1915
The first Kiwanis Club founded in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., focusing on business networking, in the name, “The Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers”.
1916
- Change the name to “Kiwanis”, coined from an American Indian expression, “Nunc Kee-wanis”, which means, “We trade”.
- The first Kiwanis Convention.
- The first Kiwanis Club in Canada.
1918
The first headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
1919
Focus changed to service – specifically service to children.
1920
Changed the motto to “We build”.
1924
Adopted the 6 objects of Kiwanis.
1963
The first Kiwanis Club in Europe (Vienna).
1964
The first Kiwanis Club in Asia-Pacific Region (Tokyo).
1977
The Japan District was formed.
1982
The headquarters moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
1987
Women were invited to join.
2005
Changed the motto to ”Serving the children of the world”.
2014
Kiwanis International Convention was held in Japan for the first time, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Tokyo.
