Kiwanis International Inc

Kiwanis International Inc is part of Kiwanis International, an international service organization with a strong presence in the United States. Kiwanis International was founded on January 21, 1915, in Detroit, Michigan, by Joseph C. Prance and Allen S. Browne. The organization is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of Kiwanis International is to improve the world by serving children and communities. Kiwanians aim to provide support and nurture to ensure that all children thrive in their communities. The organization focuses on:

• Health and Nutrition: Providing essential services to improve the well-being of children and communities.
• Education and Literacy: Enhancing educational opportunities and promoting literacy.
• Youth Leadership Development: Fostering leadership skills among young people to create positive change[4].

Structure and Activities

Kiwanis International operates through a network of local clubs, which collectively offer over 18.5 million volunteer hours annually and raise over $100 million for community service projects. These clubs are instrumental in forming enduring friendships, rendering altruistic service, and building better communities.

History

Kiwanis began as the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers but changed its name to Kiwanis in 1916, with the word "Kiwanis" believed to mean "we build" from the Algonquian Native American language family. The organization initially focused on business networking but shifted its emphasis to community service in 1919, particularly serving children[5].

Leadership and Membership

As of recent years, Kiwanis International has a global membership of over 592,000 people across more than 80 countries and geographic areas. The organization accepted women as members in 1987 and has since become a diverse group of individuals committed to serving their communities.

Financial Overview

Kiwanis generates significant revenue through club activities and fundraising efforts, reporting over $20 million in revenue in 2022. The organization also manages an endowment fund to support ongoing programs and services.

Legacy and Impact

Kiwanis International leaves a lasting impact by fostering a culture of service and altruism. Members work together to create positive change in their local communities and around the world, adhering to the Golden Rule and promoting high social and professional standards[1][5].