Kiwanis members make a difference every day by serving their communities, welcoming new members, and helping their Kiwanis clubs succeed. The New England & Bermuda District’s recognition program celebrates those contributions.
You do not need previous involvement with the District to be considered for awards open to members and clubs. Many of these awards recognize work happening right in your own Kiwanis club and community.
How the awards process works
An award submission form will be available closer to the August District Convention. Submission deadlines and instructions will be shared with the form.
Awards will be handled in two ways:
Awards requiring a submission: The form will give you a way to recommend a person, Kiwanis club, or group for recognition and explain what they accomplished. An awards committee will review submissions against the award criteria.
Awards based on monthly club reports: The District Secretary will use the information in those reports to determine which Kiwanis clubs or officers qualify and confer the recognition. A separate award submission is not needed when the monthly reports provide the required information.
Your club secretary submits your Kiwanis club’s monthly report through Kiwanis Engage. Members should share their service activities and accomplishments with their Kiwanis club secretary so the Kiwanis club’s work is accurately recorded.
For now, review the awards below, keep track of your accomplishments, and make sure your Kiwanis club’s monthly reports stay current.
A few terms you’ll see on this page
The District is the regional organization that connects and supports Kiwanis clubs throughout New England and Bermuda.
A division is a group of Kiwanis clubs within the district. Each division has a Lieutenant Governor, a volunteer leader who helps connect Kiwanis clubs with one another and with district support.
Interclub activities bring members of different Kiwanis clubs together for service, meetings, or fellowship.
Service Leadership Programs are Kiwanis-sponsored service and leadership clubs, such as K-Kids, Builders Club, Key Club, Circle K International, and Aktion Club.
A nominee is the person, Kiwanis club, or group being recommended for an award.
Community Impact Awards
Culture of Service Award
Who it recognizes: An individual Kiwanian or club that helps members feel welcome, supported, and connected.
Nominees should demonstrate at least two of the following:
Welcome new members and help them get involved.
Support members during personal difficulties or challenges within the Kiwanis club.
Help members find opportunities to serve or lead.
Build connections between newer and longtime members.
Encourage participation or help members stay involved.
Create an environment where people feel respected and included.
You do not need to hold an office to qualify. Examples of how you helped others feel they belong in Kiwanis are what matter.
Unity in Action Award
Who it recognizes: A club or division that works with others to meet a community need.
The project or activity must involve at least one other Kiwanis club, community organization, or other partners. Your Kiwanis club can partner with another Kiwanis club, a local service club such as Rotary or Lions, a school, a community organization, or a Kiwanis-sponsored service leadership club. Partnerships with organizations outside Kiwanis count toward this award.
The committee will consider:
The need the partners addressed.
What each partner contributed.
How working together improved the results.
Whether the project or partnership can continue.
Emerging Leader Award
Who it recognizes: A member in their first three years of Kiwanis membership as of July 1, 2027, who is already making a difference.
Nominees should demonstrate at least two of the following:
Take initiative in a service project or Kiwanis club activity.
Accept new responsibilities.
Help recruit or involve newer members.
Participate in activities with the division or District.
Improve the experience of fellow members.
Show a willingness to learn and contribute beyond assigned tasks.
The award considers both what the member has accomplished and their potential to continue serving and leading.
Service Excellence Award
Who it recognizes: An experienced Kiwanian whose ongoing service and support strengthen their Kiwanis club, other members, or the wider Kiwanis community.
The award is recommended for members with at least 10 years of service, but length of membership alone does not determine the recipient.
Nominees must be actively serving during the recognition year and demonstrate a meaningful contribution to their Kiwanis club, division, or district.
Examples include mentoring newer members, helping a Kiwanis club through a challenge, preparing incoming officers, sharing useful knowledge, or supporting projects with lasting benefits.
Voice of Kiwanis Award
Who it recognizes: An individual member, Kiwanis club, or District committee that helps people understand Kiwanis through effective communications.
Eligible work includes:
Kiwanis Club newsletters and bulletins.
Social media posts and community publications.
Podcasts and videos.
Member stories and public outreach campaigns.
The committee will consider the clarity and quality of the message, consistency, and how the work builds public awareness of Kiwanis.
Professional equipment or production experience is not required. Communications should follow Kiwanis branding and youth-protection guidance.
Foundation Achievement Award
Who it recognizes: An eligible Kiwanis club foundation or Kiwanis-affiliated charitable organization in the District that uses charitable resources to help children and communities.
The committee will consider:
The benefit to the community.
