Civitan International: Difference between revisions
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{{About|the adult service organization|the youth service organization|Junior Civitan International}} |
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{{Infobox organization |
{{Infobox organization |
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| name = Civitan International |
| name = Civitan International |
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| logo = [[ |
| logo = [[File:Civitan International new logo.png]] |
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| type = |
| type = |
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| founded_date = 1917 |
| founded_date = 1917 |
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| num_members = 40,000 |
| num_members = 40,000 |
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| owner = |
| owner = |
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| Non-profit_slogan = "Building Volunteer Leaders in Clubs Around the World" |
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| homepage = http://www.civitan.org |
| homepage = http://www.civitan.org |
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| dissolved = |
| dissolved = |
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In 1917, a group of [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]], [[Alabama]], businessmen were members of the local [[Rotary International|Rotary club]]. Many of the men thought that the club focused too much on increasing the business of club members, so they surrendered their club's charter. Led by [[Courtney Shropshire]], a local doctor, they formed an independent service club named ''Civitan'', derived from the Latin word for ''citizenship''.<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 14 }}</ref> |
In 1917, a group of [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]], [[Alabama]], businessmen were members of the local [[Rotary International|Rotary club]]. Many of the men thought that the club focused too much on increasing the business of club members, so they surrendered their club's charter. Led by [[Courtney Shropshire]], a local doctor, they formed an independent service club named ''Civitan'', derived from the Latin word for ''citizenship''.<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 14 }}</ref> |
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The United States entered [[World War I]] just one month after the club formed. With all attention focused on the war, Civitan remained a local organization. Some of the earliest projects the club undertook supported soldiers,<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.civitan.com/template.php?id=5 | title= Civitan History and Founders | work= Civitan International Website |
The United States entered [[World War I]] just one month after the club formed. With all attention focused on the war, Civitan remained a local organization. Some of the earliest projects the club undertook supported soldiers,<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.civitan.com/template.php?id=5 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110708161716/http://www.civitan.com/template.php?id=5 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 2011-07-08 | title= Civitan History and Founders | work= Civitan International Website | accessdate= 2008-05-23 }}</ref> helped European war orphans, and encouraged voter participation through the payment of [[Poll tax (United States)|poll taxes]].<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 15 }}</ref> |
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[[ |
[[File:12th Civitan Convention with Herbert Hoover.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|Herbert Hoover (bottom right) holding a reception for delegates to the 12th Civitan International Convention]] |
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Shropshire envisioned an international organization of Civitan clubs dedicated to serving humanity. The process to incorporate was begun, and the International Association of Civitan Clubs was founded in 1920. In the years immediately following World War I, the organization saw rapid growth. By June 1922 at the second international convention, delegates from 115 clubs attended; there were more than 3,300 Civitans throughout the United States. Service clubs like Civitan were extremely popular, since they promoted the spirit of optimism which characterized much of the [[Roaring Twenties]]. |
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| ⚫ | {{ |
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| ⚫ | {{Quote|text=The vast multiplication of voluntary organizations for altruistic purposes are themselves proof of the ferment of spirituality, service, and mutual responsibility. These associations for advancement of public welfare, improvement, morals, charity, public opinion, health, the clubs and societies for recreation and intellectual advancement, represent something moving at a far greater depth than "joining." They represent the widespread aspiration for mutual advancement, self-expression, and neighborly helpfulness.|author=[[Herbert Hoover]]|source=1922<ref>{{cite book |last= Hoover |first= Herbert |title= American Individualism |url= https://archive.org/details/americanindivid03hoovgoog |year= 1922 |publisher= Doubleday, Page & Company |pages= 28 }}</ref>}} |
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The club suffered sharp declines in membership and fundraising during the [[Great Depression]]. Some also questioned the necessity of service clubs after the [[New Deal]]'s creation of relief programs. The organization persevered, in part due to cooperation with Rotary, [[Kiwanis]], and [[Lions Clubs International|Lions]] clubs. One of the few bright spots in the 1930s was the creation and rapid growth of the first [[Junior Civitan]] clubs. |
