What is Circle K International?

Circle K International is the world's largest collegiate organization dedicated to service and leadership development with more
than 500 clubs in nine countries. It is not the size of the organization, however, which gives it 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 Circle K apart from
other student organizations.

Circle K 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 campus. 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 good times, getting to know others, personal development,
and meaningful contributions to the world. Circle K provides a unique opportunity to make a difference now -- Circle K 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.

Other Kiwanians became interested, and during the next eight years 168 Circle K clubs were started in the United States
and Canada. In October 1955 representatives from these clubs met in Philadelphia and voted to form an international
organization under the sponsorship of Kiwanis. In 1956, a special department was created in the Kiwanis International
Office to serve as the International Headquarters for Circle K.

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
inspires people to better our world. Its motto, the same as Kiwanis International's, is "We Build." Circle K provides constructive opportunities for students to become involved on their campuses and communities through service work to others in need.
Circle K members have the chance to work with fellow students, children in the community, and other adults in need of special programs.

Service

Circle K is not bound to any one particular service activity. Each club is encouraged to analyze its local situation and
determine how its environment can be served most effectively. Every two years a new Service Initiative is designed by the
Circle K International Board. Members and clubs are encouraged to perform service activities that fall within the parameters
of this program.

Membership Requirements

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

Each Circle K club is assessed $25.00 (US) for international dues per member per year. In return, members receive all the
benefits described above. Circle K clubs and districts also set the amount of dues which are to be paid by each member for administrative expenses. New Jersey District dues are $8.

Member Benefits

As a member of Circle K, you can receive many benefits, many which are supported bythe yearly member dues; $25 for
International and $8 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 many benefits of being a member of Circle K International and what the dues pay for.

• Scholarship Opportunities: Through the generous efforts of the Kiwanis International Foundation and Kiwanians in
  the thirty districts of Circle K, over thirty $1,000 scholarships (at least one per district), are made available to Circle K
  members. At the International Convention, additional scholarships totaling over $54,000 are presented to Circle K'ers
  who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and scholarship.
• Contact with Professionals: Circle K 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, and other
  inter-club and inter-divisional training sessions, 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 Circle K members from other schools in the district.
• International Convention: A great opportunity to meet with Circle K members from across the country and around
  the world. This summer convention features leadership workshops, famous speakers, club building ideas, and
  much more. The world's best Circle K leaders, possibly you, get recognized for their outstanding work.
• Circle K Magazine & Circling: Each member receives five issues of the Circle K magazine, which features articles
  and information pertaining to college life, organizational programs, and Circle K activities. Circling is a publication
  from the District to keep members informed on the local level.
• Experienced Counseling: Every club has the opportunity for self-improvement by communicating, interacting, and
  getting support from Circle K International and New Jersey District Board of Trustees.
• Individual Recognition: Circle K International has tons of opportunities to be recognized as an outstanding member,
  officer, or leader! Both the New Jersey District and CKI offer clubs and members award opportunities to recognize
  excellence!
• Membership Development: Each member receives a membership card with benefits, handbook, 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: Through the Circle K structure, every Circle K'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 LeaderScape that aim to develop the future leaders of our organization. In addition, every spring and fall, the New Jersey District offers training rallies open to members and
  officers alike.
• Campus and Community Service: Because of Circle K's rich history of helping others, members of Circle K clubs
  share in the tradition of serving their campuses and communities. Circle K 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.