Responsible management of funds.
Support for children and families.
Partnerships that help resources reach more people.
The lasting value of the work.
The award recognizes how effectively resources are used, rather than relying only on fundraising or grant totals.
Club Leadership Awards
These awards recognize the people who keep Kiwanis clubs organized, active, and ready to serve.
Every eligible officer who meets the criteria can receive an Outstanding recognition certificate. There is no limit of one qualifying officer per category.
Outstanding Club President Award
Who it recognizes: Kiwanis Club presidents serving during 2026–2027.
The club must meet all four requirements:
Submit an annual membership plan.
Keep Kiwanis club officer information accurate in Kiwanis Engage.
Remain in good financial standing with Kiwanis International.
Support at least one initiative focused on young people.
At least four additional criteria must also be met:
Participate in qualifying activities with other Kiwanis clubs.
Submit a club story or update for district communications.
Make efforts to keep members involved or reconnect with members who have become less active.
Participate in the Kiwanis Signature Project Contest.
Sponsor or actively support a Service Leadership Program.
Host an event to recruit new members or involve current members.
Create a plan to prepare future Kiwanis club leaders.
Participate in a recognized membership growth initiative.
Outstanding Club Secretary Award
Who it recognizes: Kiwanis Club secretaries serving during 2026–2027.
All four requirements must be met:
Submit accurate club reports on time in Kiwanis Engage, except for approved circumstances beyond the secretary’s control.
Keep officer and membership records current in Kiwanis Engage.
Complete required District and Kiwanis International submissions.
Maintain consistent communication between the Kiwanis club and district.
At least two additional criteria must also be met:
Participate in secretary or leadership training.
Help incoming Kiwanis club officers prepare for their roles.
Improve record-keeping or club communication.
Respond consistently to district requests.
Make another documented improvement to Kiwanis club administration.
Monthly club reports are submitted by the club secretary through Kiwanis Engage.
Outstanding Club Treasurer Award
Who it recognizes: Kiwanis Club treasurers serving during 2026–2027.
All four requirements must be met:
Meet district and Kiwanis International financial obligations.
Have an approved annual Kiwanis club budget.
Share financial information regularly with Kiwanis club leadership.
Keep the Kiwanis club in good financial standing with Kiwanis International.
At least three additional criteria must also be met:
Help plan the finances of service projects.
Assist with fundraising or other responsible ways to bring in revenue.
Identify grant or sponsorship opportunities.
Help plan financial support for Service Leadership Programs.
Participate in treasurer training.
Help the Kiwanis club plan for its longer-term financial needs.
Outstanding Club Officer Award
Who it recognizes: Kiwanis club officers and designated committee chairs other than the president, secretary, or treasurer.
Eligible roles include vice president, membership chair, service chair, public relations chair, interclub chair, and editor.
Nominees must actively serve in their role, fulfill its responsibilities, and make a meaningful contribution beyond routine participation.
Provide at least three examples of contributions such as:
Helping recruit members or keep current members involved.
Organizing a service project.
Improving Kiwanis club communications.
Helping newer members participate.
Building community partnerships.
Helping members develop leadership skills.
Improving how the Kiwanis club handles an ongoing responsibility.
Strengthening connections with other Kiwanis clubs.
Achievement Awards
Some awards in this section recognize the collective work of Kiwanis clubs. Others recognize volunteers serving in regional leadership roles.
Distinguished District Chair or Coordinator Award
Who it recognizes: An appointed District chair or coordinator serving during 2026–2027. These volunteers oversee specific District programs or areas of work.
Nominees must fulfill their role’s main responsibilities, communicate with District leadership, complete required reports and assignments, and work with other leaders when needed.
They must also demonstrate at least two of the following:
Create useful resources for Kiwanis clubs.
Support membership growth or leadership development.
Improve District communications.
Organize training or District programs.
Help Kiwanis clubs that need additional support.
Improve an established District process.
Help divisions work together.
Prepare the next person taking on a leadership role.
Each nominee is evaluated according to the responsibilities of their position.
Outstanding Lieutenant Governor Award
Who it recognizes: A Lieutenant Governor serving during 2026–2027 who provides exceptional support to Kiwanis clubs in their division.
All five requirements must be met:
Communicate consistently with the division’s Kiwanis clubs.
Conduct and document Kiwanis club visits or meaningful check-ins.
Complete required District leadership reports.
Participate in District leadership activities, subject to approved absences.
Fulfill responsibilities for division meetings.
