World Kiwanis Week – Jan. 21, 2027

World Kiwanis Week
Categories:
Tags:
AppreciationAwarenessChildren
Where:
International
Date change rule:
Every January 21 through January 26
Holiday emoji:
🤝

World Kiwanis Week runs from January 21 to January 26 each year, celebrating the global service organization’s commitment to improving the lives of children. Discover how Kiwanis International and its members champion youth development, build stronger communities, and foster a brighter future for all. Join in volunteer efforts, learn about local initiatives, and support programs that benefit children.

Want to sponsor World Kiwanis Week? Learn how

Expected World Kiwanis Week Deals

World Kiwanis Week is a time for community engagement and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Kiwanis International partners with organizations like UNICEF and local businesses to host donation drives, charity events, and awareness campaigns focused on children’s health and education. Look for opportunities to donate to local Kiwanis clubs, participate in service projects, or support their long-standing initiative to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. Many local chapters will highlight their specific projects, from building playgrounds to mentoring programs. We will update this page with confirmed live events and campaigns as January approaches.

Platform Guide for World Kiwanis Week

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #WorldKiwanisWeek. Share stories of community impact and professional volunteering.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WorldKiwanisWeek. Share local club events, photos of service projects, and calls for volunteers.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #WorldKiwanisWeek. Post about global initiatives, share news on child advocacy, and highlight inspiring volunteer efforts.

Social Media Tips for World Kiwanis Week

Individuals

Volunteer your time at a local Kiwanis event, donate to a children's literacy program, or simply learn more about the organization's impact in your community.

Creators

Produce a short documentary or series highlighting the work of local Kiwanis clubs, interview members, or showcase the positive changes they bring to children's lives.

Brands

Partner with a local Kiwanis chapter for a week-long donation match, sponsor a community project, or launch an employee volunteer program to support their mission.

Organizations & Brands for World Kiwanis Week

  1. Kiwanis International

    Founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. With clubs in more than 80 countries, it focuses on serving children through community service.

  2. UNICEF

    The United Nations Children's Fund, established in 1946, is a global advocate for children's rights. Kiwanis International has partnered with UNICEF on major health initiatives, including the successful 'Eliminate Project' to eradicate maternal and neonatal tetanus.

  3. Scholastic

    Founded in 1920, Scholastic is a global publishing, education, and media company known for its children's books and educational materials. They often partner with community organizations to promote literacy and access to books for children.

  4. Boys & Girls Clubs of America

    Established in 1860, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America provide a safe place for children to learn and grow. Kiwanis clubs frequently collaborate with these organizations to offer mentorship, educational programs, and recreational activities for youth.

  5. Lowe's

    Founded in 1946, Lowe's is a major American retail company specializing in home improvement. Through its community outreach programs, Lowe's often supports local initiatives, including those focused on building and improving community spaces for children.

  6. State Farm

    Founded in 1922, State Farm is a large group of insurance and financial services companies. State Farm agents and the company itself often engage in community service, supporting youth development, safety programs, and local non-profits like Kiwanis.

  7. Rotary International

    Founded in 1905, Rotary International is a global service organization with a mission to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. It shares a similar ethos of community service with Kiwanis.

World Kiwanis Week Hero

Joseph G. Prance

Joseph G. Prance was one of the four founders of Kiwanis International, which began in Detroit, Michigan, in 1915. As a professional organizer, Prance played a crucial role in establishing the club's initial structure and expanding its membership. His vision helped lay the groundwork for a global organization dedicated to community service and the welfare of children, impacting millions worldwide through its various programs and initiatives.

History of World Kiwanis Week

Kiwanis International was established in Detroit, Michigan, United States, in 1915 by a group of merchants and professionals. The Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers was the name of the organization when it was founded, but it changed its name to Kiwanis a year after that. Kiwanis is derived from the American Indian word ‘Nunc Kee-wanis,’ which translates as ‘we trade,’ and was created to refer to the organization. The slogan of the Kiwanis Club was changed to We Build in 1920. In 2005, members chose to modify the slogan to Serving the Children of the World, which has since become the official motto of the organization. Members concentrated on commercial networking in the group’s early years, but in 1919, the organization shifted its emphasis to service, with a particular emphasis on children.

