Lions Club International

LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL - TRIUMPH OF AN IDEA

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 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 & founder Melvin Jones was named acting Secretary, thus beginning 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 & gold approved, and a start made on Lionism's Objects 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 tenents of Lionism ever since. "NO CLUB" it read "SHALL HOLD OUT THE FINANCIAL BETTERMENT OF ITS MEMBERS AS ITS OBJECT."

Community leaders soon began to organize Clubs throughout the United States and the Association became "International" with the formation of the Winsor, 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 Colombia the following year. Lionism reached Europe in 1948, as Clubs were chartered in Sweden, Switzerland, & rance. In 1952 the first Club was chartered in Japan. Since then the Association has become truly global, with Clubs in more than 160 countries and geographical areas worldwide.

THE NAME

The proper name of the Association is "The International Association of Lions Clubs." Many Lions, however, prefer to use the shorter form of "Lions Clubs International" or simply "Lions International."

THE EMBLEM

Throughout the world, Lions are recognized by the emblem they wear on their lapels. It consists of a gold letter "L" on a circular purple field. Bordering this is a circular gold area with two lion profiles at either side facing away from the center. The word "Lions" appears at the top and "International" at the bottom. Symbolically, the lions face both past and future -- proud of the past and confident of the future. It is an emblem to be worn with pride!

THE MOTTO

The motto of every Lion is simply -- " WE SERVE ". What better way to express the true mission of Lionism???

THE SLOGAN

The slogan of Lionism is --

"(L)iberty,(I)ntelligence,(O)ur (N)ations (S)afety".

OFFICIAL COLORS

The royal colors of purpole and gold were selected as the official colors when the Association was organized in 1917. Purple stands for loyalty to friends and to one's self; and for integrity of mind and heart. Gold symbolizes sincerity of purpose, liberality in judgement, purity in life and generosity in mind, heart, and purse toward humanity.

THE ACTIVITIES OF LIONISM

LIONS CLUBS plan and conduct a variety of community and humanitarian projects. The services are part of the broadly based Ten-Major-Activities of Lionism. Clubs can choose any one or more specific projects from among these comprehensive categories:

Briefly, the Ten-Major-Activities are:

(1) DRUG AWARENESS.

(2) DIABETES AWARENESS.

(3) SIGHT CONSERVATION AND WORK WITH THE BLIND.

(4) HEARING AND SPEACH ACTION AND WORK WITH THE DEAF.

(5) CITIZENSHIP SERVICES.

(6) EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.

(7) ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES.

(8) PUBLIC SERVICES

(9) RECREATIONAL SERVICES

(10) HEALTH SERVICES

In addition to these Activities are the broader categories of:

(11) INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, and

(12) SOCIAL SERVICES.

Then there are the Programs:

(13) LEO CLUBS.

(14) LIONESS CLUBS.

(15) YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM.

(16) INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CAMPS.

Let's take a closer look at these, one by one.

(1) DRUG AWARENESS -- Drug and alcohol abuse threaten the lives and futures of young people everywhere. Lions Clubs have responded with educational programs designed to help young people resist the easy lure of drugs and alcohol, particularly the Lions-Quest "Skills for Adolescence" junior-high and middle-school curriculum. It gives 10-14 year-olds the skills they need to make decisions about drugs and other important issues facing them Lions-Quest is now taught in thousands of schools,and is being expanded to thousands more throughout the world.

(2) DIABETES AWARENESS -- Diabetes and its complications affect more than 200 million people worldwide. Lions are helping through local awareness and screening programs, often working with diabetes-related associations and medical facilities. Through L.C.I.F; they also support research into the treatment and detection of diabetic retinopathy, a complication of the disease that is the leading cause of adult-onset blindness in many countries.

(3) SIGHT CONSERVTION AND WORK WITH THE BLIND -- Lions Clubs have established glaucoma screening clinics, eye banks, and rehabilitation institutes. They support workshops and help pay scholarships for deserving blind students. The familiar "white canes" were introduced by the Lions and clubs provide guide dogs and other mobility needs.

(4) HEARING AND SPEACH ACTION AND WORK WITH THE DEAF -- Auditory equipment is furnished to schools with hearing-impaired students and scholarships are issueed to youngsters with this handicap. Lions conduct screening programs for children and adults, support a variety of rehabilitation services and provide and repair hearing-aids for the needy.

(5) CITIZENSHIP SERVICES -- Lions work with veterans' organizations and hold special programs of a patriotic and civic nature in their commun- -ities. They sponsor numerous youth groups such qas Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Guides and others. Respect for law and work with delinquents are also important programs sponsored by clubs.

(6) EDUCATIONAL SERVICES -- Lions award hundreds of scholorships every year. Clubs also sponsor career nights at high schools and invite locally prominent people to help graduates plan their futures. Literacy programs and vocational training in underprivileged areas are also high on the program agendas for many Lions Clubs.

