Los Alamos Kiwanian and Key Club District Coordinator Karin Church speaks about Key Club activities and challenges. Courtesy photo

BY BROOKE DAVIS
Los Alamos Kiwanis Club

On February 1, Key Cub District Coordinator and local Kiwanian Karin Church spoke to the Los Alamos Kiwanis club about the activities and challenges of the Key Clubs in their district, which includes New Mexico, Arizona, and El Paso in Texas.

She began by reviewing the core values of the organization which are Leadership, Character Building, Caring, and Inclusiveness and described its structure encompassing local clubs up to the international level. There are a total of 127 clubs in the Southwest District with over 3100 members. The clubs are basically student run with mentors and supporters from Kiwanians and faculty advisors.

The coronavirus had a significant impact on Key Club. Membership dropped by half, there was a huge loss of institutional knowledge, a significant advisor turnover and a major disruption in connection to Kiwanis.

However, Key Club is fighting back. Membership is now rising and an increasing number of activities are being planned. Church credits the young people she leads, saying they are “amazing at coming up with ideas” and praising them for their enthusiasm, involvement, and drive.