The club suffered sharp declines in membership and fundraising during the [[Great Depression]]. Some also questioned the necessity of service clubs after the [[New Deal]]'s creation of relief programs. The organization persevered, in part due to cooperation with Rotary, [[Kiwanis]], and [[Lions Clubs International|Lions]] clubs. One of the few bright spots in the 1930s was the creation and rapid growth of the first [[Junior Civitan]] clubs. |
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[[File:Shadyside Civitan B-25.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|left|B-25 named after the Shadyside Civitan Club]] |
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| ⚫ | The organization experienced another noticeable drop in membership at the outbreak of World War II, since many of its civic-minded members were among the first to volunteer for military service. Civitans who remained at home organized scrap metal collections, [[war bond]] sales, and blood drives. One club in Birmingham, Alabama, held so many successful bond drives that the Army Air Forces named a [[B-25 Mitchell|B-25]]<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 51 }}</ref> and a [[P-47 Thunderbolt|P-47]]<ref>{{cite journal | last = Cundy | first = Arthur | title = Southside Club's Ladies Night Combines Business With Pleasure | journal = The Civitan | volume = XXV | issue = 11 | pages = 3 | publisher = Civitan International | location = Birmingham, AL |date=December 1944}}</ref> in the club's honor. |
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The period after World War II saw another surge in growth. There were 10,000 members by 1947,<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 69 }}</ref> with membership tripling in size between 1946 and 1956 as Civitan became the sixth largest service club in the United States.<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 67 }}</ref> By 1960, there were 34,000 active Civitans in 998 clubs.<ref name="Armbrester1992">{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 95 }}</ref> One reason that Civitan expanded so quickly was the flexibility that it allowed to clubs in other countries. Compromises over issues such as the Civitan creed and membership dues allowed the ethnically diverse organization to maintain a strong sense of unity.<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 102 }}</ref> |
The period after World War II saw another surge in growth. There were 10,000 members by 1947,<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 69 }}</ref> with membership tripling in size between 1946 and 1956 as Civitan became the sixth largest service club in the United States.<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 67 }}</ref> By 1960, there were 34,000 active Civitans in 998 clubs.<ref name="Armbrester1992">{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 95 }}</ref> One reason that Civitan expanded so quickly was the flexibility that it allowed to clubs in other countries. Compromises over issues such as the Civitan creed and membership dues allowed the ethnically diverse organization to maintain a strong sense of unity.<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 102 }}</ref> |
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===Service projects=== |
===Service projects=== |
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[[File:Civitan Club Banner.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Each club is issued a banner when it is organized. Patches are added to the banner to recognize significant awards, achievements, and milestones.]] |
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| ⚫ | On a local level, individual Civitan clubs undertake various service projects which benefit their local communities. Examples of club projects include maintaining a section of highway (the [[Tyler, Texas|Tyler]] Civitan Club was the first to volunteer for the [[Adopt a Highway]] program),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dot.state.tx.us/trv/aah/history.htm |title=History |work=Texas Department of Transportation Website |accessdate=2008-05-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509013903/http://www.dot.state.tx.us/trv/aah/history.htm |archive-date=2008-05-09 }}</ref> promoting the creation of hospitals,<ref>{{cite book |last= Lewis |first= Catherine Heniford |title= Horry County, South Carolina, 1730-1993 |year= 1998 |publisher= Univ of South Carolina Press |pages= 56 | isbn = 1-57003-207-6 }}</ref> honoring community leaders,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesnews.net/community_article.php?id=674 |title=Civitans Honor Local Volunteer |work=Tri-Cities Personal News and Media Center |date=2006-09-18 |accessdate=2008-05-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013225827/http://www.timesnews.net/community_article.php?id=674 |archive-date=October 13, 2007 }}</ref> supporting local reading programs,<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20080516/NEWS/805160315/1005/NEWS01 | title= Welcomes | work= The Dispatch | date= 2008-05-16 | accessdate= 2008-05-22 }}</ref> sponsoring children in financial need,<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.dunndailyrecord.com/main.asp?SectionID=11&SubSectionID=54&ArticleID=96898&TM=39526 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110727095600/http://www.dunndailyrecord.com/main.asp?SectionID=11&SubSectionID=54&ArticleID=96898&TM=39526 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 2011-07-27 | title= $5,000 Donated Through South Johnston Senior's Project | work= The Daily Record | date= 2008-05-15 | accessdate= 2008-05-22 }}</ref> purchasing playground equipment for developmentally disabled children,<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.tkmagazine.com/new%20biz%20news/051208_3.