Nominees must also demonstrate at least three of the following:
Help Kiwanis clubs address membership or operational challenges.
Encourage Kiwanis clubs to work together.
Connect Kiwanis club leaders with District resources.
Support membership planning and recruitment.
Encourage participation in District activities.
Identify and encourage emerging leaders.
Support Service Leadership Programs.
Help Kiwanis clubs improve communications or share their stories.
Help prepare future leaders.
Create opportunities for service or fellowship across the division.
Selection considers the number of Kiwanis clubs served and the challenges within the division. The quality of support matters more than visit totals alone.
Outstanding Club Achievement Award
Who it recognizes: Kiwanis Clubs that serve their communities effectively, involve their members, and prepare for the future.
Clubs are evaluated on:
Keeping members involved and connected.
Community service and project results.
Responsible club administration.
Developing future leaders.
Involvement with other parts of the Kiwanis family, including Service Leadership Programs.
Community outreach and visibility.
Participation in division or district activities.
Planning to sustain the Kiwanis club’s work.
Kiwanis clubs of different sizes and circumstances will be considered. Membership growth and fundraising totals are only part of the picture.
Outstanding Division Award
Who it recognizes: A division whose Kiwanis clubs support one another and work well together.
Selection considers:
Activities involving more than one Kiwanis club.
Communication among Kiwanis clubs.
Assistance for Kiwanis clubs facing difficulties.
Shared service or membership efforts.
Participation in District activities.
Development of future division leaders.
Cooperation throughout the year.
A Lieutenant Governor may nominate the division with support from Kiwanis club leadership. Kiwanis club leaders may also recommend their division.
This award recognizes the combined efforts of the division’s Kiwanis clubs.
Outstanding District Leader Award
Who it recognizes: A district leader whose contribution goes beyond the usual responsibilities of their role and makes the district stronger.
This is the District’s highest individual leadership honor in this program.
Eligible nominees include the Governor-Elect, Immediate Past Governor, District Secretary, District Treasurer, Lieutenant Governors, District chairs and coordinators, and other formally appointed District leaders approved by the District. The sitting Governor is not eligible.
Nominees must:
Fulfill their position’s main responsibilities.
Complete required reports and training.
Communicate consistently and follow through.
Remain in good standing and follow applicable Kiwanis policies.
Contribute beyond their routine duties.
The committee uses four scoring areas:
District impact – 35%: How the nominee strengthened support for Kiwanis clubs, programs, member involvement, or district operations.
Leadership and initiative – 25%: How the nominee identified needs, used sound judgment, and took responsibility.
Collaboration and mentorship – 25%: How the nominee supported fellow leaders and helped others succeed.
Reliability and follow-through – 15%: How consistently the nominee fulfilled commitments.
District officers, Lieutenant Governors, District chairs and coordinators, and Kiwanis club presidents may submit nominations. Each submission should describe specific contributions and at least one example of their impact.
A designated committee reviews nominations without participation by the sitting Governor. Receiving another leadership award does not prevent someone from being considered.
Service & Engagement Awards
Top 10 Per Member Service Award
Who it recognizes: The ten Kiwanis clubs with the highest verified average volunteer service hours per member.
Using an average allows Kiwanis clubs of different sizes to be recognized for their members’ participation.
How it is calculated:
Total verified Kiwanis club service hours ÷ number of Kiwanis club members on October 1 = average service hours per member.
Kiwanis clubs must have complete records and verified service-hour reporting for the administrative year.
How to be considered: Share service hours with your Kiwanis club secretary, who reports qualifying volunteer service through the monthly report in Kiwanis Engage. The District Secretary will use those reports to determine the qualifying Kiwanis clubs.
Duplicate or unsupported hours are excluded. The award measures volunteer participation, rather than money raised or project size.
Distinguished Service Award
Who it recognizes: An individual Kiwanian whose hands-on volunteer service makes an exceptional difference during the year.
The award submission must include:
Total annual service hours verified by the Kiwanis club secretary.
A brief description of the service activities.
An explanation of the difference the service made.
Confirmation that the reported hours are accurate.
The committee will consider the amount and consistency of service, community benefit, initiative, leadership, and commitment to children and communities.
The recipient does not need to have the highest number of service hours. The impact of that service also matters.
What you can do now
You can begin preparing before the award submission form is available:
Share your work with your Kiwanis club secretary. Help ensure service hours, projects, and club accomplishments are included in monthly reports through Kiwanis Engage.
Keep a few specific examples. Record what happened, who was involved, and how it helped members or the community.
