Our club meets every Tuesday morning at the Embassy
Suites in South Lake Tahoe at 7:30am.
Please join us in helping the community!
The name "Kiwanis" was adapted
from the expression "Nunc Kee-wanis" in the Otchipew (Native American)
language, meaning "We have a good time," "We make a noise,"
or, under another construction, "We trade or advertise." Some persons
prefer to pronounce the word "ki"; others, "kee."
During the organization's founding in 1915, members belonged to the
"Benevolent Order Brothers." The name, however, was unsatisfactory
from the first.
"It seems to me," said member Harry A. Young, "that Benevolent
Order Brothers is a might peculiar name for an organization of businessmen. Who
wants to be a BOB? Well, I don't for one. The name sounds downright silly, and I
think we'd be getting off to a better start if we changed it right now before we
go any further."
A committee of members sought the assistance of Clarence M. Burton, then
historian for the City of Detroit, Michigan. Burton found the expression "Nunc
Kee-wanis" in Bishop Baraga's dictionary of the Otchipew language.
The name was perfect. It satisfied founder Allen Simpson Browne, because one
variation of its meaning, "We trade," corresponded with his conception
of the new organization. He believed that better business opportunities among the members--adding up to a sort of reciprocal trade
arrangement--constituted its prime purpose.
Other members, however, believed that the group should "make a
noise"--a noticeable difference--through community service.
- Adapted from
Dimensions of Service-The Kiwanis Story.
