Kiwanis International is an organization of service - and community-minded individuals who support children and young adults around the world. More than 600,000 Kiwanis-family members in 94 countries respond to the needs of their communities and pool their resources to address worldwide issues. Through these efforts, Kiwanis International truly is "Serving the Children of the World." Kiwanis clubs view their role within their respective communities with a great deal of foresight by Evaluating both children’s issues and community needs on an ongoing basis; Conducting service projects to respond to those identified needs; and, Maintaining an active membership roster of professional business people who have both the desire and the ability to serve their community. Service projects often are linked to the Kiwanis program,"Young Children: Priority One." This initiative places continuing focus on the needs of children in pediatric trauma, safety, child care, early development, infant health, nutrition, and parenting skills. Service projects also can address other needs within the community, such as working to stop substance abuse, helping the elderly, promoting literacy, supporting youth sports and recreation, responding to disasters, and supporting specific persons in need. Kiwanis also plays a special role in developing future generations of leaders. This includes the sponsorship of a number of affilaited youth service clubs by local Kiwanis Clubs. K-Kids Clubs at the elementary school level, Builders Clubs in middle school and junior highs, Key Clubs in high schools, and Circle K clubs at the collegiate level all are Kiwanis organizations that teach community service and leadership skills to young people.

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