The following guidelines for Kiwanis Protocol were prepared by Robert A. Calabrese, Governor 1985-86.

Protocol is good manners and etiquette observed during meetings and special courtesy, dignity, and respect shown for visitors, especially Kiwanis district and/or international officers.

1. Traditional Kiwanis practice dictates that all club members, in respect for the office, should rise and applaud when their lieutenant governor, the governor, member of Kiwanis international board or distinguished Kiwanian or speaker is introduced. Recognize and introduce prospective members at the beginning and end of meeting.
2. The club president should always show a cordial relationship with the lieutenant governor. All members should make the lieutenant governor and all visitors or prospective members feel welcome and comfortable.
3. All meetings should start and end on time.
4. All speakers should be informed of club procedure and a time limit for the presentation. You should make it a practice to rise and applaud when the speaker is introduced and at the conclusion of the presentation.
5. Some designated person should thank the speaker and offer a recognition item, if it is the custom of the club.
6. The club should pay for the meals of all invited speakers and special guests. If the club invites the district governor or lieutenant governor, the club assumes all expenses with the exception of transportation. Always ask the governor or lieutenant governor if they would like to say a few words.
7. The club president or presiding officer should have a timed agenda for each meeting.
8. The program chairperson should announce upcoming speakers for at least a week in advance.
9. The president should report club board action to the club at the following club meeting.
10. Club presidents should set aside at least three (3) meetings for the lieutenant governor as speaker to the club.
    1. Installation of officers
    2. Date chosen by the lieutenant governor for official visit
    3. Date for lieutenant governor to attend one (1) club board of directors meeting. the lieutenant governor should be invited to all club functions during the year in advance of the event and should be placed on club's mailing list.
11. Alert the lieutenant governor to special programs and functions as early as possible. See that they have a copy of the agenda ahead of time, when possible. Provide all details of time, location, dress, and find out if they need special equipment.
12. There should be a house committee which arranges for all meals and special dinners, such as spouse's visits and the division/district meetings.
13. The outgoing club president should summarize their year's accomplishments and express appreciation to club members for their support during the year and then introduce the new club president. (Usually at the last meeting of the year)
14. Seating for club officers and special guests, lieutenant governor or past officers (division, district or international, city, county, state officials) should follow the chart in this information.
15. Seating arrangements for special occasions will depend upon room size and shape. The head table should always be where most of audience can see the speaker.
16. When arranging seating at the head table, do not seat a lady at the end of the table.
17. The official visit(s) of the lieutenant governor to a club are important and should be used as an educational meeting. Other speakers or programs should not replace time allocated for the presentation. (No other speaker for that meeting.)
18. The governor's official visit to the lieutenant governor's division is the responsibility of the home club of the lieutenant governor. this is the time to hear and honor the governor.
19. A president can't show up five minutes before the meeting and expect to have a well organized meeting. Plan in advance any seating or special arrangements.
20. Meetings should be kept on a professional level. Presidents should come well dressed in appropriate business attire. Try to get and keep everyone's attention - don't get mad at anyone. Lead by example.
21. The president should recognize achievements of individuals and committees and express the thanks of the club. Kiwanis titles should be used by all members; such as lieutenant governor, president, past president, past lieutenant governor, etc. If there is room the president elect or 1st vice president should be seated at the head table. Most important - smile!!!
22. The club officers should review the New York District policies and by-laws.
23. Kiwanis education - you should spend one (1) minute on Kiwanis education at every club meeting.
24. As president, you should attend all division functions such as: division council meetings, governor's visit, Kiwanis International president's visit. He/she should also attend other club functions, when possible. Send club function dates to the editor of division newsletter and to club presidents.
25. Goals - at the first club meeting, the club president should outline his/her goals for their administrative year and these goals should be reviewed at least quarterly at a club meeting.
26. The president should stay on top of all club matters, committee chairpersons, special events. ask for reports at club meetings, especially on activities involving the members.

If you have a protocol question, ask your lieutenant governor, a past lieutenant governor, past governor, call the district office or Kiwanis international.

If you have a last minute protocol question, use common sense, in most cases it works. Take this handout back to your club and have a meeting on protocol/education.