Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. Kiwanians are volunteers changing the world through service to children and communities. Kiwanis members help shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, mentor the disadvantaged, and care for the sick. They develop youth as leaders, build playgrounds, raise funds for pediatric research, and much more. No problem is too big or too small. Why? Because working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. When you give a child a chance to learn, experience, dream, and succeed, great things happen!

The I-I District consists of all K-Family clubs located in the State of Illinois as well as those in the the following counties of Iowa: Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Jones, Jackson, Clinton, Muscatine, Scott, Louisa, Henry, Des Moines & Lee.

The members of the I-I District are very proud of our midwestern heritage and our long standing Kiwanis service in our communities. Having chartered on September 27, 1920, the I-I District K-Family has provided service to children for over 100 years!

The term “Kiwanis” comes from a native term closely resembling, “we build.” Our district volunteers with communities in Illinois and Eastern Iowa. We acknowledge our service occurs on the ancestral lands of the Osage, Myaamia, Sauk & Fox, Kaskaskia, Kickapoo and Peoria peoples. As we give back with our hands and hearts, let us honor the original stewards of these ancestral grounds, the living land that we collectively gather upon, and acknowledge the strength of all indigenous peoples.

Governor’s Welcome

Hello I-I District,

Happy New Kiwanis Year! Under Governor Tom Willis and his team, we weathered a storm that began our 2023-24 year and ended on a beach where “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.” THANK YOU, Governor Tom, and everyone whose efforts, dedication and commitment to Kiwanis and our district for “MAKING A DIFFERENCE”!

I announced at the District Convention in Peoria, my theme for this year is “Growing Together”. This falls in line with Kiwanis International’s Build, Nurture, Retain. Not only is it important to build new clubs to spread our Kiwanis service further than what we do now, but to nurture our existing clubs to make sure they are confident in what their role and functions are. Helping with club boosts, those clubs who are open to it, will help build the momentum of growing our district. Presidents, make it a point to provide “fun with a purpose” to retain our existing members. Passionate people are pertinent for what we do as Kiwanians. Please invite someone into Kiwanis. YOU have stake in the success of our district. I am here for you, our members. Please make it a goal of yours to strive to be distinguished this year! My distinguished criteria can be found here. Print it off and make it your checklist throughout the year and inspire your club and others to participate.

I’ve already started visiting throughout our district meeting so many fabulous people! I am looking forward to seeing and hearing about what all the great efforts your clubs are doing to make this a great year. Your Club Leadership Plan is due November 30th . Let’s get “Growing Together” in membership, Kiwanis passion and in Kiwanis service impacting the lives of children in our district.

Yours in Kiwanis Service,
Kim Groom
Governor, 2024-2025
Illinois- Eastern Iowa District

Upcoming Events

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Sunday, January 5th at 7PM
Speaker: Pickleball as a Fundraiser, Aurora Kiwanis Past President Brian Tonner

CLICK HERE TO ZOOM LINK
Meeting ID: 850 7850 0472
Passcode: 872482