Kiwanis History

Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. The organization was originally called the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers. A year later, the name changed to Kiwanis, which was selected by the organization’s founders based on their understanding that the word was translatable to “we build” from the Algonquian Native American language family. That same year, Kiwanis became an international organization with the founding of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. 

Initially focused on business networking, the organization changed its focus to service in 1919 — specifically service to children. Over the years, more clubs were created in the U.S. and Canada, and worldwide expansion was ultimately approved in the 1960s. Today, there are Kiwanis clubs in nearly 80 nations and geographic locations. Kiwanis International and its family of youth-oriented service leadership programs have benefited communities in more than 80 countries for 100 years. 

Kiwanis is a worldwide volunteer service organization, made up of individuals who want to become personally involved in making their communities better in which to live. Members work together to achieve what individuals cannot do alone. 

The 6 Kiwanis Objectives are:

• TO GIVE primacy to the human and spiritual, rather than to the material values of life.

• TO ENCOURAGE the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships. 

• TO PROMOTE the adoption and the application of higher social, business, and professional standards.

• TO DEVELOP, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive, and serviceable citizenship.

• TO PROVIDE, through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service, and to build better communities. 

• TO COOPERATE in creating and maintaining the sound public opinion and high idealism which make possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism, and goodwill. 

Locally, Kiwanians have been improving the South Bend community since October 28, 1916.

Programs

Kiwanis International offers three types of clubs for adults: Kiwanis, Aktion Club and  Circle K International. Kiwanis clubs serve their communities through more than 241,000  service projects each year. Aktion Club is the only community service club for adults  with disabilities. It provides members with opportunities to become integrated into  their communities while developing initiative and leadership skills. CKI is one of the largest student-led collegiate service organizations, with clubs on college and university campuses in 20 nations and geographic areas. 

Kiwanis offers three clubs for youth: Key Club, Builders Club and K-Kids. Key Club is  the oldest and largest service organization for teens and teaches leadership through service to others. Builders Club provides students age 11-14 with opportunities to develop leadership skills, improve self-esteem, increase civic engagement and learn  life skills through service. K-Kids gives students ages 6-12 opportunities to work together on service projects, develop leadership potential and create strong moral character.

Kiwanis provides several programs for students: Terrific Kids, Bringing Up Grades, and Key Leaders. Terrific Kids and Bringing Up Grades, both for students age 6-12, teach children to plan, set goals, work with others, and celebrate success. Key Leaders is a weekend experiential leadership retreat for teens.