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We are a District of Key Club International. We are located
in California, Nevada, and Hawaii. There are over 50 clubs with approximately 2,500 members and growing. We promote good citizenship
through service. KIWIN'S perform service deeds with fellow members to improve their schools and communities. Local service
gives KIWIN'S members the satisfaction of seeing the results of their efforts. In most cases, KIWIN'S clubs are based on a
high school campus under the guidance of their Faculty Advisor(s). Some clubs may function off campus under the authority
of their Kiwanis Advisor(s).
How is KIWIN'S organized?
"Club Level"
Each
KIWIN'S Club is required to hold weekly meetings to keep members informed on projects community service. Students elect officers
each year or semester. The Club Board of Directors, consisting of officers and chairpersons, determine the Club's various
service deeds and delegates authority to committees and members.
"Divisional Level"
Each of the twelve
KIWIN'S Divisions is headed by a Lieutenant Governor who functions on the Divisional District level. The Lt. Governor is responsible
for the welfare of the clubs in their division. They hold Divisional Council Meetings where members from all the clubs in
the division meet and discuss Divisional and District business. Club officers are trained and divisional projects are also
planned.
"District Level"
The District Board consists of twelve Lt. Governors; the Executive Board
of the District of Governor, Secretary, Treasurer, Convention Chair, New Club Building Chair , Publications Editor, Technology
Chair, and Special Projects/K-Family Chair. Each division has its own Kiwanis Regional Advisor and the District has its District
Administrator.
Above the District Level is the International Level, where the KIWIN'S District and other Districts
are collectively called Key Club International.
Why is KIWIN'S spelled with all caps and an apostrophe?
While
some claim KIWIN'S is grammatically incorrect, it is ALWAYS spelled in caps with an apostrophe. KIWIN'S is not an acronym.
However, it is written in all caps with the apostrophe to show its unique and individual spirit. The apostrophe is an accent
to help KIWIN'S standout, for it is unlike any other youth sponsored organization. When written in all caps, KIWIN'S certainly
is conspicuous...this represents how KIWIN'S is prominent in the school and community. The word "Kiwin" is the diminutive
of the word "Anokiwin," which translates to "people, men and women, working together in service." It is derived from the same
Otchipew Indian language as Kiwanis.
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Common Myths:
1) KIWIN'S is an Asian club.
WRONG!
Although at times it may seem like Palos Verdes KIWIN'S has a large amount of Asian members, the club is actually quite diverse.
My explanation, one or two asian buddies join. They like it, they get more friends to join. And on and on and on till
lots of asians are in Palos Verdes KIWIN'S.
However, if you attend the Convention, you will see that this is not true
with other schools, who have very diverse clubs.
2) KIWIN'S is expensive!
WRONG! Palos Verdes
KIWIN'S is very cheap when you compare to some other major demanding clubs on campus. Also, KIWIN'S is recognized nationally
and internationally. It has literally thousands upon thousands of members. Colleges are familiar with KIWIN'S. The dues you
pay are well worth the experience, memories/friends you make, and the space on your college application.
3)
KIWIN'S is not worth the time!
WRONG AGAIN! KIWIN'S is a great opportunity to serve your community, be recognized
by colleges, and gain entry-level leadership positions. The more time you put in, the better I find it. Like the old saying
goes, you reap what you sow!
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