As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are looking forward to turkey and mashed potatoes, the gathering of family and friends, and, of course, football games and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. With all this abundance, it’s an excellent time to express gratitude by helping others in the community.

CNH KIWIN’S Emerald Division, a volunteer group made up of students from four local high schools, welcomes new members throughout the year and is always looking for ways to lend a helping hand. Here’s a little about who they are, what they do, and how students can get involved.

Who Are the CNH KIWIN’S?

CNH (California–Nevada–Hawaii)

KIWIN’S is a student-led service and leadership organization, part of Kiwanis International. The Emerald Division consists of students from

Youth Leadership Group

Chula Vista, Olympian, Otay Ranch and Rancho Bernardo High Schools, but dozens of schools have KIWIN’S and Key Clubs across the CNH region.

“Our mission is to build student leaders through service,” says Anna Wu, district administrator. “We empower high school students to discover their leadership potential, develop lifelong friendships and make a positive difference in their schools and communities.”

*Note: The apostrophe “s” in KIWIN’S is part of their official name.

What Do KIWIN’S Do?

KIWIN’S members organize and participate in a variety of service projects that range from community clean-ups and clothing drives to tutoring and local nonprofit support. They also raise funds for causes like pediatric health, hunger relief and disaster aid.

Beyond volunteering and fundraising, students attend leadership training conferences, plan large-scale service events and learn valuable professional and personal skills that will benefit them well beyond high school.

“One of my favorite experiences is watching hundreds of students come together each year at our District Convention,” Wu says. “Seeing their passion for service, their growth as leaders and the friendships they form is incredibly moving. It’s a reminder that these young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow—they’re making an impact right now.”

Aya Bacsal, an Olympian High School student and KIWIN’S President, loves being surrounded by smiling faces while volunteering. “It’s amazing to witness the impact we make while cleaning the community alongside other students like me,” Bacsal says. “KIWIN’S is not just a group of students who volunteer together, but a family.”

How Students Get Involved

New club members to the Emerald Division are always welcome. To join, look for fall recruitment meetings or sign-up tables at events throughout the year (at the schools listed above). KIWIN’S can also be contacted through Instagram @emeraldkiwins.

“We are always looking to grow and to give more students the opportunity to serve their home, school and community,” says Wu.

If your school does not host a KIWIN’S club on campus, consider starting one. Learn how at www.kiwins.org/faq.

How to Support KIWIN’S or Utilize Their Services

Community members and organizations are encouraged to invite KIWIN’S clubs to assist with service projects. Contact DA@kiwins.org to be connected to the appropriate club. Sponsorship and adult mentorship opportunities are also available.

The KIWIN’S Emerald Division has helped out at multiple events hosted by San Diego Family Magazine and the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego. We’re happy to vouch for these generous, giving kids!

Wu wants the community to know that being involved in CNH KIWIN’S is more than just volunteering. “It’s about developing compassionate, resilient leaders,” she says. “Many of our alumni go on to lead in their colleges, careers and communities, carrying forward the values they learned through KIWIN’S.” To get involved, visit www.kiwins.org. v

Lisa Pawlak is an award-winning contributing writer who resides in Encinitas with her family.

Find a full list of opportunities in our article “San Diego Youth Leadership Programs” at www.sandiegofamily.com/ parenting/big-kid/youth-leadershipprograms.

More Local Youth Leadership and Service Groups

Kiwanis K-Kids is a service leadership program for elementary school kids ages 6–11. www.kiwaniskids.org

Best Buddies helps end social isolation of local students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by partnering them with fellow elementary, middle and high school students who don’t have IDD. Ask your child’s school if they participate. www.bestbuddies.org/ california/friendship

California FFA is a youth leadership organization offering career development through agricultural education. The Southern Region has local high school chapters in Escondido, Fallbrook, Lakeside, Poway, Ramona, San Marcos and Valley Center. www.calaged.org/ffa-leadership

Girl Scouts San Diego, which serves girls ages 5–18 throughout San Diego County, helps develop future leaders by providing a variety of programs and service opportunities. www.sdgirlscouts.org

Kiwanis Builders Club offers leadership skills and character-building opportunities for middle school students ages 12–14. www.buildersclub.org

Mitchell Thorp Foundation Youth Leadership Council provides community service opportunities and leadership development for local students in grades 9–12. www.mitchellthorp.org/youth-leadershipcouncil.html

Rotary Interact Clubs, such as Rotary Club of Downtown San Diego Interact Club and Rotary Club of Carlsbad Interact Club, provide opportunities for service and international understanding for kids ages 12–18. www.rotary.org/en/get-involved/interact-clubs

Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts), which serves boys and girls ages 5–20, fosters leadership and personal growth while making an impact on the local community. www.sdicscouting.org