Why should I join Key Club?

There are so many reasons! You can make a difference in the world, become a community leader, hang out with friends, meet tons of people nationwide, earn community service hours, boost your college application record, and MUCH more. What's not to love?

See what Key Club officers say about their Key Club experience here.

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Why are we called Key Club?

KEY stands for Kiwanis Educated Youth. Key Club is the high school branch of the Kiwanis Family. (More info here.) Kiwanis International is an adult community service organization.

Also, the organization was founded with the efforts of the key boys at Sacramento High School.

And, as 09-10 CNH Tech Editor Hillary Yuan puts it, "Yes, we even make keys. Keys to the future, that is." =)

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Why should I pay dues?

Dues don't go to Paly Key Club: $4.50 goes straight to the Cali-Nev-Ha District, and the remaining $6.50 goes to Key Club International. As part of this official service organization, we're required to collect dues from all official members.

Though dues are not required for you to attend Key Club events, they ARE required for you to receive credit for your hours directly through Key Club. Key Club is a formal community service organization, and we are not licensed to authorize your hours if you are not a full member. You would otherwise have to collect a signature from the director of the event every time.

More benefits, listed alphabetically:

• Card & Pin. You'll get an official membership card and pin with your Member ID#.
• DCON. As a full member, you'll be able to attend this amazing annual convention!
• Hours. You require just one signature to verify your annual hours through Paly Key Club.
• Liability. Dues pay not just for membership, but also for insurance! If you are injured at a Key Club event, KCI will cover damages.
• Office & Election. To run for office, or to vote for a candidate, you must be a Key Club member.
• Priority. As part of an official service organization, we give priority to our official members.
• Scholarships. Key Club offers service-related scholarships of up to $4000 for its dedicated members.
• Signup Ease. We have all your member information on file, so when you sign up for events as a full member, you only have to write your name! Non-members must write their contact information every time they sign up.
• Website Records. This website's top hours count only includes full members. Compete with your classmates!

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Why should I go to events where I won't get community service hours?

Key Club isn't all about getting community service hours! Leadership and meeting new people are two aspects of Key Club that you can get through meetings and social events.

At divisional council meetings, regional training conferences, and the annual district convention, you'll be seeing Key Club as it is beyond Paly. At the training conferences and workshops, you'll be able to learn more about how to be a better member and how to become an officer. And of course, it's FUN!

Just at divisional events, you'll be meeting people from 16 other schools. Imagine what district convention is like, where 60 such divisions meet together!

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How do I verify my hours with the school?

Check out the Obtaining Credit page for information on registering your hours with Palo Alto High School.

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What do all of these acronyms mean?

Here are some helpful Key Club acronyms to know:

LEVEL 1

• CNH - Cali-Nev-Ha District (California, Nevada, Hawaii)
• D34S - Division 34 South
• DCM - Divisional Council Meeting
• DCON - District Convention
• FRN - Fall Rally North
• KC - Key Club / Kiwanis Club
• KCI - Key Club International
• KEY - Kiwanis Educated Youth (Club)
• LTG - Lieutenant Governor
• PTP - Pediatric Trauma Prevention
• RFL - Relay for Life

LEVEL 2

• DP - District Project
• FFA - Fast For Awareness
• MEP - Major Emphasis Program/Project
• MRF - Monthly Report Form
• OTC - Officer Training Conference
• PEM - Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• PPP - Penguin Popsicle Points
• PR - Public Relations
• RTC - Regional Training Conference
• TMRF - Treasurer's Monthly Report Form

LEVEL 3

• CKI - Circle K International
• CTC = Candidates' Training Conference
• ERF - Event Request Form
• ICON - International Convention
• IP - Immediate Past (Officer)
• KI - Kiwanis International
• PIE - Policy and bylaws, International, and Elections (Committee)
• SLP - Service Leadership Programs

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What's a DCM?

DCMs are divisional council meetings. Members from schools all over the bay area that are part of our Key Club division, 34, meet at a host school, where our LTG (lieutenant governor) goes over the last month and announces upcoming events for the next month. Usually there is a fun project for charity benefit. DCMs are a great chance to meet new people.

Classically, Paly Key Club hosts the January DCM along with the Mr. Key Club Pageant. Each school submits one candidate, who must model clothing, perform his talent, answer questions, etc. in order to earn the title of Mr. Key Club.

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What's DCON?

DCON is the annual district convention. As our district is California-Nevada-Hawaii, Key Clubbers from all over California, Nevada, and Hawaii gather to elect new district officials and participate in training conferences. The fun-filled weekend includes general sessions, caucuses, dances, meet-and-greets, service expos, spirit rallies, and TONS more. DCON 2010 will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center in Sacramento, CA!

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What are Key Club cheers? Why are we purple penguins?

See our spirit page for more information.

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What do the colors of Key Club International stand for?

Blue is for unwavering character, gold is for service, and white is for purity.

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What are Kiwanis?

Kiwanis International is the parent organization of Key Club International. All Key Clubs are sponsored by a local Kiwanis Club. Paly Key Club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Palo Alto. Each club also has Kiwanis Advisor(s), who connect with the club through interclub meetings and events. Paly Key Club's Kiwanis advisor is Chris Torres. See all of the branches of the Kiwanis Family on the Key Club International page.

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When did Paly Key Club begin?

Paly Key Club was chartered in 1959, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Palo Alto.

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Who were the past presidents of Paly Key Club?

Recent past presidents:

• 08-10 Erika Ji
• 07-08 Gilbert Choi
• 06-07 Alexander Ji
• 05-06 Jennifer Tran
• 04-05 Stephanie Hsi

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Who were the past winners of the Mr. Key Club Pageant?

Recent past winners:

• 2010: Yusei Tajima, Palo Alto 2010
• 2009: Daniel Liu, Homestead 2010
• 2008: Patrick Lin, Lynbrook 2010
• 2007: Elijah Guo, Gunn 2007

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What if my question isn't on this page?

Send a question to the webmaster or any board member!

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