Review the requirements for awards that interest you. Some require several activities or responsibilities to be completed during the year.
Watch for the award form closer to the District Convention. It will include submission instructions and deadlines.
Members, Kiwanis clubs, and leaders must be in good standing with Kiwanis International and the district, as applicable. This includes meeting relevant financial, reporting, leadership, and youth-protection requirements.
Whether your contribution happens within your Kiwanis club, across several Kiwanis clubs, or throughout the District, these awards offer an opportunity to recognize the people and service that strengthen Kiwanis.
District Recognition & Awards
2026–2027 District Recognition & Awards
Family First. Mission Forward.
Kiwanis members make a difference every day by serving their communities, welcoming new members, and helping their Kiwanis clubs succeed. The New England & Bermuda District’s recognition program celebrates those contributions.
You do not need previous involvement with the District to be considered for awards open to members and clubs. Many of these awards recognize work happening right in your own Kiwanis club and community.
How the awards process works
An award submission form will be available closer to the August District Convention. Submission deadlines and instructions will be shared with the form.
Awards will be handled in two ways:
Your club secretary submits your Kiwanis club’s monthly report through Kiwanis Engage. Members should share their service activities and accomplishments with their Kiwanis club secretary so the Kiwanis club’s work is accurately recorded.
For now, review the awards below, keep track of your accomplishments, and make sure your Kiwanis club’s monthly reports stay current.
A few terms you’ll see on this page
The District is the regional organization that connects and supports Kiwanis clubs throughout New England and Bermuda.
A division is a group of Kiwanis clubs within the district. Each division has a Lieutenant Governor, a volunteer leader who helps connect Kiwanis clubs with one another and with district support.
Interclub activities bring members of different Kiwanis clubs together for service, meetings, or fellowship.
Service Leadership Programs are Kiwanis-sponsored service and leadership clubs, such as K-Kids, Builders Club, Key Club, Circle K International, and Aktion Club.
A nominee is the person, Kiwanis club, or group being recommended for an award.
Community Impact Awards
Culture of Service Award
Who it recognizes: An individual Kiwanian or club that helps members feel welcome, supported, and connected.
Nominees should demonstrate at least two of the following:
You do not need to hold an office to qualify. Examples of how you helped others feel they belong in Kiwanis are what matter.
Unity in Action Award
Who it recognizes: A club or division that works with others to meet a community need.
The project or activity must involve at least one other Kiwanis club, community organization, or other partners. Your Kiwanis club can partner with another Kiwanis club, a local service club such as Rotary or Lions, a school, a community organization, or a Kiwanis-sponsored service leadership club. Partnerships with organizations outside Kiwanis count toward this award.
The committee will consider:
Emerging Leader Award
Who it recognizes: A member in their first three years of Kiwanis membership as of July 1, 2027, who is already making a difference.
Nominees should demonstrate at least two of the following:
The award considers both what the member has accomplished and their potential to continue serving and leading.
Service Excellence Award
Who it recognizes: An experienced Kiwanian whose ongoing service and support strengthen their Kiwanis club, other members, or the wider Kiwanis community.
The award is recommended for members with at least 10 years of service, but length of membership alone does not determine the recipient.
Nominees must be actively serving during the recognition year and demonstrate a meaningful contribution to their Kiwanis club, division, or district.
Examples include mentoring newer members, helping a Kiwanis club through a challenge, preparing incoming officers, sharing useful knowledge, or supporting projects with lasting benefits.
Voice of Kiwanis Award
Who it recognizes: An individual member, Kiwanis club, or District committee that helps people understand Kiwanis through effective communications.
Eligible work includes:
The committee will consider the clarity and quality of the message, consistency, and how the work builds public awareness of Kiwanis.
Professional equipment or production experience is not required. Communications should follow Kiwanis branding and youth-protection guidance.
Foundation Achievement Award
Who it recognizes: An eligible Kiwanis club foundation or Kiwanis-affiliated charitable organization in the District that uses charitable resources to help children and communities.
The committee will consider:
The award recognizes how effectively resources are used, rather than relying only on fundraising or grant totals.
Club Leadership Awards
These awards recognize the people who keep Kiwanis clubs organized, active, and ready to serve.
Every eligible officer who meets the criteria can receive an Outstanding recognition certificate. There is no limit of one qualifying officer per category.
Outstanding Club President Award
Who it recognizes: Kiwanis Club presidents serving during 2026–2027.
The club must meet all four requirements:
At least four additional criteria must also be met:
Outstanding Club Secretary Award
Who it recognizes: Kiwanis Club secretaries serving during 2026–2027.
