About Circle K International

What is Circle K International?

Circle K International (CKI) is the world's largest collegiate organization dedicated to service and leadership development with more than 500 clubs in over 15 different nations. It is not the size of the organization, however, which gives CKI its identity or provides it with its primary source of pride and satisfaction. Rather, it's the mission and the objects of the organization that set CKI apart from other student organizations.

CKI is a service organization through which college students can find a means of responsible student action in their communities and a more active involvement in the life of their campuses. As clubs learn about the needs of their campuses and communities, they develop hands-on activities to address these problems.

College is more than a pursuit for a scholastic degree -- it offers unique opportunities, a chance to get to know others and create long-lasting friendships, an opportunity for personal development, and opens the door for students to make a lasting impact and meaningful contributions to the world. CKI provides a unique opportunity to make a difference now -- it is the total college experience.

History

In 1936, Circle K was instituted as a fraternity at Washington State University by the Kiwanis Club of Pullman, Washington. The idea started with Jay N. Emerson, who was later elected Kiwanis International President. His interest led to the building of the first Circle K club in 1947 at Carthage College, Illinois.

In 1949, two more clubs were organized, including one in Canada, making Circle K truly “International”. There were 147 CKI clubs in 1955, and, in October of that year, representatives from these clubs met in Philadelphia and voted to form an international organization under the sponsorship of Kiwanis. It was at this point that Circle K International was officially recognized as a sponsored organization of Kiwanis International. In 1956, a special department was created in the Kiwanis International Office to serve as the International Headquarters for CKI.

With just 10 clubs, the Capital District of CKI was first chartered on October 1, 1960. Almost 47 years later, CDCKI has grown to over 1,000 members across more than thirty clubs.

Purpose

Our mission is a statement of what CKI wants to become and for whom: Circle K International is college and university students who are responsible citizens and leaders with a lifelong commitment to community service worldwide. Circle K International inspires people to better our world. Its motto is to "Live to Serve, Love to Serve." CKI provides constructive opportunities for students to become involved on their campuses and communities through service work to others in need. CKI members have the chance to work with fellow students, children in the community, and other adults in need of special programs.

Service

Above all else, Circle K International is a service organization whose members are dedicated to improving their schools and communities. Virtually any unanswered need is a potential opportunity for CKI’s commitment and dedication.

The Circle K International Service Initiative, Focusing on the Future: Children, was designed to involve all CKI members in projects that address the problems and issues that face children worldwide, ages 6-13. Through personal interaction and public awareness, CKI members are enabling children to develop the skills and ideals necessary to be successful.Membership Requirements

Membership Requirements

There are general requirements for Circle K International membership: willingness to serve, commitment to humankind, and dedication and adherence to the ideals of the organization.

Each CKI club is assessed $25.00 (US) for International dues per member per year. In return, members receive all the benefits described below. CKI clubs and districts also set the amount of dues which are to be paid by each member for administrative expenses. Capital District dues are $7/person.

Member Benefits

As a member of CKI, you can receive many benefits, many which are supported by the yearly member dues; $25 for International and $7 for District. In addition to the great feeling of serving the community, and building everlasting friendships, Circle K International has a lot to offer to its members in return. Here, you will find just a few benefits of being a member of Circle K International.

• Scholarship Opportunities: Through the generous efforts of the Kiwanis International Foundation and Kiwanians in the thirty districts of CKI, over thirty $1,000 scholarships (at least one per district), are made available to Circle K members. At the Circle K International Convention, additional scholarships totaling over $50,000 are presented to CKI'ers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and scholarship.
• Contact with Professionals/Networking: Circle K International is proudly sponsored by Kiwanis. Kiwanis members are professionals in diverse fields and represent a cross-section of the American business world. As a Kiwanis-Family member, you have access to Kiwanians and immediate capabilities to network with professionals in fields that interest you.
• District Conventions: As a member of Circle K International, you will be able to attend District Conventions (including Capital’s DCON in February!), and other divisional and district training sessions and rallies, where educational forums, team building, and networking skills are developed with help from other members with experience in the particular field. This is also a great opportunity to meet CKI members from other colleges and universities within our district.
• International Convention: This is a great opportunity to meet with CKI members from across the country and around the world. This convention features leadership workshops, famous speakers, club building ideas, and much more. The world's best Circle K International leaders, possibly you, get recognized for their outstanding work.
• The Capital Courier: The Capital Courier is a publication by the Capital District to keep members informed on important events going on in our district, pertinent CKI information, and other articles to keep you as informed as possible!
• Individual Recognition: Circle K International has tons of opportunities to be recognized as an outstanding member, officer, or leader! Both the Capital District and CKI offer clubs and members award opportunities to recognize excellence!
• Membership Development: Each member receives a membership card with benefits, and a membership pin with the Circle K International logo.
• Friendship: Because Circle K International is organized on more than 500 college and university campuses worldwide; members have the unique opportunity to become friends with collegians from different countries. Attendance at divisional, district, and International conferences and conventions provides members the special chance to learn of diverse perspectives, make new friends, share ideas and concerns, and travel.
• Leadership Development and Training: Every CKI’er has the unique opportunity to develop leadership skills by serving as an officer or committee chair. Whether it is serving as a club project chair, district officer or International officer, each member has the opportunity to discover and develop talents and skills. Serving on the club, district, or international board can be very attractive when applying for a job after college. Circle K International also hosts leadership conferences such as LeaderShape that aim to develop the future leaders of our organization. In addition, every fall, the Capital District offers a training rally open to all members of the district.
• Campus and Community Service: Because of CKI’s rich history of helping others, members of CKI clubs share in the tradition of serving their campuses and communities. CKI members, by planning and participating in projects and activities, volunteer their time, talents, ideas and skills for the purpose of making a long-lasting and far-reaching impact on their environment.
• And Many More: Aside from all of the above, depending on your home club, you may receive additional benefits. Contact a club officer for more information. In addition, CKI is looking into increasing member benefits on both the International and District Levels. You can find many additional pieces of literature/resources which will be helpful to you as a CKI member by visiting the Circle K International web site (www.circlek.org).