Kiwanis Legacy

• Kiwanis was founded in Detroit, Michigan, on January 21, 1915. 
• In the early years, Kiwanis clubs focused on business networking,but even then, members were serving the needs of the poor.
• By 1919, the organization had changed its focus from business to service.
• Kiwanis became an international organization in 1916 with the organization of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario.
• Kiwanis limited its membership to the United States and Canada until 1962 when worldwide expansion was approved.
• Until 1987, Kiwanis was a male-only organization. But after years of debate and growing support, women’s membership was received overwhelmingly.