Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers committed to improving lives “one child and one community at a time.” (kiwanis.org) Its mission is to serve children and communities by leveraging the power of local clubs working together worldwide.
Mission, Vision & Values
- Mission: Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. (kiwanis.org)
- Vision: Kiwanis aims to be a positive influence in communities everywhere so that children “wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive.” (kiwanis.org)
- Motto: “Serving the children of the world.”
Kiwanis also has guiding statements called the Objects of Kiwanis—core principles that emphasize the human and spiritual over material values, encourage higher ethical standards, promote friendship and public service, and support justice, goodwill, and citizenship
What Kiwanis Does: Causes & Focus Areas
Kiwanis clubs carry out service through several key causes:
- Health & nutrition
- Education & literacy
- Youth leadership development
By working in these areas, Kiwanis clubs aim to support children from infancy through young adulthood.
Kiwanis also organizes Service Leadership Programs—clubs aligned by age group to magnify impact:
- K‑Kids (elementary)
- Builders Club (middle school)
- Key Club (high school)
- Circle K International (CKI) (college/university)
- Aktion Clubs (for adults with disabilities) (k05.site.kiwanis.org)
These programs help young people develop leadership skills, serve their communities, and connect with Kiwanis ideals.
The Name “Kiwanis” & Its Meaning
The name “Kiwanis” comes from an expression in an American Indian language in the Detroit area: “Nunc Kee‑wanis”, meaning “we trade” or “we share our talents.”
This reflects the organization’s spirit: community members offering their skills, time, and care for others.
Why Kiwanis Matters
- Kiwanis empowers local volunteers to address the specific needs of their own communities, while also contributing to global goals of child wellbeing and opportunity.
- It fosters “fellowship, service, and leadership” among members—people meet, plan, and act together.
- Because no two communities are the same, Kiwanis encourages local flexibility: each club can adapt based on local needs, whether that’s health, education, or leadership work.