Our Values
KIDS NEED KIWANIS
Kiwanis helps kids around the world. Local clubs look out for our communities and the international organization takes on large-scale challenges, such as fighting disease and poverty. We are generous with our time. We are creative with our ideas. We are passionate about making a difference. And we have fun along the way.
For more than a century, Kiwanis has created opportunities for children to be curious, safe and healthy regardless of the community in which they live. When you give a child the chance to learn, experience, dream, grow, succeed and thrive, great things can happen.
The Kiwanis Mission
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
The Kiwanis Vision
Kiwanis will be a positive influence in communities worldwide - so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive.
Kiwanis Service
Service is at the heart of every Kiwanis club, no matter where in the world it's located. Members stage approximately 150,000 service projects and raise nearly US$100 million every year for communities, families and projects. By working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone.
he Objects of Kiwanis guide our organization. They are our values. Our beliefs. Our core. Delegates approved the six permanent Objects of Kiwanis at the 1924 Kiwanis International Convention in Denver, Colorado. They have remained unchanged through the decades.
OBJECT 1
To give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life.
OBJECT 2
To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.
OBJECT 3
To promote the adoption and the application of higher social, business and professional standards.
OBJECT 4
To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive and serviceable citizenship.
OBJECT 5
To provide, through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service and to build better communities.
OBJECT 6
To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism which make possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism and good will.
CELEBRATING AND FOSTERING INCLUSIVENESS
In 2008, delegates at the Kiwanis International convention adopted a resolution that encourages and empowers clubs to create environments that develop and nurture mutual respect for all, and to celebrate the inclusiveness of all Kiwanis members. The language reads:
Therefore, be it resolved that the delegates assembled at the 2008 Kiwanis International convention in Orlando, Florida, and all Kiwanis leaders and members to take action to create a culture and club environment that develops and nurtures mutual respect for all and celebrates the inclusiveness of our beloved Kiwanis.