What We Do

Famed inventor and Civitan member Thomas Edison summed up Civitan's commitment to "doing things - big things - for the community, state and nation."
    Today, Civitans are more committed than ever to making life better in their communities – with a special dedication to helping the developmentally disabled.

  

THE CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER
In 1989, the Civitan International Foundation awarded a 20-year grant of up to one million dollars per year to The University of Alabama at Birmingham for the Civitan International Research Center (CIRC), the first institution of its kind in the United States to be solely dedicated to research of developmental disabilities.The CIRC conducts research breaking ground in many areas, improving the lives of people at risk for, or affected by, developmental disabilities. Learn More Here.
CLERGY APPRECIATION WEEK
Every year, during the week of February 3rd for Clergy Appreciation Week. Inspired by the heroism of 4 military chaplains who gave up their life vests during the 1943 sinking of the USS Dorchester, Civitans honor the work all clergy do for our communities. For more information on planning your club's Clergy Appreciation Week, click here.
CIVITAN AWARENESS MONTH
During Civitan Awareness Month in April, Civitan clubs receive recognition from radio, television and print media, receive proclamations from local, state and national politicians, and conduct special events and observances to recognize outstanding members and projects and to spread the Civitan spirit of service. Visit the public relations page for more information on planning your awareness month, and for promotional materials available from Civitan.


A D D I T I O N A L   L I N K S

NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETYThe mission of the National Down Syndrome Society to ensure that all people with Down syndrome are provided the opportunity to achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives. http://www.ndss.org
THE AMERICAN ACADEMY FOR CEREBRAL PALSY AND DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE is a multidisciplinary scientific society devoted to the study, research and treatment of cerebral palsy and other childhood onset disabilities. http://www.aacpdm.org/
THE VOICE OF THE RETARDEDVOR addresses issues of quality of life and choice for persons with mental retardation within residential options through advocacy efforts in the courts, in Congress, the state legislatures, and in all policy making offices. http://www.vor.net
AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA(ASA) is the leading voice and resource of the entire autism community in education, advocacy, services, research and support through meaningful participation and self-determination in all aspects of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. http://www.autism-society.org
THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (formerly the American Association on Mental Retardation) promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. http://www.aamr.org/
THE ARC of the United States (formerly the Association for Retarded Citizens) is a network of members and affiliated chapter working for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. http://www.thearc.org