What
is Key Club?
Key Club is a service organization for
high school students, operating under school regulations and
drawing its membership from the student body. Key Club
is special because it is jointly sponsored by a local Kiwanis
club, composed of the leading business and professional people
of the community and a school (or in some cases, a community-based
organization may act in place of the school). Key Club's objective
is the development of initiative, leadership ability, and good
citizenship practices. Key Club exists as a student- led organization
on the club level, on a district level (state/province), and
the International levels. This highly developed structure provides
programs, literature, and the opp-ortunity to relate to teenagers
in the United States and other nations. Key Club is the largest
service organization of its kind, with more than 217,000 members
in approximately 4700 clubs.
History
The first Key Club was spoonsored in
may 1925 at Sacramento High School in California by the Kiwanis
Club of Sacramento. The original concept was to develop
a vocational guidance program aimed to combat the problems of
student fraternities. From this evolved the idea of a service
organization for the home, scholl, and community. This idea
slowly spread throughout the United States, and by 1939, Florida
had a sufficient number of Key Clubs functioning to hold a state
convention and form a district. Other districts followed Florida's
lead, and finally in 1943, a national organization was started.
In 1946, the first club in Canada was formed. Also, to establish
a strong foundation, the Key Club International Constitution
and Bylaws were adopted during that same year. Today, Key clubs
exist across North America and the Caribbean.
Dues
Like most worthwhile organizations,
Key Club costs money. Key Club International. Through these
dues each Key Club member receives the official publication
- KEYNOTER magazine,
an official membership card, and special member benefits. Club
officer and advisor training and support materials are provided
to every Key Club. Most clubs charge club dues. Notre Dame's
dues are $12.00 per year.
Notre
Dame Catholic High School
Fairfield, Connecticut
