About Kiwanis
Serving The Children OF The World
Kiwanis clubs, located in 80 nations, help their communities in countless ways. Each community’s needs are different—so each Kiwanis club is different. By working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone.
Service Footprint
Service is at the heart of every Kiwanis International club, no matter where in the world it’s located. Kiwanis members stage nearly 150,000 service projects, devote more than 6 million hours of service and raise nearly US$100 million every year for communities, families and projects. Key Club members pitch in 12 million hours of service each year, and CKI members another 500,000 hours of service! Aktion Club members donate another 92,000 hours of service every year. Add it all up, and that’s more than 18 million hours of service every year!
History of Kiwanis
Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan, and became an international organization with the creation of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, the following year. In 2015, Kiwanis celebrates its 100th anniversary, share in the excitement, get ready to participate. Visit Kiwanis100 to learn more about the 100 Years of Kiwanis! In the early years, members focused on business networking but in 1919, the organization changed its focus to service. In the 1960s, worldwide expansion was approved and within the decade, Kiwanis International-Europe was formed, representing Kiwanians in 11 European nations. In 1987, women officially were allowed into the membership. In 2012, Kiwanis Clubs across the world celebrated the 25th Year of Women in Kiwanis.
Kids Count
Kids do so much to help others. Kiwanis is home to the largest youth service programs in the world. Our local clubs programs empower elementary school students, tweens and teens to make an impact through service and leadership. Our Chelsea Kiwanis club works with local schools to provide a Kiwanis influence in the schools. Starting a life of service to others can begin in elementary school and continue through high school and college.
