiwanis-family is involved
Brief stories recounting something significant accomplished by Kiwanis-family members
Items about nationally known or internationally known personalities
Inspirational quotes from members of the Kiwanis family
Kiwanis-related jokes and quips, or jokes
Top 10 lists
“Club Clinic” questions about club administration

“People”

“People” articles feature Kiwanians who distinguish themselves in their careers, professions, hobbies, or service to mankind.

When submitting information for a possible “People,” consider the following guidelines:

The Featured Person: Presently, is the individual actively involved in a career, profession, hobby, or service that would prove interesting to the magazine’s worldwide audience?
Detailed Descriptions: Provide information that adds dimension and human detail. Recount details of true-to-life experiences that exemplify the person’s story.
Quotes: In the subject’s own words, why does he or she do what he or she does?
Photos: A good portrait-style or “action” photo is required. (Outlined here.)

Note: Kiwanis International does not publish “People” articles without the subject’s knowledge.

“Roundtable”

The “Roundtable” department is KIWANIS magazine’s letters-to-the-editor section—a forum for Kiwanis-family discussions. Letters should address subjects from recently published Kiwanis magazines. In addition, the magazine frequently selects a Kiwanis-related issue and invites readers to submit their ideas and comments.

Letters must be brief: 250 words or less. The writer’s name and club affiliation (if applicable) must accompany the letter. Kiwanis magazine does not publish anonymous letters. A portrait-style photo is requested, but not necessary. Published letters may be edited for space and style.

Tips

Kiwanis International has nearly 300,000 members in more than 8,000 clubs in more than 90 nations worldwide; so, it receives hundreds of submissions annually. Here are some tips that may prove helpful in getting published in a Kiwanis International publication.

Kiwanis International seeks articles that offer innovations, new ideas, and fresh approaches that can help other clubs. Articles are not selected to recognize one club’s achievement.

Kiwanis International publications cannot be used to solicit other clubs or members’ participation in another club’s service or fund-raising efforts.

Kiwanis International generally does not publish stories such as club anniversaries, local awards, and death notices.

All submissions are appreciated and considered. Kiwanis’ library of submissions helps plan future content. Because of publishing schedules and number of requests, however, the Publications Department cannot advise if or when a story will appear or in what publication.

Good, strong “action” photographs are very important. (Outlined here.)

Photographs and News Clippings

Kiwanis International requires quality photographs, preferably in color. Candid shots—persons doing things—are best. If, for instance, your club sponsors a bike rodeo, take a shot of children riding through an obstacle course or of a member helping a child fix his bike.

All photographs submitted become the property of Kiwanis International and will not be returned. Click here for a photo permission form.

Electronic images must be at least 4-inches by 5-inches with a resolution of 300 dpi or higher. Electronic images may be e-mailed, along with details of the story.

Newspaper clippings can help tremendously to develop a “Showcase,” “Clubhouse,” or “People” article, so submit any printed publicity that would supplement your material. Your local newspaper also may provide photos at no charge or a nominal fee. In addition, let us know if any radio or television coverage was used to promote a project or event.

“Kiwanis In Action”

The “Kiwanis In Action” section of the Kiwanis International Web site allows Kiwanis-family members to post photographs of their clubs serving their communities, raising funds, or performing leadership or fellowship functions. The service—provided at no cost—also allows the submissions with extended details about the projects and activities. Each club event can post two photos. More details can be found in the Kiwanis In Action section of the Web site. You must be registered with the Member Community to post photos and details.

Contact Information

You may submit information and photographs via e-mail or by mail to KIWANIS Magazine, 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268.

The Kiwanis International Publications Department sincerely appreciates your help, as will your fellow Kiwanians. Please include your home and business phone numbers on any materials sent to the magazine.

—The Editors