The International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons (IOKDS) is an international, interdenominational organization of Christian men and women whose aim is to carry out religious, educational and philanthropic projects as a service to their communities. The Headquarters office is located on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, NY.
Members of the Order are organized across the United States and Canada by state/province as Branches, and locally in Unions and Circles. Individuals who wish to join IOKDS, but do not have a Circle in their area, may join as a “member-at-large”.
What awaits you as a member?
As a member, you have the opportunity to…
- make lasting friendships with people from all backgrounds and ages;
- use your talents and grow your experiences;
- receive and give inspiration, comfort and joy;
- improve the lives of people in your community and globally; and,
- add to the legacy of an interdenominational group with more than 133 years of service.
Circle Membership
The Circle is the unit of membership in the organization. Three or more members may organize a Circle, adopting their own rules and conducting their own affairs in any manner consistent with the policies at the International level. Each Circle usually has a particular focus for their service which is often to raise funds and support for particular charities or community services, or to organize and deliver their own service programs e.g. dental support programs for children, school backpack programs, etc). Circle members also promote interest in IOKDS by supporting the various International programs and services.
Member-at-Large
Individuals, who reside in an area without a Branch and are not members of a Circle, may become members of IOKDS as members-at-large. Members-at-large of a Branch are those individuals who do not belong to a Circle in the Branch.
Branch Membership
“Branch” is the name given to the subdivision of the organization, in a geographic sense, by state or province. In any of the United States, or Canadian provinces, one or more Circles having fifty enrolled members of IOKDS may nominate a Branch President and establish a Branch.
Chapter Membership
Whenever fifty or more members of IOKDS choose a special activity, they may organize a Chapter. Membership in a Chapter is in addition to Circle membership and may include members from any geographic location. An example is the Chautauqua Chapter whose focus is on all activities related to Chautauqua Institution.
Districts, County, and City Unions
In some areas, the members may also decide to form a District, County, or City Union. Unions are often created to support and coordinate the charitable works of Circles within a City or District especially on larger projects – e.g. community housing, hospitals, retirement homes, schools, etc.
Junior Membership
Junior Membership is for those from birth through seventeen years inclusive.
With the guidance of adult members, they may join into Circles, carry out many projects, programs, activities, and enjoy holding office or being chairman of a committee.
Eligibility
Any person may become a member of the International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons whose purposes and aims are in accord with its objects and who holds themselves responsible to The King, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (IOKDS Bylaws, Art. III)
Dues:
All members pay dues annually. Dues are set in the following ways:
- The International portion of dues is set by the membership at the Annual Conference;
- Some Branches will set an additional amount to support Branch work;
- Some City or District/County Unions may add a fee;
- Some Circles may decide to add a Circle fee; and
- Chapters add a small fee.
International IOKDS Programs
Around the World – In partnership with Kids Alive international, this program collects donations to helps students complete their secondary or post-secondary education. Students must be studying outside Canada or the United States. Donations may be made to the Ontario Branch with the request to “flow through” to the International Around the World Program.
Health Careers – Students preparing for careers in human medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical, occupational, or speech and language therapy, and medical technologies are eligible to apply. A student must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen, enrolled fulltime in a school accredited in the field of study and located in the U.S. or Canada. All students, except those preparing for an R.N. Degree, must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study. R.N. students must have completed the first year of their program. Pre-med students are not eligible to apply. For those students seeking degrees of M.D. or D.D.S. application must be for at least the second year of medical or dental school. Each applicant must supply proof of acceptance in the school involved. Donations for the Health Careers Scholarship Fund at the International level may be made to the Ontario Branch with the request to “flow through” to the International Health Careers program. For Canadian students – applications are submitted to IOKDS International, but Ontario Branch pays half of the award money if the student is chosen for a scholarship.
Student Ministry – Full-time post-graduate students who are citizens of the United States or Canada and who are studying for a Master of Divinity degree are eligible to apply. Students must attend a school or seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States or Canada. Donations may be made to the Ontario Branch with the request to “flow through” to the International Student Ministry program. For Canadian students – applications are submitted to IOKDS International, but Ontario Branch pays half of the award money if the student is chosen for a scholarship.
Native American – Native American students who require financial assistance to complete an undergraduate degree. Donations may be made to the Ontario Branch with the request to “flow through” to the International Native American program. Indigenous students in Canada may also apply for this scholarship. Applications are still submitted to IOKDS International, but Ontario Branch pays half of the award money if the student is chosen for a scholarship.
International Service Projects
Spiritual Life Clergy Renewal Week
In 2006, it was suggested that the Order consider a proposal to institute an IOKDS Clergy Week, and in 2007 the program was offered in partnership with Chautauqua’s Department of Religion – the first such partnership between IOKDS and the Chautauqua Institution. IOKDS provides the clergy and their partner with bed and breakfast, some meals, and the assistance of a house host. The Department of Religion provides the gate passes for each member of the clergy. “Clergy Renewal Week is a break offered to pastors and their spouses for respite and relaxation from the schedules, demands and challenges of professional ministry. “
Learn & Discern College Internships
The purpose of the Learn & Discern internships is for IOKDS to provide students with experiential learning in their field of study at the International Headquarters at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, N.Y. Interns work and share their knowledge in performing tasks related to the real life, organizational needs of IOKDS. The internship qualifies for college/university credit at most schools, but the student must pay tuition to the college/university for this credit. To defray the tuition burden, IOKDS offers a scholarship upon the successful completion of the internship.
Projects Serving IOKDS Members
Spiritual Life
Devotionals are regularly posted to both the International website and the Ontario Branch website to strengthen the spiritual life of the membership. Bible study, prayer and meditation is also encourages
Accommodation at Chautauqua
The Order is grateful to have responsibility for the management of three properties on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution. These houses provide members and guests with the opportunity to enjoy a holiday at Chautauqua. Every summer, rooms can be booked in one of the three IOKDS houses in the Chautauqua Institution. Available weeks, the booking process, a full description of the facilities and costs that are to be covered by your donation are available through the Chautauqua Housing Director. Reservations require a deposit and are made on a “first come, first served” basis.
New Horizons “On the Road”
This program provides leadership training to inspire, inform and enrich participants, thereby promoting growth in membership. For new Horizons “On the Road”, the New Horizon chairperson and vice chairperson travel, at the invitation of members, to present the leadership training.
Communication
The Silver Cross is a hardcopy magazine published four times annually. Each issue features articles written by members of the IOKDS Executive and guest contributors. The purpose of The Silver Cross is for connection and engagement with current and prospective members. A subscription to the magazine is included with every membership fee.