Step 1 - Determine if a sponsor is available

Decide which community organization you want to enlist to be your sponsor. If you don’t know where to start, we can help connect you with local organizations that are familiar with these programs. If you have a contact already with a local Kiwanis club, start there. If not, reach out to Key Club International, and we'll help you find a sponsor.

Step 2 - Find an advisor

Identify one or more faculty/staff members to be the club advisor. You might consider someone who has a particular interest in service or leadership development, or perhaps someone who was a program participant when they were a student.

Step 3 - Recruit your members

Anyone who is a member at the start of the club is a charter member, and the initial set of offiicers are charter officers. Find those students at your school who share your passion for helping others and ask them to embark on this creation process with you. To be chartered, a club must have 15 members.

Step 4 - Set aside funds

There is a chartering fee, and members are expected to pay dues. Make sure you're up-front with potential members about this fact. Also, a sponsoring community organization or Kiwanis club might be willing to cover some of these costs.

Step 5 - Complete the chartering form or reactivation process

After the steps above are completed, you can submit your chartering document to Key Club International.

Step 6 - Hold a chartering ceremony and celebrate!

When you receive your chartering kit, plan a ceremony to install the new club and officers. Invite potential new members, family members, school officials and members from your sponsoring agency or Kiwanis club to join the celebration!