In 1974 Civitan became the first organization of its type to actively seek both men and women members. Civitan offers the most diversity in the types for clubs available throughout the world.
Most Civitan clubs charter as traditional meal-meeting clubs.
Meetings are held weekly or semi-monthly at a restaurant. Clubs may meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These clubs do not have meals during their meetings but rather a social half hour prior to the meeting. Meetings are one-hour in length. The concept was created to give single adults the opportunity to get involved in community activities and meet new friends in a wholesome, respectable atmosphere.