The Nevada Kiwanis Club

The Nevada Kiwanis Club currently has over 60 members, who actively participate in many and varied service projects.  The Nevada Kiwanis Club meets at Gates Hall every Tuesday at 6:30 AM.

History

In 1914, two Detroit, Michigan natives formed a plan to develop a new organization that emphasized fellowship and service.  Allen S. Browne, a professional organizer, and Joseph C. Prance, a tailor, began the organization for young professional businessmen in August of 1914.  The organization  quickly grew.

In the beginning, the new organization targeted young, professional businessmen.  Women weren't admitted into the organization until 1987.

At first, the organization was called "Benevolent Order Brothers", or BOB.  Soon, however, the members sought a new name.  The name Kiwanis originates from the expression "Nunc Kee-wanis" in the Otchipew Native American langauge.  The phrase has several different meanings, including "we have a good time", "we make a noise", or "we trade or advertise".

The first Kiwanis club was organized in Detroit Michigan on January 21, 1915.  The following year, the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, was chartered, and Kiwanis International began to grow rapidly.

Today

Currently, there are more than 8,500 Kiwanis Clubs with more than 315,000 members in 82 nations and geographic areas.  Kiwanis International continues to grow and expand internationally.  It's commitment to service still remains strong and Kiwanians provide millions of service hours around the world each year.

Motto

"We build."

Youth Organizations

Today, Kiwanis International sponsors four different youth service organizations.  K-Kids is for elementary students, middle school students participate in Builders Club, Key Club is a high school organization, and the college level is Circle K.

Service Emphasis

Kiwanis' continuing service emphasis is called "Young Children:  Priority One," which focuses on the special needs of children from prenatal development to age 5.

In 1995, Kiwanis launched its first Worldwide Service Project, a $75 million campaign in partnership with UNICEF to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders by the year 2000.  Iodine deficieney is the leading cause of preventable mental and physical retardation.