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< September 2012 magazine

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

Join with other schools clubs to reach your fundraising target

story by Aimee Morgan

Around the world, Key Clubs are executing top-notch fundraisers. How are they doing it? Well, we’ll let you in on a secret: They’re not always the only key players. 

Take Liberty High School Key Club in Renton, Washington. The club recently helped the sophomore class host a father/daughter dance fundraiser. After nine hours of work after school, club members had helped the class raise US$2,000. Good deed for the day: check! 

And the best part about working well with others? The good karma you get in return. Liberty High School’s Key Club is currently planning to host a walkathon and ultimate Frisbee challenge to raise money for the Kiwanis Children Cancer Program. When club members realized they would need some extra hands, the school’s National Honor Society volunteered to help. 

“Ultimately, it’s not about recognition; it’s about working for the greater good.”
RYAN HARTMAN,
Mechanicsburg
High School
Key Club advisor



“If you’re willing to help a club, they’re going to want to return the favor and help you,” says Lisa Antonio, Liberty Key Club president. What else is in it for your club? Helping other clubs provides more exposure to new potential members.

To start helping other clubs, you must start with the basics. It begins with relationships, followed by a heap of good deeds and a pinch of outside support. Ready to collaborate? We've got your winning game plan.

To start helping other clubs, you must start with the basics. It begins with relationships, followed by a heap of good deeds and a pinch of outside support. 

Name of the game: Friendly competition 
What you’ll need to begin: 

  • Engaged leadership. Encourage your Key Club leaders to meet with other club leaders to coordinate mutually beneficial projects. 
  • Face time. Even if you’re not a member of your Key Club’s board, spend quality time with other club leaders and members to discuss project ideas. 
  • Hand-raising. If you hear of another club’s upcoming event, volunteer to join the good cause and bring along as many fellow Key Clubbers as possible. 
  • Adult support. Ask adults, including parents and school administrators, to help provide support and suggest opportunities where you could collaborate. 
Preparations for success 

Pre-game training 

  • Announcements. Get your Key Club’s cosponsored event mentioned during your school announcements.
  • Articles. Ask the school newspaper or magazine staff to write an article about the event. Many school publications profile clubs and their work if they have an upcoming event. 
  • Posters. Hang up posters announcing the event around your school. Make sure the posters mention your Key Club’s involvement. 
  • Help. Support any other group(s) working with you and provide service leadership. 
The main event 

  • Spirit gear. Wear your Key Club T-shirt. Booth. Set up a booth to hand out  yers and other goodies. 
  • Shout-outs. Ensure your club gets a mention at the event during the opening and closing remarks. 
  • Smiles. Show your enthusiasm for service by donning a great attitude. 
Collaboration in action 

The Mechanicsburg High School Key Club in Pennsylvania encourages cross-club participation by honoring the hours Key Club members serve through other groups. The advisors for the school’s various clubs coordinate with one another to set meeting times and discuss upcoming events. This provides an opportunity to ask other groups for help and consider teaming up with other clubs for specific tasks. 

“Ultimately, it’s not about recognition; it’s about working for the greater good,” says Ryan Hartman, the Key Club’s advisor. 

The Palmer Ridge High School Key Club in Monument, Colorado, knows that a helping hand from other clubs makes an event even more successful. 

During homecoming week, the Palmer Ridge Key Club collaborated with the student council to host a week of fun activities, including a car bash. For US$5, students could beat up a car donated by a Kiwanian. The event was a hit and is now a school tradition. Last year’s car bash funds went to The Eliminate Project: Kiwanis eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus. 

“When Key Clubs team up with other organizations, the outcomes are even better,” says Julia Zellers, Palmer Ridge Key Club president. 

Potential club collaborators: 

  • Student council. This is a great place to start— this group is often in the know and can provide connections to other club leaders. 
  • National Honor Society. Tap into their knowledge and service ideals and recommend a joint effort. 
  • Specialty clubs. Seek out leaders of your school’s various special interest clubs, such as the music, drama, chess or FFA clubs. 
  • Sports groups. Perhaps the basketball team is interested in being good role models to children; join forces and make a difference. 
  • Academic clubs. Reach out to these smarties to consider ways to improve your community together. KC