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.