In 1917, Melvin Jones, a Chicago business leader, told members of his local business club they should reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. 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 a code of ethics were approved.
Within three years, Lions became an international organization. Since then, we've earned high marks for both integrity and transparency. We're a well-run organization with a steady vision, a clear mission, and a long – and proud – history.
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization. We have 1.35 million members in more than 45,000 clubs worldwide.
Lions are everywhere. We're active men and women in more than 206 countries and geographic areas.
Lions have a dynamic history. Founded in 1917, we are best known for fighting blindness – it's part of our history as well as our work today. But we also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects – including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.
Lions give sight. By conducting vision screenings, equipping hospitals and clinics, distributing medicine and raising awareness of eye disease, Lions work toward their mission of providing vision for all. We have extended our commitment to sight conservation through countless local efforts and through our international SightFirst Program, which works to eradicate blindness.
Lions serve youth. Our community projects often support local children and schools through scholarships, recreation and mentoring. Internationally, we offer many programs, including the Peace Poster Contest, Youth Camps and Exchange and Lions Quest.
Our Leo Program provides the youth of the world with an opportunity for personal development through volunteering. There are approximately 144,000 Leos and 5,700 Leo clubs in more than 140 countries worldwide.
Lions award grants. Since 1968, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has awarded more than US$700 million in grants to support Lions humanitarian projects around the world. LCIF was also ranked the number one nongovernmental organization in a 2007 study by The Financial Times.
Together, our Foundation and Lions are helping communities following natural disasters by providing for immediate needs such as food, water, clothing and medical supplies – and aiding in long-term reconstruction.
Lions are active. Our motto is "We Serve." Lions are part of a global service network, doing whatever is necessary to help our local communities
Lions 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.
Lions Objects
TO CREATE: and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.
TO PROMOTE: the principles of good government and good citizenship.
TO TAKE: an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.
TO UNITE the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.
TO PROVIDE a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members.
TO ENCOURAGE: service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.
Lions Code of Ethics
TO SHOW my faith in the worthiness of my vocation by industrious application to the end that I may merit a reputation for quality of service.
TO SEEK success and to demand all fair remuneration or profit as my just due, but to
accept no profit or success at the price of my own self-respect lost because of unfair advantage taken or because of questionable acts on my part.
TO REMEMBER that in building up my business it is not necessary to tear down another’s; to be loyal to my clients or customers and true to myself. Whenever a doubt arises as to the right or ethics of my position or action towards others, to resolve such doubt against myself.
TO HOLD friendship as an end and not a means. To hold that true friendship exists not on account of the service performed by one to another, but that true friendship demands nothing but accepts service in the spirit in which it is given.
ALWAYS TO BEAR in mind my obligations as a citizen to my nation, my state and my community, and to give them my unswerving loyalty in word, act and deed. To give them freely of my time, labour, and
means.
TO AID others by giving my sympathy to those in distress, my aid to the weak, and my substance to the needy.
TO BE CAREFUL with my criticism and liberal with my praise; to build up and not destroy.
The Lions Creed
He who achieves, lives well,
Laughs often, loves all human kind,
Gains the respect of intelligent people,
And the Love of little children,
He fills his niche, does his work well,
And makes God’s world a better place than it was,
By just a bright flower, a perfect poem.
A human soul awake to its own loveliness,
He feels the glow of beauty in all his life,
And never fails to voice his praise of it.
He sees the best there is in his fellow men
And gives the best to them the best there is in him.
His life is one vast inspiration –
THAT PERSON IS A LION
The Lions Prayer
Almighty God, Father of all mankind.
We thank you for the many gifts received at our hands.
We pray that we may be worthy of the gifts, and use them,
And all our talents to your glory and the services of our fellow men.
Give us and all brotherhood of Lions a greater
Love of those among whom we live and work.
Give us the courage and spirit of high endeavour, and the grace of
Perseverance, that the things we undertake may be brought to
Fulfilment to your Honour and Glory.
Who lives and reigns, One God, forever and ever.
Amen
