What Is Kiwanis?

Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization of individuals who want to improve their communities. As a group , they can achieve what they cannot do alone.
These men and women attend Kiwanis club meetings for fellowship and inspiration. They perform voluntary community service through committees...usually after hours.
Kiwanis is not a social club nor secret or political society. It does not prescribe a way of life for others. It often does, however, act as a forum for diverse ideas.

What Does Kiwanis Do?

It performs service beyond the capability of the individual: assistance to the ageing, the needy, and to youth; improvement of communities; encouragement of international understanding.

Who Can Join?

Individuals of good standing in the community - generally invited by the Kiwanis club, itself. The cost is low, considering the tremendous satisfaction Kiwanis membership provides.

In the Beginning

Kiwanis was founded in Detroit, Michigan, January 21, 1915. It extended into Canada in 1916. In 1962 Kiwanis extended from North America to become already the worldwide service organization.

Some Quick Facts

Today Kiwanis numbers more than 325,000 members in over 8,500 clubs. Though Kiwanis serves in 81 different countries, the basic principles are the same.
Kiwanis sponsors a lot organizations for young men and women.

The Objects of Kiwanis International

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 good will.

Our Motto:

"We Build"

The Purpose:

Service to Youth and the Elderly, to Community and Nation.

The Name:

The name, Kiwanis, stems from an Indian phrase which, roughly translated, means "to express one's self."

Major Emphasis:

Young Children Priority One! (Kids from newborn to 5)

Worldwide Service Project

Kiwanis is dedicated to the eradication of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) by the Year 2000!

Summing It Up

Kiwanis is a group of dedicated, community and service minded men and women from all walks of life, ethnic background, colour, and creed. The most important ingredient to becoming a Kiwanian is a willingness to serve. We are, after all, a SERVICE club. If you want to provide community service in a supportive and friendly atmosphere, get in touch with us.

The cost of belonging to a Kiwanis club varies depending upon the club. Each club attempts to keep the cost of membership down in order to ensure access to everyone who wants to become involved in community service.What does it take - a willingness to serve, a bit of time and a sense of fun.