Welcome to the world of Lions! Whether you're a new Leo, considering joining, or simply curious about our organization, this guide will walk you through the rich history of Lions Clubs International, the world's largest service club organization. Our story is one of ordinary people coming together to create extraordinary change.
The Lions Club began with a simple question from a Chicago businessman named Melvin Jones: "What if people put their talents to work improving their communities?" In 1917, at a time when the world was facing the challenges of World War I, Jones convinced members of his local business club to look beyond business issues and focus on bettering their communities and the world.
On June 7, 1917, delegates from various clubs met in Chicago at the invitation of Jones. This historic gathering marked the founding of the Association of Lions Clubs. That year, a constitution and bylaws were drafted, objectives were established, and a code of ethics was approved. The groundwork was laid for what would become a global force for good.
The early Lions weren't just dreamers, they were doers. By 1920, Lions Clubs had expanded beyond Chicago and established its first club in Canada, making it an international organization. The decade saw remarkable growth as the Lions' message of service resonated with people looking to make a positive difference.
In 1925, an event occurred that would forever shape the identity of Lions Clubs. At the international convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, Helen Keller, who had overcome being both deaf and blind to become an author and activist, challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." Her powerful appeal inspired Lions to adopt vision care as a major service focus, a commitment that continues to this day.
Even as the Great Depression and World War II presented enormous challenges, Lions Clubs continued to grow. The 1930s saw clubs established in Mexico, China, and Cuba. After World War II, Lions helped draft the non-governmental organization (NGO) charter for the United Nations, beginning a relationship that continues today.
The post-war era witnessed tremendous international expansion. Lions Clubs reached Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond. With each new country, the Lions' message of service adapted to local needs while maintaining its core principles.
In 1957, the Lions family grew in an important new direction with the creation of the first Leo Club in Pennsylvania, USA. The Leo Club Program offered young people the opportunity to develop leadership skills through community service. The name "Leo" stands for Leadership, Experience, and Opportunity—qualities that the program aims to foster in youth aged 12-30.
Since then, Leo Clubs have become an integral part of Lions Clubs International, bringing fresh energy and innovative ideas to service projects around the world. Leo members serve as equal partners in service with their sponsoring Lions clubs, learning valuable skills while making a difference in their communities.
To expand the impact of local service projects and provide disaster relief globally, Lions established Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) in 1968. As the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International, LCIF enables Lions to approach larger-scale problems with greater resources.
Through LCIF, Lions have:
Restored sight to millions through SightFirst programs
Provided disaster relief around the world
Supported youth through Lions Quest programs
Addressed public health challenges
LCIF has awarded more than 17,500 grants totaling more than US$1.1 billion since its founding, making it one of the world's most effective humanitarian organizations.