Youngstown Kiwanis Club’s century of stellar service

Over the years, good- natured disputes have arisen over the precise etymology of the word Kiwanis, the curious-sounding name of one of the world’s largest, strongest and proudest service organizations.

Some have attributed it to giiwanizi from the Chippewa word with the unflattering definition of “fooling around.”

Others, including The Random House Dictionary, have claimed that it’s derived from an Algonquian language dialect meaning “To make oneself learn.”

Still others argue that Kiwanis is taken from the Native American phrase Nunc Kee wanis meaning “We trade” or “We trade our talents.”

The Detroit founders of the service club in 1915 preferred to translate it as “We Build,” which stuck as the motto of the group over its first eight decades.

Though some good-hearted disputes may linger over the true translation of Kiwanis, there can be no disputing the true reputation of the group as one of the most-committed and productive service organizations in our world, nation and community.

As the Kiwanis Club of Youngstown celebrates its 100th anniversary this week, it is an opportune time to salute its indisputably strong century of service, support its myriad good works today and to wish it growth and continued success in the years and decades ahead.

ONE OF FIRST IN NATION

The origins of the Youngstown chapter date back to July 29, 1916, when it was chartered as the 15th Kiwanis Club in the United States. Today, the organization boasts about 7,300 chapters and 260,000 members in 85 countries.

Over those 100 years, Youngstown Kiwanians have remained on the cutting edge in initiatives that contribute to the betterment of Youngstown and its environs and in recruiting some of the greatest movers and shakers in government and business in the Mahoning Valley.

Among them have been stalwart lawyer and Judge Henry Robinson, former U.S. Rep. Michael Kirwan, legendary Vindicator Political Editor Clingan Jackson, former city schools Superintendent J. Harry Wanamaker, real-estate giant Arthur Lewis and 21 WFMJ’s Mitch Stanley, who in 1955 initiated the club’s radio auction that remains the organization’s chief annual fundraiser to this day.

Throughout those years, the beneficiaries of Youngstown Kiwanians’ generosity have been many and varied. A short list of those receiving financial and/or hands-on support includes the Boy and Girl Scouts organization, Boys & Girls Clubs of Youngstown, First Night Youngstown, CityScape, Rich Center for Autism, The Vindicator Regional Spelling Bee, Campfire USA, Potential Development Center, OH WOW! children’s museum, the downtown YMCA and countless schools and youth organizations.

As one can see, many of those good works share one important common denominator: children. Indeed, children have become the major focus of the local and international organization. Eleven years ago, the group adopted a new motto – “Serving the Children of the World” – to reflect that shared commitment.

Over the Youngstown Kiwanis Club’s century of benevolence, one constant has remained. Group members have gathered religiously every Friday in downtown Youngstown’s Central YMCA for luncheon meetings and programs. A recent visit there would find planning in full swing for projects to keep the tradition of selfless service alive and well.

In fact, as part of its centennial observance this week, devoted Kiwanians will roll up their sleeves to make their mark on the Taft Promise Neighborhood initiative in the city. The club has committed $10,000 toward the project to repair, improve and expand the Taft School playground on the South Side. On Wednesday and Thursday, members and other supporters will be there to make that magical transformation a reality.

On Friday night, the group will host a gala 100th anniversary dinner and program at Tippecanoe Country Club in Canfield. All current and former members won’t want to miss it. There, members and alumni will reminisce on the organization’s legacy of compassionate community giving. They also should savor the group’s reputation as one of the most-inclusive service groups in the world, with affiliated clubs targeting young people from elementary school through college.

Clearly, past and present Youngstown Kiwanians have earned the right to take a bow for their myriad achievements tied to their noble quest to “improve the world, one child and one community at a time.”