What We Do | Kiwanis

Who We Are

We are men and women dedicated to serving the children of Brunswick County, N.C., through service, education, guidance, and leadership. We embrace the Kiwanis motto of, “Improving the world, one child and one community at a time.”

The Southport-Oak Island club has about 100 members who reside in Southeast Brunswick County, including the towns of Southport, Oak Island, Boiling Spring Lakes, St. James, Bolivia, and Supply. We were chartered in 1993 and we are an IRC Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit, charity.

Why We Do It

The Kiwanis International website and supporting publications proclaim "Kids Need Kiwanis." That's certainly true of young people here in Brunswick County, NC. Here's why:

While it's the fastest growing county in the state (as well as one of the fastest growing in the nation), it is also a county that knows poverty. Recent statistics show 30% of the county's children live in poverty and 63% receive free or reduced-cost meals in school. It's difficult for children to learn when they are food insecure and when their parents work two or more jobs to make ends meet.

As Kiwanians, we seek to help the young people of our communities overcome the challenges they face so they can look forward to a brighter future. The allure of Kiwanis is the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life. The chance to work on projects that improve the community we live in, to collaborate with people we respect and enjoy, and to help develop future leaders that will make the world a better place in the years to come is gratifying.

How We Do It

We become directly involved in young people’s lives. We provide reading, tutoring, robotics, character development and academic recognition to kids of all ages. Our Service Leadership Programs at area elementary, middle and high schools allow children and young adults to serve their community and develop leadership skills. Additionally, our Aktion Club helps adults living with disabilities become more involved in the community.

We also actively support community-based programs that cater to children by providing volunteers and funding. Examples include Teen and Peer Courts, community-based intervention programs designed to provide an alternative to the juvenile justice system and give offenders a second chance while also holding them accountable for their actions, and First Tee, a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges.

We provide manpower and fundraising for local organizations such as New Hope Clinic, Matthews’ Ministry, Interfaith Food Pantry, Brunswick Family Assistance, and the Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina at Lake Waccamaw. Our Giving Garden provides more than 1,400 pounds of fresh vegetables to food pantries.

What We Stand For

The Objects of Kiwanis guide our organization. They are our values. Our beliefs. Our core. Delegates approved the six permanent Objects of Kiwanis at the 1924 Kiwanis International Convention in Denver, Colorado. They have remained unchanged through the decades.

To give primacy to the human and spiritual, rather than to the material values of life.
To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.
To promote the adoption and the application of higher social, business and professional standards.
To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive, and serviceable citizenship.
To provide, through Kiwanis Clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service, and to build better communities.
To cooperate in creating and maintaining sound public opinion and high idealism, which makes possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism, and goodwill.