What is Kiwanis?
Kiwanis is an international service organization. Our service focuses primarily on the well-being of children and education in Richmond, as well as other community events. The Kiwanis Club of Richmond celebrated our 100th anniversary in 2019.
Who can join the Kiwanis Club of Richmond?
Our Club is open to women and men who want to strengthen their ties to the Richmond community and improve the lives of our city’s children through service and support.
Where and when do you meet?
Richmond Kiwanis meets every Monday from noon until 1:15pm at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, (formerly called the Virginia Historical Society). Our Club Satellite meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 6:00-7:30 pm at Mekong Restaurant, and occasionally other locations.
What do you do at Kiwanis meetings?
We gather weekly as a Club to meet new people, enjoy old friends, eat a delicious lunch catered by Goodrich Gourmet, learn about new service opportunities, and hear a great speaker. Club Satellite meetings are less formal, more intimate, do not feature a speaker, but do often include planning small service projects and fellowship activities.
Are there any dress requirements?
Business casual attire is typical at Monday meetings.
How much does it cost to attend?
Members and guests pay $15, but buying lunch is not required. Membership dues are $440/year (with discounts for joining as a Satellite member). There currently is no application fee.
I’m really busy. Are there attendance or service requirements?
Members are encouraged to attend meetings as often as you can, but there are no attendance requirements. There are also no requirements to participate in our service opportunities. Club members are encouraged to serve, and there are countless opportunities to get involved as a one-time thing, or on a regular schedule.
What are some examples of ways to serve?
If you can commit to serve on a more regular basis, we work with several different Richmond public schools as tutors, classroom helpers, and classroom readers. We also offer support and service at less frequently occurring projects such as the Richmond Marathon, filling backpacks at FeedMore, collecting clothes and gifts for children for back-to-school and Christmas, and many others.
“When I retired, I was advised to get use to no longer being relevant. But by joining Kiwanis I have stayed relevant. Kiwanis provides fellowship so you can stay connected, excellent speakers to help you stay informed, and volunteer opportunities for you to stay involved. All on your schedule – you participate how and when you want.”
“This is one of the most rewarding things that I’ve ever done. A well-balanced life means finding a way to be of service to others. I love the hours spent with these kids. My life is so much richer for it. Beyond that, we have excellent programs with first-rate speakers. I never leave a meeting without learning something new. What I value as much as anything is the fellowship. We have fun, we’re interesting, and we care about one another.
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“Richmond Kiwanis is a unique service organization. We offer good fellowship, relevant and informative speakers at weekly meetings, and many and varied ways to be active in Richmond: from school classrooms to the Marathon water stop; from Christmas bell ringing with the Salvation Army to celebrating Christmas with the special children at Children’s Hospital. What a great way to get involved on our city!”