How clubs work

Builders Club Kids is a student-led program. Each club has members, club officers, committee chairs and adult advisors. We suggest clubs have a minimum of 15 students. The average club size is about 30 members, but clubs range in size from 10-120 members. There are also important relationships between the club and other groups. The Builders Club Advisor Toolkit explains how clubs work and the responsibilities of different roles.

Here’s a snapshot of how Builders Clubs work and who is involved.

Members

Builders Club is for youth typically 12-14 years old (middle years/middle school age). Members are the core of a club. They are students looking for a place to make friends, help others through service and have opportunities to grow as leaders.

Officers

Builders Clubs have elected club officers. Officer positions include president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Each officer has specific responsibilities (like leading meetings, taking meeting notes, keeping track of the budget and helping members feel welcomed). Officers usually serve for a year, though some clubs choose shorter terms to allow more members to serve.

Committees and chairs

Many clubs create committees responsible for specific club activities like service projects, marketing, member recruitment, and fundraising. Committees are made of a chair who leads it and members interested in the work of the committee. Chairs are often selected by the advisor and officers.

Advisors

Builders Clubs often have two advisors. The faculty advisor is a teacher, counselor, staff member or adult who guides officers and members. The advisor is chosen by the school or organization’s leader. The Kiwanis advisor is a volunteer from a Kiwanis club who helps with activities. Many clubs also have additional adult volunteers.

The sponsoring Kiwanis club

Most Builders Clubs are started in partnership with a Kiwanis club. The Kiwanis club pays the initial chartering and annual renewal fees for the Builders Club. The Kiwanis club also selects a member to serve as its Kiwanis advisor. Where no Kiwanis club exists, the school or organization pays the club’s fees.

School, organization or host site

Builders Clubs are located in schools, youth organizations, libraries, congregations, homeschooling groups and other community-based organizations. The club’s host site provides a meeting space and an adult who serves as its faculty advisor and who guides and mentors club officers and members.

Club resources

Builders Clubs receive a program kit when they charter and (in North America and the Caribbean) when they renew annually. It includes essential tools (an Advisor Toolkit, Member and Officer Toolkit, Service Toolkit) and more! Additional resources are available at buildersclub.org/resources-main.

Kiwanis International

The Kiwanis International staff, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S., provides Builders Club program materials, awards and contest opportunities, and training and support for club advisors.

Kiwanis Youth Protection

Kiwanis International takes the safety of youth in all of its Service Leadership Programs seriously. Kiwanis provides insurance that covers off-campus club activities. In addition, volunteers who work with a Builders Club must pass a criminal background check with Kiwanis International and complete Kiwanis Youth Protection training.
More information about Kiwanis Youth Protection programs