Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan, and became an international organization with the creation of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, the following year. In the early years, members focused on business networking but in 1919, the organization changed its focus to service. In the 1960s, worldwide expansion was approved and within the decade, Kiwanis International-Euro
pe was formed, representing Kiwanians in 11 European nations. In 1987, women officially were allowed into the membership. Kiwanis started Key Club International in 1925. Now Key Club exists on more than 5,000 high school campuses in 30 countries. Ingersoll has joined in that number and was chartered in 2009. Our Values:
The six permanent Objects of Kiwanis International were approved by Kiwanis club delegates at the 1924 Kiwanis International Convention in Denver, Colorado. Through the decades, they have remained unchanged.
•To give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life.
•To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.
•To promote the adoption and the application of higher social, business and professional standards.
•To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive and serviceable citizenship.
•To provide, through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service and to build better communities.
•To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism which make possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism and goodwill.
