The Board of Directors has been looking at ways to strengthen our club and position Kiwanis for the future. Two possible changes to share:
We are exploring a partnership with 2nd Presbyterian Church to host our 12 Noon lunch meetings. The church offers a catered meal at a reduced cost compared with our current arrangement, along with a central location and ample parking. We are still confirming a few potential technology-related fees, but so far, the option looks very promising.
One consideration is that we would need to change our meeting day from Monday to Wednesday. The Board is weighing that change carefully. No change would take place before January 1, giving us plenty of time to make a thoughtful decision and provide ample notice to Eastland if we do make the change. We will keep the club informed as we work through the details.
possible Membership tiers
We are also proposing a new membership structure, which will be subject to 3/4th of the club ratifying it, designed to make Kiwanis more accessible to new members while creating a more sustainable financial position for the club. Currently, we have 3 membership levels: Regular ($740), Base ($240), and Corporate ($800). Over time, we have found that the Regular level can be a significant financial barrier for prospective members, while the Base level has not been clearly defined and has placed additional pressure on our operating fund.
Our new structure provides 5 clearly defined membership options:
New Member — [$300/year, $75/qtr]
A deeply discounted, limited-time introductory membership designed to reduce the financial barrier for people who are new to Kiwanis. New Members receive the same lunch and meeting participation opportunities as Regular members. Growing our membership is essential to the future of our club, and we want to make it easier for new members to join.
Service Only — $300/year ($75/quarter)
A lower-cost option for established members who want to remain active in Kiwanis primarily through service activities rather than lunch meetings. This membership would not include lunch. Members with 3 years or more of Kiwanis membership would be eligible for this option.
Regular — [$680/year, $170/qtr]
Our traditional membership option for members who want to fully participate in club meetings, meals, programs, and service activities. New rate is reduced slightly assuming we are able to secure a lunch venue with lower costs.
Legacy — $500/year ($125/quarter)
A membership option tailored to our longtime Kiwanis members. Members with 25 years or more of Kiwanis membership who attend half or fewer of the club’s meetings would be eligible. Similar to the former Base membership, this option provides a reduced rate while offering clearer eligibility requirements. Lunch is included whenever Legacy members attend a club meeting.
To ensure that this membership remains sustainable for the club, Legacy memberships would be capped at 25% of total club membership (approximately 20 members).
Corporate — $900/year ($225/quarter)
Our Corporate Membership will continue to provide an option for businesses that want to have more than one employee participate in Kiwanis. The slightly higher membership fee allows multiple representatives from the business to attend the same club meeting.
The bigger picture
The goal is to provide clear choices that meet members where they are while building a stronger Kiwanis for the future. These changes are about more than dues—they are about welcoming new members, recognizing longtime Kiwanians, providing flexibility in participation, and strengthening our financial position so we can continue helping the kids in our community.
What Happens Next
The Board will make a decision on the meeting location by October 1.
The club will vote on the proposed membership tiers later this month, with voting available by email beginning after mid-month or in person at the September 28 meeting.
Approval will require a three-fourths vote of the club. And, in true Kiwanis fashion, we have plenty of judges and attorneys among our members to make sure the election is above reproach! 😉
Your voice matters as we make these decisions. Please reach out to Kathleen Lorenz or Sonya Weber with your thoughts, questions, or suggestions. We want to hear from you as we work together to strengthen our club and build its future.