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110717063442/http://www.tkmagazine.com/new%20biz%20news/051208_3.html | url-status= dead | archive-date= 2011-07-17 | title= Civitan Day Camp Rededication Ceremony and "First Play Day" | work= TK Magazine | accessdate= 2008-05-22 }}</ref> and holding events for developmentally disabled individuals.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.newbernsj.com/news/fishing_39372___article.html/hurst_wednesday.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080509042252/http://www.newbernsj.com/news/fishing_39372___article.html/hurst_wednesday.html | url-status= dead | archive-date= 2008-05-09 | title= Civitans Host Special Day of Fishing | work= Sun Journal | date= 2008-05-07 | accessdate= 2008-05-22 }}</ref> Clubs operate independently of the international organization or other clubs, leaving them free to participate in whatever service they deem appropriate. |
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===Focus on developmental disabilities=== |
===Focus on developmental disabilities=== |
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While individual clubs are free to pursue their own projects, on an international level Civitan is focused on service to the developmentally disabled. This emphasis was adopted in 1956,<ref>{{cite book |last= Leonhart |first= James Chancellor |title= The Fabulous Octogenarian |year= 1962 |publisher= Redwood House, Inc. |location= Baltimore Maryland |pages= 287 }}</ref> with Civitans becoming some of the first to provide special training for teachers of developmentally disabled children.<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 74–75 }}</ref> |
While individual clubs are free to pursue their own projects, on an international level Civitan is focused on service to the developmentally disabled. This emphasis was adopted in 1956,<ref>{{cite book |last= Leonhart |first= James Chancellor |title= The Fabulous Octogenarian |year= 1962 |publisher= Redwood House, Inc. |location= Baltimore Maryland |pages= 287 }}</ref> with Civitans becoming some of the first to provide special training for teachers of developmentally disabled children.<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 74–75 }}</ref> |
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Civitan continues to focus on assisting those with developmental disabilities. In 1990, the Civitan International Research Center was established on the campus of the [[University of Alabama at Birmingham]] with a $20,000,000 grant from the Civitan International Foundation.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://circ-uab.infomedia.com/content.asp?id=98808 | title= History | work= UAB Civitan International Research Center website |
Civitan continues to focus on assisting those with developmental disabilities. In 1990, the Civitan International Research Center was established on the campus of the [[University of Alabama at Birmingham]] with a $20,000,000 grant from the Civitan International Foundation.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://circ-uab.infomedia.com/content.asp?id=98808 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070210043315/http://circ-uab.infomedia.com/content.asp?id=98808 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 2007-02-10 | title= History | work= UAB Civitan International Research Center website | accessdate= 2008-05-22 }}</ref> The Civitan International Research Center was the first institution of its kind in the United States to be focused solely on the research of developmental disabilities. Medical professionals from all over the world also come to the center for training on developmental disabilities. |
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===Clergy Appreciation Week=== |
===Clergy Appreciation Week=== |
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One of Civitan's most significant international events is '''Clergy Appreciation Week''', inspired by the story of the [[Four Chaplains]]. Begun in 1964, the [[interfaith]] event honors the sacrifice of the Four Chaplains by encouraging citizens to thank the clergy who serve their communities.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.civitan.com/template.php?t=sr&id=93 | title= Clergy Appreciation Week | work= Civitan International website | |
One of Civitan's most significant international events is '''Clergy Appreciation Week''', inspired by the story of the [[Four Chaplains]]. Begun in 1964, the [[Interfaith dialogue|interfaith]] event honors the sacrifice of the Four Chaplains by encouraging citizens to thank the clergy who serve their communities.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.civitan.com/template.php?t=sr&id=93 | title= Clergy Appreciation Week | work= Civitan International website | accessdate= 2008-05-27 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100919015559/http://civitan.com/template.php?t=sr&id=93 | archive-date= 2010-09-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 97 }}</ref> The week usually involves Civitan clubs presenting local clergy with an award or certificate of appreciation. Local mayors often sign a proclamation recognizing Clergy Appreciation Week and encouraging its observance. |
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===Junior Civitan International=== |
===Junior Civitan International=== |
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===World Citizenship Award=== |
===World Citizenship Award=== |
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[[ |
