Civitan International

Civitan International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Founded in 1917 in Birmingham, Alabama, Civitan has evolved into a global organization with a presence in multiple countries.

History

The organization was established by a group of businessmen who sought to create a service club focused on community service rather than business promotion. Initially part of a local Rotary club, they broke away to form Civitan, derived from the Latin word for "citizenship." The name reflects the organization's mission to build good citizenship through volunteer service. In the early years, Civitan supported soldiers, European war orphans, and encouraged civic engagement.

Civitan grew rapidly after World War I, with the International Association of Civitan Clubs forming in 1920. By the mid-1920s, Civitan had over 3,300 members across more than 115 clubs in the United States. The organization became known for its commitment to community service, integrating early in the 1940s.

Focus on Developmental Disabilities

In the 1950s, Civitan adopted a special emphasis on serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This focus was formally adopted in 1956, making Civitan a pioneer in providing support for teachers of special education. Civitan has been a significant supporter of organizations like Special Olympics, hosting local events and organizing camps for those with developmental disabilities.

Research and Treatment

A key component of Civitan's mission is the Civitan International Research Center, located at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Established in 1992, this center conducts cutting-edge research into autism, Down syndrome, Rett syndrome, and other developmental disorders. It serves as a hub for medical professionals and researchers worldwide.

Global Activities

Civitan operates through local clubs around the world, engaging in diverse service projects tailored to community needs. These projects range from supporting orphanages and disaster relief to providing clean drinking water and educational programs in various countries. Civitan's youth and collegiate programs, Junior Civitan and Campus Civitan, focus on leadership development and service.

Membership and Structure

Civitan International consists of thousands of members worldwide, organized into nearly 1,000 clubs globally. The organization emphasizes grassroots service, allowing local clubs to address specific needs within their communities.

Impact

Civitan's commitment to serving people with developmental disabilities and its innovative research initiatives have positioned it as a leading service organization in this field. Its contributions to local communities through diverse service projects further underscore its impact as a global force for positive change.