History of Kiwanis Poland

The idea of Kiwanis International as one of the greatest international charity organizations with over 90 years of American tradition, dedicated to helping the children of the world: "Serving the Children of the World", was impressed on Poland over seventeen years ago. Kiwanis International was founded in Detroit in 1915. The first European club was created in Vienna, Austria, in 1963.

The first Kiwanis International Club in Poland, east of the Laba river,was created on 6th May 1991 in Gdansk. The initiators were Wieslaw Kobylinski and Mieczyslaw Preis, both connected with the artist's society of the coast area.

Because of their contacts in this society they got to know the Kiwanis movement, particularly in Mannheim. The mayor of Frankental, Mr. Popitz and prof. Kohl, as the leaders of K.I. club " Manheim - Ludwigshafen" took the patronage of creating the club "Gdansk".

The Polish District was formed in 2001.

The next clubs founded with Mietek Preis`s initiative were: K.I. Club "Olsztyn", "Poznań", "Puławy" and "Lublin".

The end of 90`s and the beginning of XXI century were a period of rapid membership increase. This is the contribution of Wanda Kobylinski`s intense activities. At the same time Wiktor Nawratil founded new clubs in the Silesia region.

In 2001 the Polish District was created. The honour of the first Governorship was awarded to Jacek Sobocinski. He held the position for two terms.

Passing the chain, as a symbol of authority, on to the Governor's successor at a District's Convention, is one of our organization's traditions. The names of the following Governors have been immortalized by carving the period of their terms on a metal plaque. The Polish Governor's chain includes the following names: Jacek Sobociński 2002-2003; Kazimierz Ciesielski 2003-2004; Marek Szarata 2004-2005; Anna Maldzis 2005; Grażyna Psiuch 2005-2006, Renata Orłowska 2006-2007; Anna Ciosk 2007-2008. A medal crowns the chain with the signs and text on the reverse KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL, POLAND, GOVERNOR, on the face: "Poland, welcome to the family of Kiwanis Clubs, Region Iceland, Faroe Islands 2003".

At present the Governor of Kiwanis Poland is Miroslawa "Mira" Harman from Gdansk (2008-2009). The governor Elect is Ryszard Gruda, also from Gdansk.

Polish District as District in Formation functions within European Federation of Kiwanis International which is located in Gent, Belgium. The headquarter of Kiwanis International is situated in Indianapolis, USA.