[[FIle:Eisenhower Civitan World Citizenship Award.JPG|thumb|upright=0.9|Dwight Eisenhower receives the World Citizenship Award on June 9, 1966.]] |
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Civitan has awarded its [[World Citizenship Award]] to those "who have made significant contributions to mankind."<ref name="Armbrester1992" /> Recipients of the award include [[Winston Churchill]], [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], [[Wernher von Braun]], [[Thor Heyerdahl]], and [[Eunice Kennedy Shriver]]. |
Civitan has awarded its [[World Citizenship Award]] to those "who have made significant contributions to mankind."<ref name="Armbrester1992" /> Recipients of the award include [[Winston Churchill]], [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], [[Wernher von Braun]], [[Thor Heyerdahl]], and [[Eunice Kennedy Shriver]]. |
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===Candy Box Project=== |
===Candy Box Project=== |
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The '''Civitan Candy Box Project''', one of Civitan's oldest and most successful fundraising programs, has raised $50,000,000 since its inception in 1976. Civitan volunteers place boxes of mints at businesses in their community, and patrons donate money to take a piece of candy. Volunteers collect the money, keeping some for club service projects and sending the rest to Civitan International for its charitable projects.<ref>{{cite news |
The '''Civitan Candy Box Project''', one of Civitan's oldest and most successful fundraising programs, has raised $50,000,000 since its inception in 1976. Civitan volunteers place boxes of mints at businesses in their community, and patrons donate money to take a piece of candy. Volunteers collect the money, keeping some for club service projects and sending the rest to Civitan International for its charitable projects.<ref>{{cite news | last = McCann | first = John | title = Through Civitans, spare change you can believe in | publisher = The Herald-Sun | date = 12 January 2009 | url = http://heraldsun.southernheadlines.com/durham/4-1068312.cfm? | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151018203046/http://heraldsun.southernheadlines.com/durham/4-1068312.cfm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 18 October 2015 | accessdate = 21 January 2009 }}</ref> |
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===Claxton fruitcake sales=== |
===Claxton fruitcake sales=== |
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Civitan's other important fundraiser involves the sale of [[The Claxton Bakery|Claxton Bakery's]] fruitcakes. This partnership began in 1951 when Tampa Civitan club (#0202) member Earl Carver enjoyed the cake so much that he suggested they be sold nationally as a fundraiser.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.civitan.com/template.php?id=5 | title= Civitan History and Founders | work= Civitan International Website |
Civitan's other important fundraiser involves the sale of [[The Claxton Bakery|Claxton Bakery's]] fruitcakes. This partnership began in 1951 when Tampa Civitan club (#0202) member Earl Carver enjoyed the cake so much that he suggested they be sold nationally as a fundraiser.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.civitan.com/template.php?id=5 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110708161716/http://www.civitan.com/template.php?id=5 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 2011-07-08 | title= Civitan History and Founders | work= Civitan International Website | accessdate= 2008-05-27 }}</ref> Each year during the holiday season, local Civitan clubs sell millions of pounds of fruitcake.<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 72 }}</ref> The proceeds from these sales benefit Civitan International's work with developmentally disabled persons. |
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==International activities== |
==International activities== |
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Civitan has clubs in |
Civitan has clubs in 49 countries and maintains a strong international focus. Because of its long history of service in [[West Africa]], Civitan was invited by the [[Special Court for Sierra Leone]] to monitor the [[war crime]]s trial of former [[Liberia]]n President [[Charles Taylor (Liberia)|Charles Taylor]], held at the [[International Criminal Court]] facilities in [[The Hague]].<ref>{{cite journal | title = Borderless Civitan | journal = Civitan Magazine | volume = 87 | issue = 4 | pages = 10 | publisher = Civitan International | location = Birmingham, AL | date = Spring 2008 }}</ref> Civitan clubs are active in the following countries:<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.civitan.com/template.php?id=153 | title= Civitan Around the World | work= Civitan International Website | accessdate= 2008-05-22 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100919021128/http://civitan.com/template.php?id=153 | archive-date= 2010-09-19 }}</ref> |
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{{col |
{{div col|colwidth=22em}} |
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{{col-3}} |
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* [[Bangladesh]] |
* [[Bangladesh]] |
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* [[Cameroon]] |
* [[Cameroon]] |
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* [[India]] |
* [[India]] |
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* [[Italy]] |
* [[Italy]] |
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{{col-3}} |
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* [[Japan]] |
* [[Japan]] |
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* [[Jordan]] |
* [[Jordan]] |
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* [[Romania]] |
