Frequently Asked Questions

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Kiwanis helps kids around the world. Local clubs look out for our communities and the international organization takes on  large-scale challenges, such as fighting disease and poverty. We are  generous with our time. We are creative with our ideas. We are  passionate about making a difference. And we have fun along the way. For  more than a century, Kiwanis has created opportunities for children to  be curious, safe and healthy regardless of the community in which they  live. When you give a child the chance to learn, experience, dream,  grow, succeed and thrive, great things can happen.Service is at the heart of every Kiwanis club, no matter where in the world it’s located. Members stage nearly 150,000 service projects and raise nearly US$100 million every year for  communities, families and projects. By working together, members achieve  what one person cannot accomplish alone. 

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 now the organization changed its focus to service — specifically service to children.

No, women are a big part of the organization and they hold leadership positions.

• You can serve your community by working with individuals who share in your vision and passion for helping children and youth.
• You can achieve the enormous personal satisfaction that comes from contributing in a worthwhile way.
• You can enjoy the camaraderie and natural fellowship that results from mutual efforts directed toward the achievement of important goals.
• You can take pride in affiliation with an organization of hundreds of thousands of members around the world, who feel as you feel and act as you act.
• You can expand your networking opportunities and increase your sphere of influence.

No, but the more meetings you attend, the more benefits you will receive from your membership. There are no penalties for absence.

Kiwanis will be a positive influence in communities worldwide—so that one day,  all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive.

​Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children.

Come to a meeting and find out.