Since 1917, Lions clubs have offered people the
opportunity to give something back to their communities. From involving members in projects as local as cleaning up an area
park or as far-reaching as bringing sight to the world's blind, Lions clubs have always embraced those committed to building
a brighter future for their community.
Today with more than 46,000 clubs in 193 countries
and geographical areas, Lions have expanded their focus to help meet the ever-increasing needs of our global community.
Our programs are continually changing to meet new
needs and greater demands, but our mission has never wavered: "We Serve."
HISTORY
The International Association of Lions Clubs began as the dream of Chicago insurance man Melvin Jones,
who wondered why local business clubs - he was an active member of one- could not expand their horizons from purely business
concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world at large.
Jones' idea struck a chord within his own group, the Business Circle of Chicago, and they authorized
him to explore his concept with similar organizations from around the United States. His efforts resulted in an organizational
meeting at a local hotel on June 7, 1917.
The 12 men who gathered there overcame a natural sense of loyalty to their parent clubs, voted the
"Association of Lions Clubs" into existence, and issued a call for a national convention to be held in Dallas, Texas, USA
in October of the same year.
Thirty-six delegates representing 22 clubs from nine states heeded the call, approved the "Lions
Clubs" designation, and elected Dr. William P. Woods of Indiana as their first president. Guiding force and founder Melvin
Jones named acting secretary, thus began an association with Lionism that only ended with his death in 1961.
The first convention also began to define what Lionism was to become. A constitution and by-laws
were adopted, the colors of purple and gold approved, and a start made on Lionism's Objectives
and Code of Ethics.
One of the objects was startling for an era that prided itself on mercenary individualism, and has
remained one of the main tenets of Lionism ever since. "NO CLUB," it reads, "SHALL HOLD OUT THE FINANCIAL BETTERMENT
OF ITS MEMBERS AS ITS OBJECTS."
Community leaders soon began to organize clubs throughout the United States, and the association became "international"
with the formation of the Windsor, Ontario, Canada Lions Club in 1920. Clubs were later organized in China, Mexico,
and Cuba. By 1927, membership stood at 60,000 in 1,183 clubs.
In 1935, Panama became home to the first Central American club, with the first South American club being organized in
Columbia the following year. Lionism reached Europe in 1948, as clubs were chartered in Sweden, Switzerland, and France.
In 1952, the first club was charted in Japan. Since then, the association has become truly global, with clubs in more
than 170 countries and geographical areas worldwide.
Community leaders soon began to organize clubs throughout the United States, and the association
became
"international" with the formation of the Windsor, Ontario, Canada Lions Club
in 1920. Clubs were later organized in China, Mexico, and Cuba. By 1927, membership stood at 60,000 in 1,183 clubs.
In 1935, Panama became home to the first Central American club, with the first South American club being organized in
Columbia the following year. Lionism reached Europe in 1948, as clubs were chartered in Sweden, Switzerland,
and France. In 1952, the first club was chartered in Japan. Since then, the association has become truly global,
more than 43,000 strong, these local clubs are part of the world's largest with clubs in more than 180 countries and geographical
areas worldwide, with 1.4 million members serving their communities.
Goals Of The Lion's Club
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 men to
serve their community without personal financial rewards, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in
commerce, industry professions, public works and private endeavors
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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 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 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, labor, 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.
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