Starting a Key Club

Check out our detailed building guide below to start your Key Club!

1. Finding a School Or Kiwanis Sponsor

  • Contacting School Officials:

    1. Reach Out: Contact your school’s principal, vice principals, or guidance counselors by email, phone, or in person.

    2. Email Template: Send an email to your school administrator introducing yourself and the Key Club.

    Finding a Sponsoring Kiwanis Club:

    1. Locate Local Kiwanis Clubs: Search for Kiwanis Clubs in your area. (See Additional Resources below)

    2. Contact for Sponsorship: Reach out to these local Kiwanis Clubs to request sponsorship.

    3. Benefits of Sponsorship: Kiwanis Clubs can offer crucial resources, funding, and support.

    If No Kiwanis Club is Available:

    • Organize Fundraising: Plan and execute fundraising activities to cover the necessary chartering fees.

2. Finding a Key Club Advisor

Recruit Faculty Members

  • Identify and approach teachers or staff who value community service and leadership.
  • Explain the role of the advisor and their importance in the club’s success.

3. Recruiting Members

  • Promotional Strategies
    • Use word of mouth, social media, flyers, and school announcements to recruit members.
    • Aim to recruit at least 15 members to start the club.
  • Incentives and Events
    • Highlight the benefits of joining Key Club, such as leadership opportunities, scholarships, and community impact.

4. Completing Chartering Forms

Necessary Paperwork

  • Fill out and submit the chartering application available at Kiwanis Chartering Website.
  • Review and adopt the Key Club bylaws.
  • Elect club officers and plan club meetings and events.

5. Club Registration and Funding

  • Chartering Fee
    • Understand the chartering fee options and what they include.
    • Option 1: $600 (includes banner, gavel, and materials).
    • Option 2: $400 (without the banner).
  • Membership Dues
    • Please ensure that each member pays their dues. For instructions on how to submit payments, please refer to the “How to Pay Dues” section. If you have any questions, please contact our District Treasurer.

6. Confirmation and Celebration

  • Once confirmed, plan a chartering ceremony to celebrate the new club.
  • Begin planning service events and member activities.

Additional Resources

  • Key Club International Website: [Link]
  • Kiwanis International Website: [Link]
  • Bylaws and Chartering Forms: [Link]
  • NJ Club Map [Link]
  • NJ Key Clubs w/ LTGs & Sponsoring Kiwanis Clubs [Link]

Starting a Key Club at your school is a rewarding experience that not only benefits your community but also helps you grow as a leader. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our District Administrator Cristina Trecate at ctrecate@njkeyclub.org with any questions.