Aktion Club History

Aktion Club became an official Service Leadership Program of Kiwanis International on October 1, 2000. Today there are over 550 Aktion Clubs worldwide with about 12,000 members. 

New York District:  The first Aktion Club in NY District was in East Aurora, NY and was chartered in May 2002.  As of February 2020, within the New York District, we have 39 active Aktion Clubs with over 800 members.  Aktion clubs in the New York District do service projects, fundraisers, have speakers, and do social events, similar to Kiwanis clubs.

Aktion Club is supported at the district level by its District Administrators who provide programs, literature and opportunities to relate to individuals with disabilities.  The New York District website www.aktionclub-ny.org presents service ideas and opportunities, offers printable tools and resources, and provides an interactive map.

Aktion Club Structure

What is an Aktion Club: An Aktion Club is an official Kiwanis Sponsored Service Leadership Program oriented for adults who live with disabilities and who are interested in service to their communities.  It is the newest of Kiwanis' sponsored programs. 

Sponsorship: An Aktion Club is sponsored by a Kiwanis Club, usually in close partnership with a local agency supporting adults who live with disabilities. An Aktion Club may also be sponsored by a Division, and may also involve a Circle K or Key Club in sponsorship and program activities.

The local agency is often times essential to the success of an Aktion Club. Many Aktion Club members have special communication, transportation, physical and behavioral needs that require expertise the sponsoring agency staff can bring to the club’s activities.

Club Membership & Structure: Membership is open to any adult (over age 18) who lives with a disability and desires to become a leader in his or her community and wishes to provide service to others. No minimum number of members is required to start and Aktion Club, although club membership of about 15 is recommended.

Aktion Clubs are structured much like Key Clubs or Circle K Clubs. They operate under a set of by-laws, elect their own officers, set their own service priorities and raise their own funds all with the help of their sponsoring Kiwanis organizations and affiliated partnering agency.

Initially, the sponsoring Kiwanis organization pays a $400 or $600 global fee to start an Aktion Club depending on whether they want to buy a banner for the club. This fee covers the cost of things like the gavel block , gavel and first year dues for all charter members.  It includes member pins and membership cards. 

Club Dues:  After the Charter year Kiwanis International Aktion Club member dues are currently $8.00 per member per year.

Aktion Club Facts

Aktion Clubs draw members from various organizations that support individuals with disabilities, as well as other community programs.  Aktion clubs can also be established at churches, libraries, YMCAs, lodges or similar facilities. A Kiwanis club, composed of like-minded, service-oriented people from the community, serves as the club’s sponsor. 

Motto:

Where development has no disability.

Vision:

To develop competent, capable, caring leaders through the vehicle of service.

Mission:

To provide adults living with disabilities an opportunity to develop initiative, leadership skills and to serve their communities. 

Core Values:

1. 1.Character Building: The ability to the right thing, even when it might be the unpopular choice
   

2. 2.Leadership: The ability to listen, communicate, serve and guide others
   

3. 3.Inclusiveness: Accepting and welcoming differences in other people
   

4. 4.Caring: The act of being concerned about or interested in other people or situations
   

Pledge:

I pledge on my honor to follow the Objects of Aktion Club.
To better my community, my country and myself.
To help those in need.
To demonstrate loyalty to our community and nation.
And to encourage others to do the same

It is important to note that Aktion Club  is not the only way that special needs individuals can choose to participate in Kiwanis. Many people with disabilities choose to join and participate in Kiwanis Clubs and all the other Service Leadership programs.