* [[Romania]] |
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* [[Russia]] |
* [[Russia]] |
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{{col-3}} |
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* [[Senegal]] |
* [[Senegal]] |
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* [[Sierra Leone]] |
* [[Sierra Leone]] |
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* [[Ukraine]] |
* [[Ukraine]] |
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* [[United Kingdom]] |
* [[United Kingdom]] |
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* [[United States of America]] |
* [[United States|United States of America]] |
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{{col |
{{div col end}} |
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== |
==Notable Civitans== |
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[[ |
[[File:JakeDelhomme&KevinWeb.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Jake Delhomme]] appearing in a Civitan [[public service announcement]].]] |
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Several well-known individuals have been Civitans, including:<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.civitan.com/template.php?id=112 | title= Famous Civitans | work= Civitan International Website | |
Several well-known individuals have been Civitans, including:<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.civitan.com/template.php?id=112 | title= Famous Civitans | work= Civitan International Website | accessdate= 2008-11-04 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100919042724/http://civitan.com/template.php?id=112 | archive-date= 2010-09-19 }}</ref> |
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* [[Thomas Edison]] |
* [[Thomas Edison]] |
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* President [[Calvin Coolidge]] |
* President [[Calvin Coolidge]] |
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* President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], charter member of the New York Civitan Club<ref name="query.nytimes">{{cite news |
* President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], charter member of the New York Civitan Club<ref name="query.nytimes">{{cite news | title = Civitans Organize Here | work = The New York Times | date = 16 June 1922 | url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1922/06/16/109843036.pdf | accessdate = 21 January 2009 }}</ref> |
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* Rep. [[Joseph W. Byrns |
* Rep. [[Joseph W. Byrns Sr.]], [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|Speaker of the House]] under Franklin D. Roosevelt from January 3, 1935 to June 4, 1936 |
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* President [[John F. Kennedy]] |
* President [[John F. Kennedy]] |
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* President [[Harry Truman]] |
* President [[Harry Truman]] |
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* [[Bo Jackson]] |
* [[Bo Jackson]] |
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* [[Frank Thomas (AL baseball player)|Frank Thomas]] |
* [[Frank Thomas (AL baseball player)|Frank Thomas]] |
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* [[Richard Rohmer]], who served as a Civitan district governor and international treasurer.<ref>{{cite book |last= Rohmer |first= Richard |title= Generally Speaking: The Memoirs of Major-General Richard Rohmer |year= 2004 |publisher= Dundurn Press Ltd. |pages= 254 |
* [[Richard Rohmer]], who served as a Civitan district governor and international treasurer.<ref>{{cite book |last= Rohmer |first= Richard |title= Generally Speaking: The Memoirs of Major-General Richard Rohmer |year= 2004 |publisher= Dundurn Press Ltd. |pages= [https://archive.org/details/generallyspeakin0000rohm/page/254 254] |isbn= 1-55002-518-X |url= https://archive.org/details/generallyspeakin0000rohm/page/254 }}</ref> |
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* [[Richmond H. Hilton]], [[Medal of Honor]] recipient.<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 43 }}</ref> |
* [[Richmond H. Hilton]], [[Medal of Honor]] recipient.<ref>{{cite book |last= Armbrester |first= Margaret E. |title= The Civitan Story |year= 1992 |publisher= Ebsco Media |location= Birmingham, AL |pages= 43 }}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{ |
{{Reflist|2}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* [http://www.circ.uab.edu Civitan International Research Center Web Page] |
* [http://www.circ.uab.edu Civitan International Research Center Web Page] |
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* [http://www.civitan.de Civitan International District Germany] |
* [http://www.civitan.de Civitan International District Germany] |
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* [https://civitan.wordpress.com Civitan International Italian Language Website] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170203081940/https://civitan.wordpress.com/ Civitan International Italian Language Website] |
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* [http://www.civitan-romatevere.it Civitan Club Roma Tevere - Italy] |
* [http://www.civitan-romatevere.it Civitan Club Roma Tevere - Italy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521184554/http://www.civitan-romatevere.it/ |date=2022-05-21 }} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:Organizations based in Birmingham, Alabama]] |
[[Category:Organizations based in Birmingham, Alabama]] |
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[[Category:Organizations established in 1917]] |
[[Category:Organizations established in 1917]] |
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[[Category:Fraternal service organizations]] |
