What is a Kiwanian?
The name “Kiwanis” means “we trade” or “we share our talents.” Kiwanians are volunteers changing the world through service to children and communities. No problem is too big or too small. Why? Because working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. When you give a child a chance to learn, experience, dream, and succeed, great things happen!
Our Mission
To serve the children of the world. Each year, Kiwanis Clubs sponsor nearly 150,000 service projects and raise more than $107 million dollars. Kiwanis has contributed more than $80 million toward the global elimination of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), the leading preventable cause of mental retardation.
Our Six Guiding Principles
• To give importance to the human and spiritual rather than the material values of life.
• To encourage living by the Golden Rule.
• To promote higher social, business, and professional standards.
• To encourage and be servant leaders.
• To build Kiwanis clubs that build lasting friendships and serve and strengthen local communities.
• To promote justice, patriotism, and goodwill.
Photos
Service Projects
Mid-America Games
North Kansas City Kiwanis' members work one weekend every year helping host the Mid-America Games for athletes with disabilities. Members keep score, serve food, help the athletes move from event to event, and help underwrite the cost of ribbons.
Scholarships
NKC Kiwanis fund three annual $1,500 scholarships to deserving high school seniors. Kiwanis members spend hours reviewing applications to select the recipients. Members always attend the school's awards ceremony and the recipients and guests attend a Kiwanis luncheon in June.
Library Summer Reading Program
Each year, NKC Kiwanis serve lunch (for 700+ attendees!) at the North Kansas City Public Library Summer Reading “kick off” picnic. Kiwanis members volunteer many hours planning, cooking, serving, and cleaning up knowing that this project encourages our children to read throughout the summer months.
Healthy Families
Kiwanis members can always be found at the local Hy-Vee grocery store the Saturday before Mother's Day! We collect baby and children's food, items and money for Healthy Families. These donations, distributed through Healthy Families, support Northland families in need.
Family Health Clinic
NKC Kiwanis members bring hammers, paint brushes, drills and everything else needed to help with the work day at the Family Health Clinic. We've taken out walls, removed counters, and painted window trim (just for a start!).