"We Build" - The Kiwanis Story

Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization for individuals desiring personal involvement in the leadership and improvement of their communities. As a group, we can achieve what individuals cannot do alone. Thus, our motto and the cornerstone of Kiwanis.

Beginning

The organization was founded on January 21, 1915 in Detroit, Michigan by Allen Simpson Browne, a Moose Lodge organizer, and Joseph G. Prance, a tailor. The original name was "The Benevolent Order of Brothers," and its purpose was the mutual exchange of preferred treatment in professional and business dealings. Within a year, the name had been changed to "Kiwanis."The name "Kiwanis" was adapted from the Indian expression "Nunc Kee-wanis". In the Otchipew language, this means: "we have a good time", "we make a noise", or "we trade or advertise". Some people prefer to pronounce the word "ki" while others prefer "kee". It had become obvious that the original purpose lacked the power to attract and hold members. The purpose of the organization thus became "community service", a concept from which Kiwanis has never deviated. A little later, Kiwanis "bought itself" from organizer Allen Browne, incorporated itself, and began a growth pattern that continues today..

Establishing Itself

In 1916, Kiwanis entered Canada, (Hamilton, Ontario), thus becoming "international." Kiwanis moved into Mexico in 1962, breaking with its long-standing tradition of serving only the U.S. and Canada. International extension has continued since that time and today, Kiwanis serves the needs of over 84 countries around the world..

Reaching Maturity

Kiwanis is a part of a twentieth - century phenomenon. The "service club movement", as it has been termed, is one of North America's most important contributions to the life of our times. Today, the service club movement is bigger, better - accepted, and more desired than ever before in its history..

What the Local Clubs Do

Membership in a local Kiwanis club offers many benefits. Weekly club meetings provide fellowship - old fashioned fellowship - and a welcome break from the more serious cares of the day. Just as important, active membership provides the means through which you, and individuals of similar persuasion, can do something for others such as:

• Teach a boy or girl to play baseball
• End isolation for a shut - in
• Feed and clothe an orphan
• Motivate a teen-ager to complete his/her education

Our Club

Our club is geared to address the needs of the community through its standing committees, each of which is concerned with a different area of service. On a broader level, Kiwanis clubs all over the world share the commitment to solving problems of international concern through participation in "major emphasis programs". All of these programs enable Kiwanians to give of themselves - experience, knowledge, time and love - to all who need them..