I. .
Key Club History: Past and
Present
II. What is Key Club?
III. Key
Club Structure
IV. Bylaws
V. Cheers
VI. Misc. Information and Forms
Key
Club History: Past and Present
1. Origin
2. Early Development
3. Present Status
The following history of Key Club was taken from the Key Club Manual, Chapter II, titled "The Key Club: A Unique Kiwanis Program for Youth."
Origin. It
was in May 1925 in Sacramento, California, that the eleven charter members
comprising the first Key Club met officially for the first time. Prior to
that meeting came a full year's activity and thought, through which the idea
of the Key Club developed and finally reached fruition. The following describes
that flowering.
In
California during the twenties, high school fraternities were in their heyday.
Educators and others were concerned with the pernicious side of these groups
and sought some means of replacing them with more wholesome activity for youth.
Fraternities were banned by law; they merely went underground, to be heard
of only when their excesses received glaring publicity. The idea of junior
service clubs, similar to Kiwanis and other civic clubs, was broached in 1924,
but the practical application was not put into effect until 1925.
Two men in the Sacramento Kiwanis club, who were high school administrators,
approached their club with the idea of a junior service club in the high school,
to be patterned after Kiwanis and to have its own classifications based on
school interests and to hold luncheon meetings. Through this group in the
high school, the Kiwanis club hoped to provide vocational guidance, first
to boys who had decided upon their future occupation, and then to the entire
school. The Kiwanis club president liked the plan and appointed a committee
to look into the matter. The principal of the high school was most receptive
and assisted in finding boys interested in joining such a group. Next, the
plan was presented to the Board of Education upon the principal's request,
and following its approval, the first Key Club meeting was held early in May
1925. Evidence of the value of this group and its program is found in the
fact that the Sacramento High School Key Club is still in flourishing existence
today.
The club held weekly luncheons in the school, where Kiwanians came to speak
to the group on various vocations. Key Club members attended Kiwanis meetings
as guests of the club to enhance further the value of Key Club membership
by bringing high school students into constant contact with the business and
professional men of the community. As the experience of the Key Club grew,
a noticeable trend toward expanding the original purpose and activity was
found possible, and the club was soon a complete service organization for
the whole school. It also offered a social program to balance its service
activities.
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Early Development.
Through contact with the Sacramento Key Club and Kiwanis Club, other Kiwanis
groups soon became interested in the activity and sponsored similar organizations
in their own communities. One source of expansion during these early years
came through high school principals and other educators. The school men responsible
for the Sacramento Key Club talked of it with their colleagues and wrote of
its activities in various articles. This resulted in many requests for information
being sent to the Sacramento Kiwanis club concerning the Key Club. Such information
was sent out and principals in various parts of the country were responsible
for organizing similar groups in their own schools with the help of their
local Kiwanis clubs. Practically all Key Club expansion which took place during
the next fifteen years was accomplished in this way. By that time fifty clubs
were functioning in California, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, and Washington.
In
1939 the first plan for combining individual local Key Clubs into federated
groups was developed in Florida. With Kiwanis counsel, a convention of existing
clubs was held, a state association formed, and officers elected. The purpose
of the State Association was to promote an exchange of ideas concerning the
Key Club activity and to expand the number of Key Clubs. Conventions were
held each succeeding year, and when the International Constitution and Bylaws
were adopted in 1946, the Florida Association became the first Key Club district.
Florida was instrumental also in promoting the formation of an International
Association of Key Clubs to perform for the entire country what the Florida
Association had done for Key Clubs in that state. In 1943, at the invitation
of the Florida boys, Key Clubbers from clubs in Alabama, Louisiana, South
Carolina, and Tennessee were in attendance at the annual convention of the
State Association held in Sanford. The representatives voted to form an International
Association of Key Clubs and elected Malcolm Lewis of West Palm Beach, Florida,
as first President.
Three formative years followed, during which the outlines of the present Key
Club International organization were drawn. Lewis served one year and was
followed in office by Eddie Richardson of Ft. Lauderdale, and Roger Keller
of New Orleans. Keller presided over the third annual convention in New Orleans
on April 27, 1946, at which time delegates from all parts of the country approved
the Constitution and Bylaws, officially launching Key Club International.
