Led by Courtney Shropshire, a local doctor, they formed an independent service club named Civitan, derived from the Latin word for citizenship.

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.

They represent the widespread aspiration for mutual advancement, self-expression, and neighborly helpfulness.The club suffered sharp declines in membership and fundraising during the Great Depression.

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.

Compromises over issues such as the Civitan creed and membership dues allowed the ethnically diverse organization to maintain a strong sense of unity.

The Civitan International Foundation, established in 1960, provided financial support for many organizations and programs which benefited developmentally disabled individuals.

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.

While individual clubs are free to pursue their own projects, on an international level Civitan is focused on service to the developmentally disabled.

YP Civitan clubs are designed to provide community service and networking opportunities for young professionals aged 21 to 35.

"[9] Recipients of the award include Winston Churchill, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Wernher von Braun, Thor Heyerdahl, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

Civitan volunteers place boxes of mints at businesses in their community, and patrons donate money to take a piece of candy.

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.