What We Do

OUR IMPACT

Some kids are hungry. Some kids need help learning to read. Others need mentors. You can help improve the lives of these kids – one child at a time. Kiwanis clubs seek to make the world a better place by focusing on improving the lives of children.

Kiwanis clubs and members conduct service projects. They hold fundraisers. They donate to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund. They change children’s lives in their own communities and through international initiatives — helping young people develop mentally, physically and emotionally

Every year, Kiwanis members stage more than 1.3 million service projects and raise nearly US $390 million for children, families and communities around the world. Kiwanis club projects are based on the community’s needs — we build playgrounds, purchase medical equipment, stuff backpacks with school supplies, restock libraries and much more. The average Kiwanian makes an impact on the lives of 106 children.

KIWANIS CAUSES

Kiwanis members’ activities support the Kiwanis causes:

• Health and nutrition.
• Education and literacy.
• Youth leadership development.

Together, these causes form a continuum of impact — helping young people develop throughout childhood and into adulthood. Each cause also supports the others, ultimately creating a generation of leaders who also contribute to that continuum.

GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVES

Kiwanis International has a history of rallying its members to make a positive impact on the health of children and families around the world. Through the power of partnerships and fundraising, previous campaigns have helped the Kiwanis family address challenges to global health.

Maternal and neonatal tetanus
A painful and deadly disease, maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) disproportionately affects areas where poverty, lack of education and inadequate health infrastructure make unhygienic birth practices more common. In 2010, Kiwanis launched The Eliminate Project, a global campaign to eliminate MNT by supporting UNICEF’s efforts to administer vaccines and promote clean delivery and umbilical cord care practices.

Since Kiwanis joined the fight against MNT, newborn deaths from tetanus have dropped 57%, according to the World Health Organization. Of the 39 priority countries assessed to have more than one case of neonatal tetanus per 1,000 live births in 2010, 27 have since achieved MNT elimination. The Kiwanis Children’s Fund continues to work with UNICEF to help complete its work in the 12 countries where MNT remains a threat. During the period 2011-2020, the Kiwanis family raisied more than US $119 million.

Iodine deficiency
Iodine deficiency is one of the world’s leading causes of preventable intellectual and developmental disabilities. It also increases the risk of thyroid disease and can negatively impact fetal health and development. Fortunately, we know how these effects can be prevented: through the adequate consumption of iodized salt.

Kiwanis became involved in the fight against iodine deficiency in a campaign with UNICEF that lasted from 1994 to 2005. In that time, Kiwanians raised over US$105 million for salt iodization, testing and monitoring, and community outreach and education in more than 89 nations. As a result, 88% of the world’s households have access to iodized salt, and hundreds of millions of children have escaped the effects of iodine deficiency. The Kiwanis Children’s Fund continues to support the Iodine Global Network in furthering the fight against iodine deficiency around the world.

SERVICE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

The Kiwanis family includes members of all ages and abilities. In addition to Kiwanis clubs for adults who serve kids, we offer Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs (SLPs). Our SLPs are Key Club International for high school students, Circle K International for college and university students, K-Kids for elementary school students, Builders Club for middle school students and Aktion Club for adults with disabilities.

SLPs are leadership and character-building programs hosted in a school or community agency and often sponsored by a Kiwanis club or another civic organization. Kiwanis International offers resources and support to help anyone open SLP clubs wherever there is a need and opportunity in their communities.

Since the first Key Club was founded in 1925, millions of SLP members have been inspired to lead lives of service and significance.

Be a Part of Making a Difference

We’re just starting out in the Greater Enfield area and we have big goals to accomplish. Teamwork makes the dream work! We can get more done together! Be a part of an organization that cares about making a difference and helping kids! Join us!