During these years of early growth and increasing organization, Kiwanis International
had not been idle. The Key Club was early recognized as a local club project,
and no attempt was made to control its overall organization. In 1942 the Kiwanis
International Board of Trustees recommended the movement to all clubs and
directed the Boys and Girls Work committee to undertake the sponsorship of
these clubs as an activity for students of high school age. In 1944 a special
Kiwanis International Committee on Sponsored Youth Organizations was formed
to look after Key Club work. Finally, in 1946, a separate Key Club Department
was created in the International Office of Kiwanis International to serve
as a clearing house for Key Club information, to keep the records and handle
correspondence of the organization, to provide effective liaison between Key
Clubs and Kiwanis, and to conduct the annual International conventions. Now
the Key Club Department also handles a monthly publication--KEYNOTER--which
was first issued in May 1946. The Kiwanis International Committee on Key Clubs
was formed on January 1, 1949.
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Present Status.
Since May of 1925, Key Club continues to grow rapidly. There are now clubs
located throughout North America and the Caribbean area. In these groups,
thousands of students are receiving training in leadership and service. The
Key Club District organization is patterned after the original Florida District
and its parent Kiwanis districts. These organizations hold their own annual
conventions for fellowship, to coordinate the efforts of individual clubs,
to exchange ideas on Key Clubbing, and to recognize outstanding service of
clubs or individual with appropriate awards.
Key Club is truly an "International" organization. In 1946 the first
club was built in Canada, and since that time many more have been added. Key
Clubs have also been formed in the Caribbean and future growth is promising.
Every year, led by the international officers, two hundred or more new Key
Clubs are added to this fast growing organization, but emphasis is on permanent,
active clubs, rather than on mere numbers as such. With this criterion as
a guide, Key Clubs can expect a steady, healthy growth for many years to come.
Despite the name, we DO NOT MAKE KEYS!
Key Club International is the largest high school service organization in the world. Key Club Is sponsored by Kiwanis, an adult service organization that many of your parents may belong to. The main principles of Key Club are to provide unselfish service, and to prepare tomorrow's leaders. The first Key Club was chartered in 1925 as a way for young men to dedicate part of their time to their community. Sixty-five years later, both young men and women participate in providing over seven million hours of service every year!!
Our motto is "Caring, our way of life."
This is something all Key Clubbers should be familiar with, so that you know how Key Club is run.
Key
Club International - Key Club International is at the top
of the pyramid. It serves to united all the Districts of KEY Club. It passes
the international Bylaws to govern KEY Club. International is headed by an
International President and advised by the International Administrator.
District
- The District level is where many divisions united. You are in the
California Nevada Hawaii District (abbreviated Cali-Nev-Ha), a district of
more than 523 clubs. The District’s main job is to support both the clubs
and divisions through updating them on what is going on through training.
Lt. Governors meet a few times each year to be trained and represent their
respective division at district. The District is headed by the District Governor
and advised by the District Administrator. Each year, the District puts
on a District Convention to celebrate service and elect its new officers.
Region
– A group of Lt. Governors in your area forms a Region. The Region
advised by a Regional Advisor. Each year in the fall, the Region conducts
a Regional Fall Training Conference (RFTC) to train its members and officers
about KEY Club. (We are Region 12)
Division
– The Division is build directly on top of your club. The Division
is comprised of the clubs of your area. All clubs of your area elect a person,
the Lt. Governor, to united you area’s clubs and represent you at the District
level. The Lt. Governor is responsible for publishing a newsletter to all
of the clubs in your division and for conduction a Divisional Council Meeting
every month to update you on KEY Club news. The Lt. Governor is responsible
for informing you about what is going on at both the District and International
levels. We are Division 10 Blue Turtles, and our Lt. Governor is Judi Quach.
Standard
Form For Key Club Bylaws
Article I -- Name
Article II -- Organization
Article III -- Objects
and Activities
Article IV -- Motto
Article V -- Membership
Article VI -- Officers
Article VII -- Election of
Officers
Article VIII -- Meetings
Article IX -- Committees
Article X -- Annual Dues
Article XI -- Amendments
ARTICLE
I: Name
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Key
Club of _____________________________________________.
(Same name as High School, Collegiate Institute or Secondary School)
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ARTICLE II: Organization
Section 1. Its form of organization, its ideals, and its
purpose shall be similar to those of the Kiwanis Club of ___________
____________________________________________________.
Section 2. It shall be sponsored by, but not a part of, the
Kiwanis Club of _______________________________________.
