Builders Club is a place for students 12-14 years old (middle years/middle school age) to grow as service leaders. At an age when students are expanding their understanding of the world and seeking connection, Builders Club offers members a way to work with their peers to meaningfully improve their schools, community and world. And clubs are guided by adult advisors who empower and mentor students.

What do Builders Club members who have a desire to lead look like? You might notice club members:

Show an increased willingness to step forward to volunteer.
Display humility when entrusted with leadership positions.
Gain energy by solving problems and addressing big issues.
Steadily increase their involvement.
Say, “I am a leader”.

How can you support more members in finding their desire to lead?

Provide training to elected leaders on not just the technical aspects, but on the soft skills of listening, recognizing and empowering.
Praise and recognize members who lead with humility and/or display leadership that is others-centered.
Pay attention and show appreciation to members who contribute more than before.
Talk about leaders and leadership in terms of something all members have the capacity for, not just officers.
Make sure the club’s operations and decisions are student led.

Information to help you lead

Governance

Understand how Builders Club is run and the roles and requirements that the host site (school or location where a club is located) and the sponsoring Kiwanis club agree to when the Builders Club is started. The chartering document, Kiwanis policies and roles of club leaders explain what is expected of everyone involved.

Learn about governance of Builders Clubs

Officers and committee chairs

Students can be elected as Builders Club officers. A president, vice president, treasurer and secretary make up a club’s board. Many clubs also have committees led by appointed committee chairs. These students gain experience facilitating meetings, leading team members through activities and being responsible for tasks.

Learn about officers and chairs

Members

Builders Club members have opportunities to lead in big and small ways. They can volunteer to be responsible for specific tasks for club meetings, service project planning and committee work. They also show leadership by helping fellow members.

Learn about Builders Club members

Advisors

Adult leaders serve in key roles. Clubs have two kinds of advisors: a faculty advisor and a Kiwanis advisor. They guide each club, working with officers, chairs and members to grow their service leadership skills as they carry out service projects. The advisor role is vital to achieving the mission of Builders Club.

Learn about faculty and Kiwanis advisors

District administrators

A Kiwanis-appointed leader, the Builders Club district administrator shares information with advisors and assists clubs in their geographic area. Administrators are also responsible for opening new clubs. To find out who the administrator is in your area, contact .