The International Association of Lions Clubs began as the dream of Chicago businessman Melvin Jones. He believed that local business clubs should expand their horizons from purely professional concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world at large.

Jones' group, the Business Circle of Chicago, agreed. After contacting similar groups around the United States, an organizational meeting was held on June 7, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The new group took the name of one of the invited groups, the "Association of Lions Clubs," and a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas, USA in October of that year. A constitution, by-laws, objects and code of ethics were approval.

Just three years after its formation, the association became international when the first club in Canada was established in 1920. Major international expansion continued as clubs were established, particularly throughout Europe, Asia and Africa during the 1950s and '60s.

In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions international convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, USA. She challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." From this time, Lions clubs have been actively involved in service to the blind and visually impaired.

In addition to sight programs, Lions Clubs International is committed to providing services for youth. Lions clubs also work to improve the environment, build homes for the disabled, support diabetes education, conduct hearing programs and, through their foundation, provide disaster relief around the world.

Lions Clubs International has grown to include 1.3 million men and women in approximately 45,000 clubs located in 201 countries and geographic areas.

From 1946 to 1956 there was a Norwood Lions Club.  We recently received several copies of news articles of this group and we would love to learn more.  Click here to view the following articles-Charter 1947, Officer Installation 1947,  Officer Installation 1951 and Lions Women's Charter.  We also have learned that there was another Lions charter for Norwood Lions in 1984.  This club lasted 1 year before it ceased to exist.  If you have any information about these clubs we would love to hear from you.  Please contact us on our contact page if you have any information for us.

Our current Norwood-Young America Lions Club was chartered 1988 with approximately 20 members.  In 1998 Lions was a men's only club.  NYA Lions is now for both men and women.  NYA Lions later sponsored the chartering of the NYA Lioness Club which has since become the West Carver Lions Club.  The NYA Lions now have 35+ members.!

One of the first funding projects that was used was Christmas tree sales.  This funding project has continued since and continues to be one of the Lions largest fundraisers.

Past NYA Lions Presidents