Kiwanis ‘n Cops ‘n Kids

Kiwanis ‘n Cops ‘n Kids has been chosen as one of two District-wide service projects that clubs are encouraged to participate in.

In 2020, WI-UM Kiwanis District Governor Jean Long Manteufel envisioned a service project that we could do with ALL our Kiwanis clubs.  Her good friend, Pro Football Hall of Famer, LeRoy Butler suggested this program, based on his experience with the Cops ‘n Kids program in Racine.  The Racine Cops ‘n Kids helped Jean design a program just for Kiwanis.  Enter Kiwanis ‘n Cops ‘n Kids.

• Mission: Promoting children’s literacy and community trust in law enforcement.

• Goal: Getting free books into the hands and homes of kids, while also building connection and trust in the community.

Here is a service project that checks many boxes:

• Low-cost, so all Kiwanis clubs can participate
• Whether your Kiwanis has 10 members or 60, you can do this project.
• It helps children; after all, our motto is “Serving the Children of the World.”
• … and of course, it is FUN!

Find what works for the style of your club.  Here are some suggestions:

1. Go where the kids are. Take the readings to your local school classes, Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, or library.
2. Already doing a reading program?  Invite a police officer to join you to read.
3. Add it to an event.  Have a reading at one of the Kiwanis projects that you already do or at an event already happening in your community.  What a nice addition to your pancake breakfast or any family event. 

Involve your police, sheriffs, schools, diverse groups from your community, your library, … and of course, Kiwanians and future members!

When you post on Facebook, remember to post to our Facebook page by adding this to your post:  @KiwanisNCopsNKids

Learn more at www.kiwanisncopsnkids.org.