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ARTICLE
III: Objects and Activities
Section 1. The objects of the Key Club shall be:
To develop initiative and leadership.
To provide experience in living and working together.
To serve the school and community.
To cooperate with the school principal.
To prepare for useful citizenship.
To accept and promote the following ideals:To give primacy to the human and spiritual, rather than to the material values of life.
To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.
To promote the adoption and application of higher standards in scholarship, sportsmanship, and social contacts.
To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive, and serviceable citizenship.
To provide a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render unselfish service, and to build better communities.
To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism which make possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism, and goodwill.
Section
2. The activities of the Key Club shall be in accord with its Objects.
They should include those suggested by Key Club International, plus such additional
activities as might be adopted by the Key Club and approved by the school
principal.
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ARTICLE IV: Motto
Section 1. The motto of the Key Club shall be "Caring--Our
Way of Life."
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ARTICLE V: Membership
Section 1. Membership shall be limited to the high school
students as apportioned from the senior, junior, sophomore, and freshmen classes
(or the five upper classes in the Canadian Provinces or Ontario and British
Columbia where high school is of a five year duration) by the Board of Directors,
who possess the qualifications prescribed by Article 6, Section 1 of the Constitution
of Key Club International.
Section 2. Those scholastically qualified students, as prescribed
in Section 1 of this Article, of their respective classes interested in service,
with good character and leadership ability, and so certified by the principal,
shall be eligible for membership.
Section 3. Subject to review and approval by the principal,
the Board of Directors shall have the power to suspend or expel a member for
nonpayment of dues, for nonattendance at meetings without valid excuse, for
conduct unbecoming a member or for ceasing to meet the scholastic requirements
of the school.
Section 4. When organizing a new Key Club the sponsoring
Kiwanis committee shall ask the proper school official of the high school
to recommend, using the criteria suggested in sections one and two of this
Article, a list of students he believes would be qualified to become members.
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ARTICLE VI: Officers
Section 1. Officers shall be president, vice-president, secretary
and treasurer. They shall serve for one (1) year or until their successors
are elected and qualify.
Section 2. Each officer shall be a member in good standing.
No other restrictions or limitations shall be placed on these officers.
Section 3. There shall be a Board of Directors, composed
of the above officers and one director to be elected from each class.
Section 4. The duties of the officers shall be such as are
usually performed by similar office holders, and as outlined by Key Club International
and Kiwanis Sponsored Youth, Club Materials on Key Clubs.
Section 5. The Board of Directors shall approve the budget,
approve all bills, take counsel with committees, discipline members, review
and report to Kiwanis the performance of the club officers and perform such
other duties as shall be referred to it by the club, in compliance with these
Bylaws and the requirements of Key Club International.
Section 6. All action by the club and the Board of Directors
shall be subject to the approval of the principal and the Kiwanis committee.
The Board of Directors shall meet at least once monthly at a time and place
selected by the Board.
Section 7. Any general member may recommend the removal of
a club officer to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall hold
a meeting at which the officer in question shall be heard. If approved, the
recommendation shall be presented to the club and voted on by 2/3 vote of
the quorum. In the event any officer should be removed from office, the officer
shall be notified in writing by the secretary or secretary/treasurer.
Section 8. The Faculty and Kiwanis Advisor shall serve as
ex-officio members of the club Board of Directors, retaining all rights of
that membership without the right to vote.
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ARTICLE VII: Election of Officers
Section 1. Election of new officers (president, vice-president,
secretary and treasurer) should be held at a meeting in February and they
should take office in May.
Section 2. Election of directors (one from each class) shall
be held at the first meeting following the opening of school in the fall.
Section 3. All officers and directors who are members in
good standing shall be eligible for reelection.
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ARTICLE VIII: Meetings
Section 1. The club shall hold regular weekly meetings at
such time and place as shall be determined by the club with the approval of
the principal.
