Become a Kiwanis Member

Have you been looking to volunteer for good causes in your community? Do you like helping kids, having fun, and making a difference? Why not consider joining us and becoming a member of our Kiwanis club?

WHY VOLUNTEERISM IS IMPORTANT

Volunteerism connotes a mindset or a philosophy. It can also mean an attitude of service or a willingness to give back to your community — and, in doing so, to make the world around you a better place.

As it turns out, volunteerism doesn’t just help the organization, population, or community on the receiving end. Volunteering your time or energy can have amazing benefits for you, too. Below are a few ways that volunteering can change your life for the better:

• Connection. Volunteering allows you to meet new people and can improve your social and relationship skills. Volunteering with family members or friends can provide an opportunity to spend meaningful time with those people, strengthening those relationships.
• A sense of meaning. Much research has been done on the link between altruism and happiness. The happiness many people feel due to volunteering may be related in part to the increased sense of purpose and self-confidence experienced when people are generous with their time and energy.
• A longer lifespan. In addition to its emotional and mental benefits, volunteering can improve your physical health. Volunteering can lower stress levels and enhance peoples’ overall well-being, positively affecting physical health. Many volunteering opportunities also entail physical labor, which can be a great source of exercise.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ROLE MODELS FOR CHILDREN

Anyone can be a role model in a child’s life, such as a parent, family member, friend or even a member of a Kiwanis club. Children tend to mimic their role models, so how the role model acts in different situations impacts how that child will act in similar situations in the future.

Much of learning during childhood is gained through observation and imitation. The role models who children look up to help shape how those children behave in school, in their relationships, and when making decisions. Here are some of the most important things children learn from their role models:

• How to treat others, including being courteous, generous, and a contributing member of society.
• How to deal with problems and find solutions.
• A strong work ethic.
• How to care for themselves, including eating habits, exercise, and balancing commitments.
• Patience.
• How to handle stress and frustration.
• How to express anger, sadness, joy, and other emotions.
• Openness to trying new things, learning, and having an open mind.
• How to deal with mistakes, responsibilities, expectations, competition, and loss.
• How to celebrate special occasions.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT HELP CHILDREN

Kiwanis clubs seek to make the world a better place by focusing on improving the lives of children. The efforts of Kiwanis are beneficial for several reasons:

• Investing in the future. Rather than taking a reactive approach, organizations that help children are inherently proactive. We hear always that children are the future — and it’s true. By improving the health and well-being of children and their communities, they create global citizens who are better equipped for success.
• Providing a unifying goal. Just about everyone can agree that children deserve to live safe, happy, comfortable lives. In this way, organizations that serve children provide an opportunity to put aside our differences and unite behind a common cause that will ultimately benefit all of us.
• Strengthening community by setting an example. Many experts agree that volunteering and giving to charity can have a positive impact on your own health and well-being. Furthermore, supporting organizations that help children can set an example for other people in your life — such as your children or even friends and family — making it more likely that they will give back to their communities too.