All four requirements must be met:
At least two additional criteria must also be met:
Monthly club reports are submitted by the club secretary through Kiwanis Engage.
Outstanding Club Treasurer Award
Who it recognizes: Kiwanis Club treasurers serving during 2026–2027.
All four requirements must be met:
At least three additional criteria must also be met:
Outstanding Club Officer Award
Who it recognizes: Kiwanis club officers and designated committee chairs other than the president, secretary, or treasurer.
Eligible roles include vice president, membership chair, service chair, public relations chair, interclub chair, and editor.
Nominees must actively serve in their role, fulfill its responsibilities, and make a meaningful contribution beyond routine participation.
Provide at least three examples of contributions such as:
Achievement Awards
Some awards in this section recognize the collective work of Kiwanis clubs. Others recognize volunteers serving in regional leadership roles.
Distinguished District Chair or Coordinator Award
Who it recognizes: An appointed District chair or coordinator serving during 2026–2027. These volunteers oversee specific District programs or areas of work.
Nominees must fulfill their role’s main responsibilities, communicate with District leadership, complete required reports and assignments, and work with other leaders when needed.
They must also demonstrate at least two of the following:
Each nominee is evaluated according to the responsibilities of their position.
Outstanding Lieutenant Governor Award
Who it recognizes: A Lieutenant Governor serving during 2026–2027 who provides exceptional support to Kiwanis clubs in their division.
All five requirements must be met:
Nominees must also demonstrate at least three of the following:
Selection considers the number of Kiwanis clubs served and the challenges within the division. The quality of support matters more than visit totals alone.
Outstanding Club Achievement Award
Who it recognizes: Kiwanis Clubs that serve their communities effectively, involve their members, and prepare for the future.
Clubs are evaluated on:
Kiwanis clubs of different sizes and circumstances will be considered. Membership growth and fundraising totals are only part of the picture.
Outstanding Division Award
Who it recognizes: A division whose Kiwanis clubs support one another and work well together.
Selection considers:
A Lieutenant Governor may nominate the division with support from Kiwanis club leadership. Kiwanis club leaders may also recommend their division.
This award recognizes the combined efforts of the division’s Kiwanis clubs.
Outstanding District Leader Award
Who it recognizes: A district leader whose contribution goes beyond the usual responsibilities of their role and makes the district stronger.
This is the District’s highest individual leadership honor in this program.
Eligible nominees include the Governor-Elect, Immediate Past Governor, District Secretary, District Treasurer, Lieutenant Governors, District chairs and coordinators, and other formally appointed District leaders approved by the District. The sitting Governor is not eligible.
Nominees must:
The committee uses four scoring areas:
District officers, Lieutenant Governors, District chairs and coordinators, and Kiwanis club presidents may submit nominations. Each submission should describe specific contributions and at least one example of their impact.
A designated committee reviews nominations without participation by the sitting Governor. Receiving another leadership award does not prevent someone from being considered.
Service & Engagement Awards
Top 10 Per Member Service Award
Who it recognizes: The ten Kiwanis clubs with the highest verified average volunteer service hours per member.
Using an average allows Kiwanis clubs of different sizes to be recognized for their members’ participation.
How it is calculated:
Total verified Kiwanis club service hours ÷ number of Kiwanis club members on October 1 = average service hours per member.
Kiwanis clubs must have complete records and verified service-hour reporting for the administrative year.
How to be considered: Share service hours with your Kiwanis club secretary, who reports qualifying volunteer service through the monthly report in Kiwanis Engage. The District Secretary will use those reports to determine the qualifying Kiwanis clubs.
Duplicate or unsupported hours are excluded. The award measures volunteer participation, rather than money raised or project size.
Distinguished Service Award
Who it recognizes: An individual Kiwanian whose hands-on volunteer service makes an exceptional difference during the year.
The award submission must include:
The committee will consider the amount and consistency of service, community benefit, initiative, leadership, and commitment to children and communities.
The recipient does not need to have the highest number of service hours. The impact of that service also matters.
What you can do now
You can begin preparing before the award submission form is available:
Members, Kiwanis clubs, and leaders must be in good standing with Kiwanis International and the district, as applicable. This includes meeting relevant financial, reporting, leadership, and youth-protection requirements.
Whether your contribution happens within your Kiwanis club, across several Kiwanis clubs, or throughout the District, these awards offer an opportunity to recognize the people and service that strengthen Kiwanis.
Family First. Mission Forward.