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ARTICLE IX: Committees
Section 1. There should be at least the following standing
committees:
a) Kiwanis Family Relations Committee
b) Program Committee
c) Project Committee
d) Public Relations Committee
e) Social Committee
f) Membership Development Committee
g) Major Emphasis Committee
Section 2. The duties of the standing committees shall be as follows:
a) The Kiwanis Family Relations Committee shall work with the Program and Project Committees in preparing inter-club activities with Kiwanis and Circle K (if one exists in the area) and shall see that the membership of the Key Club and its its sponsoring Kiwanis Club are cognizant of all areas of each organization thereof.
b) The Program Committee shall plan and present programs at all regular meetings, club inductions, and inter-clubs with Key Clubs and other service groups in the school and community, unless otherwise directed by the president. The committee shall arrange for a suitable place for club luncheons and see that the space occupied is made orderly after each meeting.
c) The Project Committee shall formulate worthwhile activities, and upon approval by the principal, shall recommend them to the club. The projects adopted by the club shall be initiated and completed under the direction of the Project Committee with the aid of the club membership.
d) The Public Relations Committee shall be responsible for informing the public of the Key Club's activities and goals through the use of articles, photographs, the local newspaper, talks with school officials, radio and television.
e) The Social Committee shall plan the social activities of the club, such as banquets honoring the fathers and mothers of the members, dances, entertainment, etc., and entertainment for club meetings.
f) The Membership Development Committee shall devise effective plans to obtain new members on a regular basis to provide the necessary manpower for an effective program of service.
g) The Major Emphasis Committee shall plan projects and activities promoting and supporting the Key Club International Theme and Major Emphasis programs during their administrative years.
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ARTICLE X: Annual Dues
Section 1. Total amount dues shall be $___________ per member,
which is the sum of $_________ for district dues, $_________ for International
dues, and $__________ for individual club dues.
NOTE ON DUES: It is recommended that total dues should
not exceed $15.00.
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ARTICLE XI: Amendments
Section 1. Amendments to these bylaws shall be adopted by
two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at any regular meeting held one
week or more after a regular meeting at which the proposed amendment or amendments
were read, or after giving written notice thereof to each member one week
prior to the action on such amendment or amendments.
Section 2. These bylaws and all amendments or additions thereto
shall not become effective until they have been approved by the high school
principal and by Key Club International.
Key Club Pledge:
(If you're a member, please memorize this.)
I pledge on my honor to uphold the objects of Key Club International;
to build my home, school, and community; to serve my nation and God and combat
all forces which tend to undermine these institutions.
CNH Bee Cheer:
From the east to the west, you know we are the best.
We're the district with the sting, and that's why we sing!
We're the bees. Buzz! Buzz!
We're the bees. Buzz! Buzz!
It's all about the party hardy CNH bees!
CNH Cheer:
Cali-Nev-Ha!
Cali-Nev-Ha!
Abooga, Booga, Booga,
HA! HA! HA!
CNH How Do You Feel? Cheer:
Hey Key Clubbers! How do you feel?
We feel good! Oh, we feel so good!
UGH!
We feel fine! All of the time!
Abooga, Abooga,
booga-booga-booga!
When I say Key...
When I say Key, you say club,
Key! (Club!) Key! (Club!)
When I say number, you say 1,
Number (One!) Number (One!)
(Repeat 3x)
Key Club
Song:
On our coat, we wear a little button
We wear it in the winter and the summer so they say
If they ask just why the decoration
We say it's for our Key Club and we're proud to show our K
Show your K, Show your K
Show your K, Show your K
We say it's for our Key Club and we're proud to show our K
Traditional Division 10 Cheer:
We are division 10,
Take off the 0 and,
We are Number 1!
Battle of
The Spirit
You #1: We've got spirit, yes we do, we've got spirit, how bout
you?
Them #2: We've got spirit, yes we do, we've got spirit, how bout you
(Goes back and forth between that and when someone wants to end it, they say:
We've got spirit, yes we do, we got spirit, more than you!)
Combat Cheer
Division 10, Oh yes we are
(Division 10, Oh yes we are)
Come to serve from lands afar,
(Come to serve from lands afar,)
If you're wondering whose the best
(If you're wondering whose the best)
The answer is... Division X
(The answer is... Division X)
Sound Off!
(Division 10!)
Sound Off!
(Division 10!)
One more time!!
(Division 10!)
Misc. Information and Forms
Probably the most useful information is the 2000-01 Guidebook.
KEY Club Facts.
Also, This year's Disrcitc Project is H.O.P.E.
H is for Health. O for Outreach, P for Poverty, and E for Earth.