The Kiwanis Story

Kiwanis was founded in Detroit, Michigan on January 21,1915. The first Kiwanian was a merchant tailor named Joseph Pance, The original name was "The Benevolent Order of Brothers" and its puppose was the mutual exchange of preferred treatment in professional and business dealings.

Within a year, the name had been changed to "Kiwanis", taken from the Otchipew (Native American) term "Nunc Keewanis", which roughy means "We have a good time" or "We make noise". It had also 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 following a growth pattern that continues today.

In 1916 Kiwanis entered Canada (Hamilton, Ontario), thus becoming "International". Kiwanis moved into Mexico in 1962, breaking its long-standing tradition of serving only in the U.S. and Canada, International extension has continued since that time, and today, Kiwanis serves the needs of over 83 countries around the world.

The Objectives of Kiwanis

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 that sound public opinion and high idealism, which make possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism, and good will.