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[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Alabama]] |
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Alabama]] |
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[[Category:Service organizations based in the United States]] |
[[Category:Service organizations based in the United States]] |
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Latest revision as of 17:16, 31 December 2023
| Founded | 1917 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Courtney Shropshire |
| Focus | Developmental Disabilities |
| Location | |
Area served | Worldwide in 42 countries |
| Method | Community service through service clubs, charitable grants |
Members | 40,000 |
Revenue | US$ 2,200,000 (2007) |
| Website | http://www.civitan.org |
Civitan International, based in Birmingham, Alabama, is an association of community service clubs founded in 1917. The organization aims "to build good citizenship by providing a volunteer organization of clubs dedicated to serving individual and community needs with an emphasis on helping people with developmental disabilities." The organization includes 40,000 members (referred to as Civitans) in almost 1,000 clubs around the world.
History[edit]
In 1917, a group of Birmingham, Alabama, businessmen were members of the local Rotary club. Many of the men thought that the club focused too much on increasing the business of club members, so they surrendered their club's charter. Led by Courtney Shropshire, a local doctor, they formed an independent service club named Civitan, derived from the Latin word for citizenship.[1]
The United States entered World War I just one month after the club formed. With all attention focused on the war, Civitan remained a local organization. Some of the earliest projects the club undertook supported soldiers,[2] helped European war orphans, and encouraged voter participation through the payment of poll taxes.[3]
Shropshire envisioned an international organization of Civitan clubs dedicated to serving humanity. The process to incorporate was begun, and the International Association of Civitan Clubs was founded in 1920. In the years immediately following World War I, the organization saw rapid growth. By June 1922 at the second international convention, delegates from 115 clubs attended; there were more than 3,300 Civitans throughout the United States. Service clubs like Civitan were extremely popular, since they promoted the spirit of optimism which characterized much of the Roaring Twenties.
The vast multiplication of voluntary organizations for altruistic purposes are themselves proof of the ferment of spirituality, service, and mutual responsibility. These associations for advancement of public welfare, improvement, morals, charity, public opinion, health, the clubs and societies for recreation and intellectual advancement, represent something moving at a far greater depth than "joining." They represent the widespread aspiration for mutual advancement, self-expression, and neighborly helpfulness.
— Herbert Hoover, 1922[4]
The club suffered sharp declines in membership and fundraising during the Great Depression. Some also questioned the necessity of service clubs after the New Deal's creation of relief programs. The organization persevered, in part due to cooperation with Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions clubs. One of the few bright spots in the 1930s was the creation and rapid growth of the first Junior Civitan clubs.
The organization experienced another noticeable drop in membership at the outbreak of World War II, since many of its civic-minded members were among the first to volunteer for military service. Civitans who remained at home organized scrap metal collections, war bond sales, and blood drives. One club in Birmingham, Alabama, held so many successful bond drives that the Army Air Forces named a B-25[5] and a P-47[6] in the club's honor.
The period after World War II saw another surge in growth. There were 10,000 members by 1947,[7] with membership tripling in size between 1946 and 1956 as Civitan became the sixth largest service club in the United States.[8] By 1960, there were 34,000 active Civitans in 998 clubs.[9] One reason that Civitan expanded so quickly was the flexibility that it allowed to clubs in other countries. Compromises over issues such as the Civitan creed and membership dues allowed the ethnically diverse organization to maintain a strong sense of unity.[10]
By the 1950s, Civitan's focus had shifted to helping the developmentally disabled. The Civitan International Foundation, established in 1960, provided financial support for many organizations and programs which benefited developmentally disabled individuals. By 2005, the Civitan International Foundation had provided $13,000,000 in grants to the UAB Civitan International Research Center, the first institution in the United States to focus solely on researching developmental disabilities.[11]
Charitable work[edit]
Service projects[edit]
On a local level, individual Civitan clubs undertake various service projects which benefit their local communities. Examples of club projects include maintaining a section of highway (the Tyler Civitan Club was the first to volunteer for the Adopt a Highway program),[12] promoting the creation of hospitals,[13] honoring community leaders,[14] supporting local reading programs,[15] sponsoring children in financial need,[16] purchasing playground equipment for developmentally disabled children,[17] and holding events for developmentally disabled individuals.[18] Clubs operate independently of the international organization or other clubs, leaving them free to participate in whatever service they deem appropriate.
