About Kiwanis International

Kiwanis has more than 13,000 clubs in over 90 countries worldwide. Kiwanis volunteers are impacting their communities and changing the world. They shelter the homeless, mentor the disadvantaged and nurture young leaders. They are making their mark on the world by responding to needs, and collaborating their resources to address worldwide issues.

Club meetings might be held once a week or once a month depending on the club, and they offer an atmosphere of fun, learning and fellowship. In addition to attending the business or planning meeting, Kiwanis members volunteer to work with organized service projects or local community events and fundraisers. This might be once per month or once per year, depending on each member's available time. There is no minimum requirement and every extra pair of hands, even if only for an hour or two each year, can make a big difference!

Many service projects are linked with our motto "Serving the Children of the World". This initiative places priority on child care, safety, early development, infant health, pediatric trauma, nutrition and parenting skills, and any other projects which have an impact on children and youth in our communities. Thousands of success stories have been reported worldwide. Parks have been built, libraries stocked, scholarships given, youth programs launched and much more.  

Projects can also address other needs within the community such as working to stop substance abuse, helping the elderly, promoting literacy, supporting youth sports, responding to disasters and helping specific persons in need.

Kiwanis focuses on the needs of ordinary people and children to create extraordinary moments. Many people still need our help. Embrace the challenge and change the world one child and one community at a time. Are you the one to make a difference in your community? We are.

How We Began

In 1915 a small group of businessmen in Detroit, Michigan, USA gathered together, seeking a way to promote fellowship. Little did they know their simple gathering more than 90 years later would have evolved into a global organization whose efforts and mission would have extraordinary impact on the lives of millions of people. The Kiwanis story is nothing less than extraordinary.

How We Got Our Name

The name "Kiwanis" was coined from an American Indian expression 'Nunc Kee-wanis' which means "we trade" or "we share our talents".  When we work together, we accomplish what one person cannot accomplish alone.