WHO ARE THE SOMERSET PIONEER LIONS?
Membership
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with 1.3 million members in 45,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographic areas. Lions are men and women who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes. Founded in 1917, the association's motto is "We Serve."
Service to Others
Worldwide, Lions are recognized for their service to people who are blind and visually impaired. This service began when Helen Keller challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" during the 1925 Lions Clubs International Convention.
Today Lions extend their commitment to sight conservation through countless local efforts, as well as through their international SightFirst Program, which works to eradicate blindness. Lions also collect and recycle eyeglasses for distribution in developing countries year-round and especially during May, which is Lions Recycle for Sight Month, and October as a way to mark Lions World Sight Day, which is held the second Thursday of each October.
In addition, Lions make a strong commitment to young people through many youth programs. Lions 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.
Based on a recent report of the Lions clubs worldwide, it is estimated that each year Lions clubs donate approximately $449 million and 76 million hours, which is equivalent to more than 31,000 people working full time for the year.
Association's Name
The official name of the association is "The International Association of Lions Clubs" or simply "Lions Clubs International." The name Lions was chosen because of the symbolism of what a lion animal represents - courage, strength, activity and fidelity.
Mission Statement
To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation.
Motto
The Lions motto is "We Serve." It was adopted at the 1954 International Convention, after being selected from more than 6,000 suggestions from members worldwide.
Slogan
Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety. It was adopted at the 1919 International Convention.
Official Colors
Purple and Gold were chosen when the association was founded in 1917. The purple represents loyalty to country, friends, and one's self and to the integrity of mind and heart. It is the color of strength, courage and dedication to a cause. Gold symbolizes sincerity of purpose, liberty in judgment, purity in life and generosity in mind, heart and commitment to mankind. Often, a dark blue is used in place of the purple.
Official Emblem
The current Lion emblem (or logo) was adopted at the 1919 convention. It consists of a gold letter "L" on a circular purple (or blue) field. Bordering this is a circular gold area with two Lion profiles facing away from the center. The Lions face both past and future - showing both pride of heritage and confidence in the future. The word "Lions" appears at the top and "International" at the bottom.
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.