Focus on developmental disabilities[edit]
While individual clubs are free to pursue their own projects, on an international level Civitan is focused on service to the developmentally disabled. This emphasis was adopted in 1956,[19] with Civitans becoming some of the first to provide special training for teachers of developmentally disabled children.[20]
Civitan continues to focus on assisting those with developmental disabilities. In 1990, the Civitan International Research Center was established on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a $20,000,000 grant from the Civitan International Foundation.[21] The Civitan International Research Center was the first institution of its kind in the United States to be focused solely on the research of developmental disabilities. Medical professionals from all over the world also come to the center for training on developmental disabilities.
Clergy Appreciation Week[edit]
One of Civitan's most significant international events is Clergy Appreciation Week, inspired by the story of the Four Chaplains. Begun in 1964, the interfaith event honors the sacrifice of the Four Chaplains by encouraging citizens to thank the clergy who serve their communities.[22][23] The week usually involves Civitan clubs presenting local clergy with an award or certificate of appreciation. Local mayors often sign a proclamation recognizing Clergy Appreciation Week and encouraging its observance.
Junior Civitan International[edit]
Junior Civitan International is one of Civitan's oldest and most successful programs. Students between the ages of 13 and 18 can join a Junior Civitan club at their school or in their community. Each Junior Civitan club is sponsored by a senior Civitan club and promotes student leadership, character development, and community service.
YP Civitan[edit]
YP Civitan clubs are designed to provide community service and networking opportunities for young professionals aged 21 to 35. YP Civitan of Greensboro, North Carolina was chartered on June 25, 2013 as the first YP Civitan club.[24]
World Citizenship Award[edit]
Civitan has awarded its World Citizenship Award to those "who have made significant contributions to mankind."[9] Recipients of the award include Winston Churchill, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Wernher von Braun, Thor Heyerdahl, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
Candy Box Project[edit]
The Civitan Candy Box Project, one of Civitan's oldest and most successful fundraising programs, has raised $50,000,000 since its inception in 1976. Civitan volunteers place boxes of mints at businesses in their community, and patrons donate money to take a piece of candy. Volunteers collect the money, keeping some for club service projects and sending the rest to Civitan International for its charitable projects.[25]
Claxton fruitcake sales[edit]
Civitan's other important fundraiser involves the sale of Claxton Bakery's fruitcakes. This partnership began in 1951 when Tampa Civitan club (#0202) member Earl Carver enjoyed the cake so much that he suggested they be sold nationally as a fundraiser.[26] Each year during the holiday season, local Civitan clubs sell millions of pounds of fruitcake.[27] The proceeds from these sales benefit Civitan International's work with developmentally disabled persons.
International activities[edit]
Civitan has clubs in 49 countries and maintains a strong international focus. Because of its long history of service in West Africa, Civitan was invited by the Special Court for Sierra Leone to monitor the war crimes trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, held at the International Criminal Court facilities in The Hague.[28] Civitan clubs are active in the following countries:[29]
- Bangladesh
- Cameroon
- Canada
- China
- Ivory Coast
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Haiti
- Hungary
- India
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Romania
- Russia
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Slovakia
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Taiwan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
Notable Civitans[edit]
Several well-known individuals have been Civitans, including:[30]
- Thomas Edison
- President Calvin Coolidge
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt, charter member of the New York Civitan Club[31]
- Rep. Joseph W. Byrns Sr., Speaker of the House under Franklin D. Roosevelt from January 3, 1935 to June 4, 1936
- President John F. Kennedy
- President Harry Truman
- Jake Delhomme, former NFL quarterback
- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black
- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ed Sanford
- General John Pershing
- Cornelius Vanderbilt IV, charter member of the New York Civitan Club[31]
- Richard Petty
- Bo Jackson
- Frank Thomas
- Richard Rohmer, who served as a Civitan district governor and international treasurer.[32]
- Richmond H. Hilton, Medal of Honor recipient.[33]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Armbrester, Margaret E. (1992). The Civitan Story. Birmingham, AL: Ebsco Media. p. 14.
