Civitan International Information

Civitan is an international community service organization which was founded in 1917 by a group of business men in Birmingham, Alabama.  They began meeting to discuss ways to improve their community, and Civitan International was established three years later. 

The name Civitan is a Latin word meaning citizenship.  The motto for Civitan is "Builders of Good Citizenship".  Since the 1930's, Civitan International's major focus has been toward helping people with mental disabilities.  Civitan International supports the Civitan International Research Center, located on the campus of UAB in Birmingham.  This research center has already located the gene that is directly linked to mental disabilities and is currently seeking methods to correct this defect.

In 1974, Civitan became the first previously all-male service organization to welcome women as equal members.  During the 2004-2005 year, our International President was Dr. Bobbie Walden, from the Gadsden area.  Under her leadership, Civitan experienced one of the best years ever. 

Gadsden is located in northeast Alabama on the banks of the Coosa River.  We are located approximately 60 miles north of Birmingham, just off Interstate I-59.

The Gadsden Civitan Club is a non-profit voluntary organization which currently has approximately 45 members.  Our membership is a diverse group of men and women who seek to improve their community, especially we focus on helping those individuals that are mentally challenged.

We participate in several service projects during the year, such as being "bellringers" for the Salvation Army's kettle drive during the holidays.  Our main project is the Snellgrove Civitan Center in East Gadsden.  This Center instructs mentally challenged adults five days per week.  The students learn at the level they are capable of and are encouraged to broaden their knowledge and participation in other areas of society.

Our club recently purchased a van for the center to use while transporting students to and from home and extracurricular activities such as bowling.  We also host a golf tournament with all proceeds going to their facilities.

Visitors and potential members are welcome to attend any meeting.  We meet each Wednesday at noon with cafe style service from the Gadsden State Community College cafeteria, located at the intersection of George Wallace Drive and Interstate I-759.  We have a time of fellowship around the table before and during lunch.  Our speaker makes their presentation/remarks and the entire meeting concludes at or before 1:00 PM, so we are out in time to return to the office.