Kiwanis was founded in 1915 by a group of businessmen in Detroit, Michigan, United States. The organization was originally called the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers but changed its name to Kiwanis a year later.
The name “Kiwanis” was coined from an American Indian expression, “Nunc Kee-wanis,” which means, “We trade”. In 1920, the motto of Kiwanis became “We Build.” It remained the motto until 2005, when members voted to change it to “Serving the children of the world”. In the early years, members focused on business networking but in 1919, the organization changed its focus to service — specifically service to CHILDREN.
- TO GIVE PRIMACY to human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life.
- TO ENCOURAGE the daily living and 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 tender 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.
