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 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.

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.