_Kiwanis International
Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization
for men and women desiring
personal involvement in the leadership and
improvement of their communities.
As a group, we can achieve
what individuals cannot do alone.
Our motto and the cornerstone of Kiwanis is
We Build.
Kiwanis was founded in Detroit, Michigan, on January 21, 1915, as "The Benevolent Order of Brothers." Its purpose was the mutual exchange of preferred treatment in professional and business dealings. Within a year, the name had been changed to "Kiwanis," taken from an Indian term "Nun Keewanis," which roughly translates as "Self Expression". The purpose of the organization became community service, a purpose from which Kiwanis has never deviated. In 1916, Kiwanis entered Canada, becoming international. In 1961, the first Kiwanis club in Europe was established in Vienna. International extension has continued and today Kiwanis serves the needs of 77 countries around the world with over 326,000 members.
Kiwanians are engaged in education, government, banking, marketing, agriculture, international trade, computers, nonprofit organizations and many other fields. They are corporate officers, managers, small business owners, and professionals. They are young individuals embarking on careers, successful executives, and active retirees.
A Kiwanian is an individual of good character who adheres to the standards of good conduct in a community and believes in and subscribes to the six Objects of Kiwanis International:
