World Kiwanis Week – January 21-26, 2025

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.