What is Circle K?

Information For New Or Prospective Members

What Exactly Is Circle K ?
Circle K clubs are the largest student run volunteer organizations of its kind, with over 12,000 members on over 500 campuses in 15 countries. Circle K is a sponsored program of Kiwanis International. Circle K mirrors the mandate of Kiwanis at the university/college level in making its community a better place to live with a special emphasis on young children.

What is Kiwanis?
Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization with a membership primarily comprised of leading professional men and women. A local Kiwanis club sponsors each Circle K club. This sponsorship is as a result of Kiwanis' concern that all people should take an active interest in community life. Kiwanis is a partner in service, as well as a financial supporter of Circle K.

What does Circle K do?
Circle K focuses on three aspects:

• Service: CK'ers perform service projects that address the needs of their community.  Project examples include – clothing drives for women and children in shelters; serving food at a homeless shelter; 30 hour famine to raise money for World Vision; holding a charity Poker Tournament raising for MADD; giving piano lessons to underprivileged children; raising money to build a school in Kenya; trick or treating to collect canned foods for a Food Bank; walk-a-thons etc.  The list is as endless as the need and the project ideas of the individual clubs.
• Leadership Development:  Circle K also strives to develop the leadership skills of its members.  This is a student run organization, an opportunity exists to run for a position on the Executive team or on the Governing Board for the District.  In addition, members develop time management skills, project management skills and learn to work in a team environment.
• Friendship: Circle K is a great place to make new and lifelong friends. Enjoy a club social event, take an opportunity to go to a convention and have fun working on the community service project.

How much time must I commit to Circle K?
As much as you can.  The club will plan a variety of projects and you choose to attend the ones that fit your schedule and interest. Most clubs hold weekly meetings, if meeting times do not fit your class schedule you will receive minutes of the meeting if you are a member so you are aware of what is happening.

Why I joined Circle K?
Some comments from Circle K members:

• practical way to get involved, infrastructure already in place
• I was a Key Club member and want to carry on my volunteer work
• great way to meet new people and help at the same time
• growth experience
• wanted to do volunteer work
• will help on my resume
• develop my leadership skills
• help me learn how to run meetings more effectively

How will Circle K benefit me?

• Professionally:  The organizational, leadership, project planning, time management and interpersonal skills you learn during your time as a Circle K member will be a great asset in your chosen career path. You will make connections with other Kiwanis members as well as connections with fellow CK members. Post-grad institutions and employers will pay special attention when reading about your volunteer activities with Kiwanis Circle K.
• Personally: You will make great friends and meet many new people through Circle K both in your own club and at other clubs while attending conventions. Circle K will help you expand your life by helping others and you will experience that a sense of pride in knowing that one person, you, can make a difference to the life of another. You may help an underprivileged child or you may provide hope to someone in a homeless shelter. You have the ability through Circle K to make positive changes in your community.

How can I join?
Simply write to michael@eccirclek.org.

More information?
Check out the Circle K International (CKI) website at www.circlek.org