What is Circle K International?

Circle K International (CKI) is the world's largest collegiate organization dedicated to service and leadership development. It is not the size of the organization, however, which gives it its identity or provides it with its primary source of pride and satisfaction. Rather, it's the mission and the objects of the organization that set CKI apart from other student organizations.

The Mission of CKI

To involve college and university students in campus and community service while developing quality leaders and citizens. CKI inspire people to better our world. In support of this we are committed to:

* Collaborating with all members of the Kiwanis Family to achieve our common objectives;
* Continuing student management of the organization at all levels;
* Developing positive role models;
* Enhancing inter-cultural understanding of the organization at all levels;
* Developing our service potential;
* Providing opportunities for fellowship, personal growth, and professional development;
* Working towards greater public recognition of CKI.

CKI Pledge

I pledge to uphold the Objects of Circle K International, to foster compassion and goodwill toward others through service and leadership, to develop my abilities and the abilities of all people, and to dedicate myself to the realization of mankind's potential.

History of CKI

In 1936, the Kiwanis Club of Pullman, Washington, established "Circle K House" at Washington State College, which was rented to young men who needed assistance to attend college. For ten years the "Circle K House" became affiliated with a Greek letter organization, although it continued to be sponsored by the Pullman Kiwanis Club.

Eleven years later in 1947, Circle K transitioned from a fraternity to a service-oriented organization. That year, during September, the first Circle K club similar to our present day organization, was chartered at Carthage College in Carthage, Illinois.

In 1949, two more clubs were organized, including one in Canada, making Circle K international. There were 147 Circle K clubs in 1955, when Circle K was officially recognized as a sponsored organization of Kiwanis International. Four years later in 1959, the New England District was born with six clubs.

Membership

Circle K International is an organization for college and university students who are responsible citizens and leaders with a lifelong commitment to community service. Current membership is 12,288 college students on 507 campuses in 13 nations in North and South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and West Africa.

Publications and information sources
Lobster Tales:

This is our official district publication. It is brimming with articles written by various members throughout the district on all kinds of topics varying from personal stories to recaps of CKI events. Our District Editor this year is Katherine Mishou of the University of Maine. She's always looking for article submissions so email her at katiemissu@aol.com.

District Website:

If you want information about our district, this is the place to go! Just about anything you want to know about CKI is here, organized for ease of viewing. You're here right now! http://www.newenglandcirclek.org

District Reflector:

This is the email list for the New England District. When someone sends an email to it, that email gets forwarded to everyone else on the list. Anyone willing can be added, just contact Katherine Mishou. neck@googlegroups.com

International Website:

This is the official website of Circle K International. It's a great way to see what is going on at the international office and it has a plethora of information right at your fingertips ranging from CKI merchandise catalogs to service initiative kits. www.circlek.org

Additional information about CKI

Please visit the following links to learn more about CKI:

* Circle K quick facts
* Service, leadership, and fellowship: the 3 aspects of CKI
* The history of CKI
* All about the Kiwanis Family