Kiwanis International brings Circle K to 'U'

Enigmatic signs showing the letter K with a circle around it appeared on many doors and kiosks around campus a few days ago.

These signs are not some sort of practical joke or meaningless symbol, but rather the emblem of the University's Circle K International, a community service and leadership organization.

"What sets Circle K apart from other service organizations is that we do service projects, leadership events and social events," said University CKI President and LSA sophomore Rishi Moudgil.

CKI is part of the K-family, which is comprised of Kiwanis International for business and professional leaders, Key Club International for high school students and Builders Club for middle school students. CKI is the K-family organization for college students.

CKI provides indispensable services to community groups such as Riverview of Ann Arbor, a local nursing home.

"CKI members keep the residents in touch with the younger generation, bring the outside world in, and help with activities and socializing," said Lynn Usher, Riverview activities director. Residents really enjoy the presence of CKI members, Usher said.

Thanks to the Kiwanis connection, CKI is involved in both community and state projects. "We not only work with community groups, but with high schools, universities, and organizations across the state," Moudgil said Thursday night at CKI's mass meeting on campus.

CKI's major goals this year are to increase the number of children's projects and raise campus awareness of the organization.

CKI representatives also emphasize that the group's community service projects are about helping others while having an enjoyable experience.

"It's a great opportunity to get involved and have fun at the same time," said LSA junior Jenni Wong, who attended last week's mass meeting.

CKI clubs are also present in other Michigan universities such as Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan University and Western Michigan University.

Members of the University club participate in interclub activities and get to meet students from other CKI clubs across the state while doing community service.

With more than 550 clubs and 10,000 members in 12 countries, CKI offers many community service and leadership opportunities.

"We do what our members want to do. Service events are set up, run, and volunteered by general members," Moudgil said.

In addition, many opportunities are presented to CKI members by the close connection to Kiwanis International. Composed of professional men and women, Kiwanis can provide business contacts for college students.

Upcoming events include a visit to the Riverview Nursing Home, a highway cleanup and social, and work in the Gleaners Soup Kitchen.

For more information visit the CKI Website at http://www. umich.edu/~cki or attend one of the group's weekly Thursday meetings in the Michigan Union at 7 p.m.

09-22-97