Lionism

The International Association of Lions Clubs started as a dream in the mind of a young Chicago insurance agent. The man was Melvin Jones; the dream was the consolidation of several independent clubs, already in existence, into one strong, influential unit for service to humanity. This dream was presented to the leaders of various independent groups at a meeting in Chicago, Illinois, on June 7, 1917. From that meeting came a call for the Association's annual convention, which was held October 8-10, 1917 in Dallas, Texas, with 23 clubs participating. Thus was conceived and founded the world's largest, most active, and most representative service club organization.

The Association did not become international, in fact, until 1920 when the first Lions Clubs were organized in Canada. The third, fourth, and fifth Lions countries were China, Mexico, and Cuba in 1926 and 1927. Eight years later, Central America entered the fold, and in 1936 the first South American club was established in Columbia. The first Lions club in Europe was organized in Stockholm, Sweden on March 24, 1948. The largest by far, Lions are the youngest of the major service club organizations. For many years, there has been chartered an average of more than two clubs per day.

Today our Association is in practically all countries of the world. On every continent, it is working through hundreds of thousands of Lions of all nationalities and creeds.

The Lions believe in club meetings where good fellowship and harmony prevail; in developing projects and activities geared to the needs of their communities; in broad participation in an international program of brotherhood and fellowship, based upon service wherever the need exists; In service to humanity without thought to race, creed, nationality, religion or politics; in the ultimate leadership of Lionism, but not at the expense of, or in conflict with the programs of other organizations which, with different methods, seek the same goal of unselfish service to mankind.

Back to Home