- ^ "Civitan History and Founders". Civitan International Website. Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2008-05-23.
- ^ Armbrester, Margaret E. (1992). The Civitan Story. Birmingham, AL: Ebsco Media. p. 15.
- ^ Hoover, Herbert (1922). American Individualism. Doubleday, Page & Company. p. 28.
- ^ Armbrester, Margaret E. (1992). The Civitan Story. Birmingham, AL: Ebsco Media. p. 51.
- ^ Cundy, Arthur (December 1944). "Southside Club's Ladies Night Combines Business With Pleasure". The Civitan. XXV (11). Birmingham, AL: Civitan International: 3.
- ^ Armbrester, Margaret E. (1992). The Civitan Story. Birmingham, AL: Ebsco Media. p. 69.
- ^ Armbrester, Margaret E. (1992). The Civitan Story. Birmingham, AL: Ebsco Media. p. 67.
- ^ a b Armbrester, Margaret E. (1992). The Civitan Story. Birmingham, AL: Ebsco Media. p. 95.
- ^ Armbrester, Margaret E. (1992). The Civitan Story. Birmingham, AL: Ebsco Media. p. 102.
- ^ "UAB center receives $920,000 grant from Civitan International". Birmingham Business Journal. 2005-11-08. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
- ^ "History". Texas Department of Transportation Website. Archived from the original on 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2008-05-28.
- ^ Lewis, Catherine Heniford (1998). Horry County, South Carolina, 1730-1993. Univ of South Carolina Press. p. 56. ISBN 1-57003-207-6.
- ^ "Civitans Honor Local Volunteer". Tri-Cities Personal News and Media Center. 2006-09-18. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
- ^ "Welcomes". The Dispatch. 2008-05-16. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
- ^ "$5,000 Donated Through South Johnston Senior's Project". The Daily Record. 2008-05-15. Archived from the original on 2011-07-27. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
- ^ "Civitan Day Camp Rededication Ceremony and "First Play Day"". TK Magazine. Archived from the original on 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
- ^ "Civitans Host Special Day of Fishing". Sun Journal. 2008-05-07. Archived from the original on 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
- ^ Leonhart, James Chancellor (1962). The Fabulous Octogenarian. Baltimore Maryland: Redwood House, Inc. p. 287.
- ^ Armbrester, Margaret E. (1992). The Civitan Story. Birmingham, AL: Ebsco Media. pp. 74–75.
- ^ "History". UAB Civitan International Research Center website. Archived from the original on 2007-02-10. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
- ^ "Clergy Appreciation Week". Civitan International website. Archived from the original on 2010-09-19. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
- ^ Armbrester, Margaret E. (1992). The Civitan Story. Birmingham, AL: Ebsco Media. p. 97.
- ^ YP Civitan of Greensboro
- ^ McCann, John (12 January 2009). "Through Civitans, spare change you can believe in". The Herald-Sun. Archived from the original on 18 October 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2009.
- ^ "Civitan History and Founders". Civitan International Website. Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
- ^ Armbrester, Margaret E. (1992). The Civitan Story. Birmingham, AL: Ebsco Media. p. 72.
- ^ "Borderless Civitan". Civitan Magazine. 87 (4). Birmingham, AL: Civitan International: 10. Spring 2008.
- ^ "Civitan Around the World". Civitan International Website. Archived from the original on 2010-09-19. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
- ^ "Famous Civitans". Civitan International Website. Archived from the original on 2010-09-19. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
- ^ a b "Civitans Organize Here" (PDF). The New York Times. 16 June 1922. Retrieved 21 January 2009.
- ^ Rohmer, Richard (2004). Generally Speaking: The Memoirs of Major-General Richard Rohmer. Dundurn Press Ltd. pp. 254. ISBN 1-55002-518-X.
- ^ Armbrester, Margaret E. (1992). The Civitan Story. Birmingham, AL: Ebsco Media. p. 43.
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