World Kiwanis Week is celebrated from January 21 to January 26 of every year. Kiwanis is a club that most people are familiar with. They may, however, be unaware of the club’s activities. Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization. Several service initiatives are held by these groups each year. The majority of these volunteer initiatives are centered on children. The service programs guarantee that children have all they need to thrive in their communities. Building playgrounds, mentoring teenagers, and funding child sports are examples of Kiwanis service programs. Kiwanis also collaborates with other groups to fight poverty and sickness.
History of World Kiwanis Week
Kiwanis International was established in Detroit, Michigan, United States, in 1915 by a group of merchants and professionals. The Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers was the name of the organization when it was founded, but it changed its name to Kiwanis a year after that. Kiwanis is derived from the American Indian word ‘Nunc Kee-wanis,’ which translates as ‘we trade,’ and was created to refer to the organization. The slogan of the Kiwanis Club was changed to We Build in 1920. In 2005, members chose to modify the slogan to Serving the Children of the World, which has since become the official motto of the organization. Members concentrated on commercial networking in the group’s early years, but in 1919, the organization shifted its emphasis to service, with a particular emphasis on children.
The creation of the Kiwanis Club in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in 1916 marked the beginning of Kiwanis as a worldwide organization of service. Kiwanis clubs were created in towns throughout the United States and Canada until the 1960s when the organization was granted permission to expand internationally. Kiwanis clubs are now active in approximately 80 countries and geographical places, assisting youngsters in thriving, prospering, and growing.
Participants in the Kiwanis movement, which aims to improve communities for children, are welcome from all walks of life. Women were welcomed to join the organization in 1987. In 2008, delegates accepted a resolution that encourages Kiwanis clubs to recognize and develop inclusivity among their members. Kiwanis is now a worldwide network of clubs with a membership of over a million people. They are now largely recognized for their work with youngsters. Serving the Children of the World is the organization’s current slogan. There are more than 555,000 members spread throughout 80 nations. Kiwanis International is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and organizes about 150,000 service initiatives every year.
World Kiwanis Week timeline
Kiwanis International is established in Detroit, Michigan, United States, by a group of businesspersons.
Kiwanis becomes an international organization with the founding of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
The slogan of the Kiwanis Club is changed to We Build.
Members choose to modify the slogan to Serving the Children of the World, which has since become the official motto of the organization.
World Kiwanis Week FAQs
What does Kiwanis stand for?
The term ‘Kiwanis’ was derived from the American Indian phrase ‘Nunc Kee-wanis,’ which translates as ‘we trade.’
How many countries have Kiwanis?
Kiwanis International is a worldwide network of clubs, members, and partners devoted to improving children’s lives one neighborhood at a time. Today, we have over 550,000 members in 80 countries and geographic regions.
How old is Kiwanis International?
Since 1987, women have been accepted as members of the organization. Kiwanis and its affiliated groups have more than 600,000 members.
World Kiwanis Week Activities
Sign up your kids to volunteer
The best way to observe the week is to find a local Kiwanis International Club in your community and sign up your kid to volunteer. Not only is it fun, but it’s for a good cause.
Donate to the club
You can also celebrate this week by donating to the club to help fund its activities. Any amount helps.
Share on social media
Celebrate this week by sharing on social media with the hashtag #WorldKiwanisWeek. Start an online conversation.
5 Interesting Facts About Kiwanis International Club
Service projects
Kiwanis sponsors over 150,000 projects.
Funds
Kiwanis has raised over 100 million U.S.D to date.
Service
Kiwanis has devoted more than 18.5 million hours of service to date.
Children
Every Kiwanis positively influences the lives of over 200 children.
Locations
Kiwanis operates in more than 79 nations globally.
Why We Love World Kiwanis Week
It helps children
Kiwanis has continued to help change the lives of children all over the world. Isn’t this reason enough to celebrate?
It assists in building leadership
Kiwanis is the only service organization that develops leaders at all levels, beginning with the smallest Kiwanis Kids and progressing through many youth and adult programs. We love this!
It has a global reach
Kiwanis is a worldwide network of clubs dedicated to helping children across the globe. We love causes with global outreach!
World Kiwanis Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 21 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | January 21 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | January 21 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January 21 | Friday |
| 2029 | January 21 | Sunday |
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