The creation of the Kiwanis Club in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in 1916 marked the beginning of Kiwanis as a worldwide organization of service. Kiwanis clubs were created in towns throughout the United States and Canada until the 1960s when the organization was granted permission to expand internationally. Kiwanis clubs are now active in approximately 80 countries and geographical places, assisting youngsters in thriving, prospering, and growing.

Participants in the Kiwanis movement, which aims to improve communities for children, are welcome from all walks of life. Women were welcomed to join the organization in 1987. In 2008, delegates accepted a resolution that encourages Kiwanis clubs to recognize and develop inclusivity among their members. Kiwanis is now a worldwide network of clubs with a membership of over a million people. They are now largely recognized for their work with youngsters. Serving the Children of the World is the organization’s current slogan. There are more than 555,000 members spread throughout 80 nations. Kiwanis International is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and organizes about 150,000 service initiatives every year.

World Kiwanis Week timeline

1915
Kiwanis is Established

Kiwanis International is established in Detroit, Michigan, United States, by a group of businesspersons.

1916
Kiwanis Club Started in Canada

Kiwanis becomes an international organization with the founding of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

1920
Kiwanis Changes Motto

The slogan of the Kiwanis Club is changed to We Build.

2005
Kiwanis Modifies Motto

Members choose to modify the slogan to Serving the Children of the World, which has since become the official motto of the organization.

How Businesses Can Celebrate World Kiwanis Week

Local businesses can celebrate World Kiwanis Week by partnering with their local Kiwanis club to support community projects. Consider sponsoring a youth sports team, hosting a fundraiser where a portion of sales benefits a children’s charity, or organizing a volunteer day for employees to participate in a Kiwanis-led initiative. Businesses can also offer in-kind donations of materials or services for projects like playground construction or school supply drives, demonstrating their commitment to corporate social responsibility and local youth.

World Kiwanis Week FAQs

When is World Kiwanis Week?

In 2027, World Kiwanis Week will be observed from Thursday, January 21 to Tuesday, January 26, highlighting global volunteer efforts and community impact.

How many members does Kiwanis International have?

With a worldwide presence, Kiwanis International unites hundreds of thousands of volunteers dedicated to service, making it one of the largest and most impactful service organizations globally.

What is the mission of Kiwanis International?

Kiwanis International is dedicated to creating opportunities for children to thrive, providing leadership development, promoting health, and fostering education globally.

What is the history of Kiwanis International?

From its inception in 1915, Kiwanis International has grown into a global force for good, establishing a legacy of volunteerism and child advocacy that spans over a century and countless communities.

World Kiwanis Week Activities

  1. Sign up your kids to volunteer

    The best way to observe the week is to find a local Kiwanis International Club in your community and sign up your kid to volunteer. Not only is it fun, but it’s for a good cause.

  2. Donate to the club

    You can also celebrate this week by donating to the club to help fund its activities. Any amount helps.

  3. Share on social media

    Celebrate this week by sharing on social media with the hashtag #WorldKiwanisWeek. Start an online conversation.

5 Interesting Facts About Kiwanis International Club

  1. Service projects

    Kiwanis sponsors over 150,000 projects.

  2. Funds

    Kiwanis has raised over 100 million U.S.D to date.

  3. Service

    Kiwanis has devoted more than 18.5 million hours of service to date.

  4. Children

    Every Kiwanis positively influences the lives of over 200 children.

  5. Locations

    Kiwanis operates in more than 79 nations globally.

Why We Love World Kiwanis Week

  1. It helps children

    Kiwanis has continued to help change the lives of children all over the world. Isn’t this reason enough to celebrate?

  2. It assists in building leadership

    Kiwanis is the only service organization that develops leaders at all levels, beginning with the smallest Kiwanis Kids and progressing through many youth and adult programs. We love this!

  3. It has a global reach

    Kiwanis is a worldwide network of clubs dedicated to helping children across the globe. We love causes with global outreach!

World Kiwanis Week dates

Year Date Day
2027 January 21–26 Thursday–Tuesday
2028 January 21–26 Friday–Wednesday
2029 January 21–26 Sunday–Friday
2030 January 21–26 Monday–Saturday
2031 January 21–26 Tuesday–Sunday