Though not an offical group, the term
Kiwanis Family refers to a group of organizations sponsored by
Kiwanis International. All of these organizations share community service as their primary goal.
Kiwanis International - The parent organization of the Kiwanis Family. Kiwanis was formed in
1914 in
Michigan originally as a professional group (similar to
Rotary or
Lions Club), most of Kiwanis' membership is now older. This age trend is being combatted. Kiwanis' emphasis is service to
children.
Kiwanis International Foundation - The KIF is the arm of the Kiwanis Family that
fundraises for charities and also gives grants to worthy projects around the world.
Circle K International -
CKI is the branch of the Kiwanis Family that is comprised of college students. Service, Leadership , and Fellowship are it's official aims. It was started in
Washington in
1947, though the first offical club was at
Carthage College
Kiwanis Junior - This organization is a European group that tries to address some of the issues of bringing CKI and Kiwanis to younger age groups. It can primarilly be found in
Italy and is seeing declining popularity due to
policy changes enacted by CKI to help internationalization.
Key Club International - Formed in
California in 1925, Key Club is the High School branch of the Kiwanis Family and has over 200,000 members.
Kiwin's - Kiwin's was started in
1973 because
Key Club was an all male organization until
1975. This group exists only in the California-Nevada-Hawaii District, but is still quite active, despite the fact that both
Kiwin's and
Key Club are now open to both genders.
Builders Club - Builders Club is the branch of the Kiwanis Family for
middle-school students. It is one of the younger organizations of the Kiwanis Family.
K-Kids - Kiwanis Family for grade school students. Currently this group is in its infancy (bad
pun intended).
Aktion Club - Aktion club's target membership are individuals with mental or physical
handicaps. This is the newest sponsored program of
Kiwanis International.