Who are Lions ?

Beginning in 1917, the association of Lions clubs has provided millions of people with the opportunity to give something
back to their communities. From involving member in projects as local as building 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 approximately 45,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographical areas, Lions have expanded their
focus to help meet the ever-increasing needs of our global community. Lion's international network of 1.3 million men and women in 200 countries and geographic all work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world.

Known for working to end preventable blindness, Lions participate in a vast variety of projects important to their
communities. These projects range from cleaning up local parks to providing supplies to victims of natural disasters.
Our programs are continually changing to meet new needs and greater demands, but our mission has never wavered:

"We Serve."

History of Lions
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 approved.
Among the objects adopted in those early years was one that read, "No club shall hold out the financial betterment of its members as its object." This call for unselfish service to others remains one of the association's main tenets.
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.
Broadening its international role, Lions Clubs International helped the United Nations form the Non-Governmental Organizations sections in 1945 and continues to hold consultative status with the U.N.
In 1990, Lions launched its most aggressive sight preservation effort, SightFirst. The US$202 million program strives to rid the world of preventable and reversible blindness by supporting desperately needed health care services.
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.

Why should I become a Lion?
As a Lions club member, you can:
Make a difference everyday in your community. Whether it is providing support locally or reaching out internationally, you will have an opportunity to serve.
Be a part of a worldwide organization carrying out community and humanitarian projects.
Grow personally and professionally by participating in our programs, community service projects and events.
Gain an understanding and have an impact on local and international humanitarian issues.
Develop relationships with both local and international community and business leaders.