History of the Lions Clubs

Lion's Clubs began as a dream of a Chicago Businessman, Melvin Jones in 1917. Jones felt that business men's clubs should be working toward the betterment of their communities. He persuaded 12 of his friends in business to meet on June 17th, 1917 and the Association of Lions Clubs was formed. The first national convention was held in Dallas, Texas at the Adolphus Hotel, in 1917. In attendance were representatives from 22 clubs from 9 states. In 1920 the Association became International when it spread to Windsor, Ontario. 

Later to China, Mexico and Cuba truly becoming International Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with 46,000 clubs and 1.4 million members in 192 countries around the world. The international headquarters is situated in Oak Brook, Illinois. Lions is an acronym for: Life In Our Nation's Safety.

Membership was originally restricted to men, and women were regarded as supporters or "Lion's Ladies". That old attitude has gone and clubs are now open to both sexes with no restrictions due to race, creed or physical handicaps. 

Membership is by invitation and attendance at meetings is expected on a monthly or fortnightly basis. Politics, religion or other contentious subjects are generally forbidden at club meetings. Lions are a truly community based organization with a hierarchy that can take a member from a club to office in national or even international level.

The OBJECTS or PURPOSES of Lions Clubs International

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.

The Lion's 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 quaity of service,
TO SEEK and to demand all fair renumeration 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 my fellow men, 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 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 my fellow men by giving 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.