Kiwanis History

Kiwanis International 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.

Kiwanis became an international organization with the founding of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in 1916. Kiwanis clubs formed in communities across the United States and Canada until the 1960s, when worldwide expansion was approved. Today, Kiwanis clubs are helping children thrive, prosper and grow in nearly 80 nations and geographic locations.  

All people are welcome to participate in the Kiwanis movement of improving communities for children. In 1987, women were invited to join. In 2008, delegates approved a resolution that calls for Kiwanis clubs to celebrate and foster inclusiveness.

Kiwanis Structure

Kiwanis International is organized into clubs, divisions, districts and international. This multi-leveled leadership hierarchy means members are supported by a larger network of leaders who are prepared to help clubs be successful while improving communities.

Club Level - It all starts with members in a club. Every club has a few things in common. For example, clubs have a president, vice president(s), secretary and treasurer. Clubs may also have other leadership positions, such as committee chairs.

Division Level - Each club is clustered together with clubs in the area to form a division. Divisions are overseen by a lieutenant governor, who is a representative of the district board. The number of divisions and lieutenant governors varies by district. Our club is within Cal-Nev-Ha Division 44, along with 13 other clubs.

District Level - A district is made up of several divisions. There are currently 49 districts and provisional districts within Kiwanis International. Some include only one state or country, while others are made up of multiple states, like ours California-Nevada-Hawaii District. The rest are made up of geographical regions.

International Level - All 49 districts and provisional districts, as well as Kiwanis nations that don’t fit into any district, make up Kiwanis International. Currently, there are Kiwanis clubs in approximately 80 countries and geographic territories. Each year, delegates at the Kiwanis International convention elect members and officers of the Kiwanis International Board, which includes a president, president-elect, vice president, past president and 15 trustees. The trustees work with the districts, similar to how lieutenant governors work with divisions.