Why join Kinsmen?

Over the last few years, membership in all service organizations, including Kinsmen, in our community has dropped dramatically. We would like to use this opportunity to dispel some of the myths and legends about Kinsmen in an attempt to boost our membership.

Myth

Kinsmen are not that involved in the community

Fact

Over the last few years, the Kinsmen Club of Vulcan has provided funding for the following:

• 2007 commitment to the Royal Canadian Legion roof project  ($20,000)
• new ice-resurfacing machine for the hockey arena ($45,000)
• outdoor basketball courts at Vulcan Prairieview Elementary School ($12,500)
• Rainbow Literacy Society ($1,000)
• new band program at CCHS ($15,000)
• electronic sign for the Vulcan Tourism Committee ($10,000)
• CRC Tables ($3,000)
• replacement of all the equipment in the Virginia Mitchell, Memorial Avenue, and Allan Subdivision playgrounds ($100,000)
• skateboard park ($65,000)
• Kinette walking path ($12,000)
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ($5,300)

Two of our legacy projects are the

• Vulcan Senior’s Drop-In Centre
• Body-works Fitness Centre

In addition, Kinsmen have provided support for community activities including the

• Community Christmas Dinner and Dance
• Kinsmen Holiday Lottery
• Vulcan Prairieview fund raising dinner
• Kinette Christmas Craft Fair
• Highway 23 clean up

Myth

Kinsmen membership fees are very expensive.

Fact

Membership fees are $200 per year which includes your dinner at each meeting.

Myth

Joining Kinsmen requires a huge time commitment.

Fact

Kinsmen meet twice a month for 2 hours. We do have a few projects that require volunteer time but these are spread out throughout the year. You can pick and choose the projects that you would like to work on. However, one of the things most of our members enjoy is the fellowship aspect of work parties and working together for community betterment.

Myth

As soon as I join Kinsmen I am going to be “railroaded” into becoming part of the Executive.

Fact

At one time this was true. However, we have implemented a mentor-based leadership style. Current Kinsmen are committed to forming the core of the Executive and invite new members to become more involved in the organization as their time and interest permit. You don’t have to worry about being “dumped” into an office with out any training or support. Joining Kinsmen does, however, provide an opportunity for personal development and growth of management skills for its members.

Myth

Kinsmen is an organization just for men under 40.

Fact

At one time this was also true as men over 40 normally formed a “K-40” Club. However, times have changed. Kinsmen is open to any male 18 years or older. Our membership ranges from, young single men, to men with young families, to grandpas with grand children – all are welcome.

Myth

Kinsmen do not do have any “family” oriented activities.

Fact

Each year, we have a number of joint functions with the Kinette Club of Vulcan including our annual Christmas Party. We have shifted our focus from men-only events to mixed events such as the Community Christmas Dinner and Dance.  Plans are also in the works for more family oriented activities for our membership.