About Kiwanis
Kiwanis is an international organization devoted to the principle of service; to the advancement of individual, community, and national welfare; and to the strengthening of international goodwill. Kiwanis membership spans the globe, with more than 291,830 members in more than 8,600 clubs in 79 geographic areas, giving more than $70 million and 7 million volunteer hours for community service each year.

Kiwanis is not a secret or political organization, nor does it prescribe a way of life for others, but is instead made up of men and women of good standing within the community, who have a common interest in helping others by participating in projects (usually within the local community) which governments and other official bodies are unable to assist with. This includes projects such as encouragement and assistance for youth and the elderly and improving community facilities etc.

Kiwanis is a family oriented organization. Kiwanis priorities are always...family first...then career...then Kiwanis. Kiwanis Clubs meet regularly for fellowship and inspiration and spend extra time each month performing community service.

The Kiwanis Name
The name "Kiwanis" was adapted from the expression "Nunc Kee-wanis" in the Otchipew (Native American) language, meaning "We have a good time," "We make a noise," or "We trade or advertise."

During the organization's founding in 1914, members belonged to the "Benevolent Order Brothers." The name, however, was unsatisfactory from the first. "It seems to me," said member Harry A. Young, "that Benevolent Order Brothers is a might peculiar name for an organization of businessmen. Who wants to be a BOB? Well, I don't for one. The name sounds downright silly, and I think we'd be getting off to a better start if we changed it right now before we go any further."

A committee of members sought the assistance of Clarence M. Burton, then historian for the City of Detroit, Michigan. Burton found the expression "Nunc Kee-wanis" in Bishop Baraga's dictionary of the Otchipew language.

The name was perfect. It satisfied founder Allen Browne, because one variation of its meaning, "We trade," corresponded with his conception of the new organization. He believed that better business opportunities among the members--adding up to a sort of reciprocal trade arrangement--constituted its prime purpose.
Other members, however, believed that the group should "make a noise"--a noticeable difference--through community service.

The Motto
In 1920, something important crystallized for Kiwanis; something that inspired Roe Fulkerson, the gifted editor of the Kiwanis magazine, to propose two simple words - "We Build" - as the Kiwanis motto. It was the coining of the Motto, after five years of painful and exhilarating growth, that put Kiwanis into its stride. In their hearts, Kiwanians had always known why they were Kiwanians. Roe Fulkerson actually put it into words. These two words, "We Build," became the guiding force and inspiration for the important work of Kiwanis. They promised then, as they do now, that for Kiwanis, the best is yet to be.

The Beginning
Two men, both natives of Detroit, Michigan, Allen S. Browne, a professional organizer, and Joseph C. Prance, a tailor, had an idea one day in August of 1914. A concept, rather, to develop an organization that provides not only fellowship, but one that provides insurance features as well. They wanted to develop a group that was like no other organization. They first constructed this group as a strictly fraternal club that only young professional businessmen could join. They also wanted to provide an opportunity for other men to experience new ideals in human relationships.

Together, these two men began recruiting new members. Prance was the first member to sign up. But he was not yet the first Kiwanian, for the name that Browne had chosen for the group was truly in the spirit of the times - The Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order Brothers. Kiwanis it was not. The growing membership soon fixed that. During a club meeting in the first week of January 1915, Kiwanis was approved as the new name for this club, which translated as "We trade." A more thorough check later revealed that a truer meaning is "We have a good time - we make noise."

This had attracted nearly 200 members in only six months. The corporate charter was returned by the state of Michigan, dated January 21, 1915. This date has been the birthday of Kiwanis ever since.

With the founding of the Kiwanis Club of Detroit Number One, Michigan in 1915, Kiwanians discovered that they were having a good time and that they could make a noise in the world, but not by scratching each other’s backs in business. They could do it by rendering important community service without thought of personal gain.

Yet trouble loomed. The founding club of an organization faltered, and nearly failed. The cause? Club members who did not like Browne and the financial arrangement Kiwanis had with him. Secretary Ottie Robertson and Allen Browne, disgusted, left for Cleveland to organize a Kiwanis club there. It was a wise move. Browne and Robertson started a club in Cleveland that included a membership of 135 in ten weeks. The Cleveland Kiwanians enthusiastically began building other clubs.

It was in Cleveland that Kiwanis service and its special concern for children took firm root. The new club started a nursery school for underprivileged children. Meanwhile, the Detroit president supported a membership drive to bring the club to full strength. Kiwanis had stumbled during the summer of 1915. And, now, with major clubs in Detroit and Cleveland and with others on the way, it was back on its feet - stronger than ever with continued growth.

Objects of Kiwanis
The six permanent Objects of Kiwanis International were approved by Kiwanis club delegates at the 1924 Convention in Denver, Colorado. Through the succeeding decades, they have remained unchanged.

• 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 goodwill.

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