(7) ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES -- Lions looks for viable and feasable ways of awakening interest in environmental problems and of motivating individuals and Clubs to positive action -- whether in the area of natural environment (air - land - noise - or water pollution) or social and cultural envirionment (demographic planning - alcohol and drug abuse education - or ethical conduct). Lions are encouraged to cooperate with other individuals, organizations, and government agencies in implimenting environmental projects.

(8) PUBLIC SERVICES -- Included in this comprehensive category is the distribution of information concerning the latest methods of food production and protection. Clubs, urban and rural, conduct a variety of programs relative to their areas -- programs that emphasize traffic, home, farm, school and recreational safety.

(9) RECREATIONAL SERVICES -- Lions build playgrounds and contribute equipment. They also build community centers, swimming pools, gardens, and town squares. Lions sponsor baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccar and other sports teams for youngsters. Clubs plan and conduct carnivals, picnics and various celebrations.

(10) HEALTH SERVICES -- Lions provide extensive medical relief to underdeveloped areas and organize a wide range of detection and prevention programs. Medical research institutions have also been the recipients of generous contributions from Lions clubs and districts. Lions are also active in helping to curb drug-abuse by conducting Drug Education Programs.

(11) INTERNATIONAL SERVICES -- Lions have established many international friendship contacts and participate in worldwide assistance programs. Lions support the Lions Clubs International Foundation, the humanitarian aims of the United Nations and are closely associated with C.A.R.E. Increasingly more young people are annually participating in the International Youth Exchange Program.

(12) SOCIAL SERVICES -- Lions sponsor many programs for the physically and mentally handicapped, the aged and the underprivileged. Clubs and districts have also constructed homes for orphans and the elderly as well as rehabilitation institutes for the handicapped. Many clubs supply food baskets for the poor on a regular basis.

(13) LEO CLUBS -- Since the beginning of the Leo Club Program, Leo Clubs have engaged in many outstanding activities primarily aimed at aiding the less fortunate and contributing to the betterment of their local communities. By emphasizing Leadership, Experience and Opportunity, Leo Clubs are giving young people a chance to develope into interested and involved citizens.

(14) LIONESS CLUBS -- The Lioness Program offers women all around the world the opportunity to serve the needy. Wives of Lions and other community minded women perform varied service projects and develop international friendships and understanding.

(15) YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM -- Lions Clubs contribute greatly to international understanding and good will by participating in the Youth Exchange Program. Qualified young people are selected by sponsoring Lions Clubs to visit other lands as the guests of host Lions Clubs. They observe typical community life and gain knowledge of other cultures and peoples.

(16) INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CAMPS -- Lionism's first youth camp was conducted by the Swedish Lions of Multiple District 101 in 1963. Since that time, thousands of young adults have had the opportunity to share an international camping experience.

LIONS CLUB OBJECTS

(I) TO CREATE AND FOSTER A SPIRIT OF UNDERSTANDING AMONG THE PEOPLES OF THE WORLD.

(II) TO PROMOTE THE PRINCIPLES OF GOOD GOVERNMENT AND GOOD CITIZENSHIP.

(III) TO TAKE AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN THE CIVIC, CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND MORAL WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY.

(IV) TO UNITE THE CLUBS IN THE BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP, GOOD FELLOWSHIP AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING.

(V) 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.

(VI) TO ENCOURAGE SERVICE-MINDED MEN TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITY WITHOUT PERSONAL FINANCIAL REWARD, AND TO ENCOURAGE EFFECIENCY AND PROMOTE HIGH ETHICAL STANDARDS IN COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, PROFESSIONS, PUBLIC WORKS AND PRIVATE ENDEAVORS.

LIONS CODE OF ETHICS

(I) 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.

(II) 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 UN- -FAIR ADVANTAGE TAKEN OR BECAUSE OF QUESTIONABLE ACTS ON MY PART.

(III) TO REMEMBER THAT IN BUILDING UP MY BUSSINESS IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO TEAR DOWN ANOTHER'S; TO BE LOYAL TO MY CLIENTS OR CUSTOMERS AND TRUE TO MYSELF.

(IV) WHENEVER A DOUBT ARISES AS TO THE RIGHT OR ETHICS OF MY POSITION OR ACTION TOWARDS MY FELLOW MAN, TO RESOLVE SUCH DOUBT AGAINST MYSELF.

(V) 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 THAT TRUE FRIENDSHIP DEMANDS NOTHING BUT ACCEPTS SERVICE IN THE SPIRIT IN WHICH IT IS GIVEN.

(VI) ALWAYS TO BEAR IN MIND MY OBLIGATIONS AS A CITIZEN TO MY NATION, MY STATE AND MY COMMUNITY, AND TO GIVE TO THEM MY UNSWERVING LOYALTY IN WORD, ACT AND DEED. TO GIVE THEM FREELY OF MY TIME, LABOR AND MEANS.

(VII) TO AID MY FELLOW MEN BY GIVING MY SYMPATHY TO THOSE IN DISTRESS, MY AID TO THE WEAK, AND MY SUBSTANCE TO THE NEEDY.

(VIII) TO BE CAREFUL WITH MY CRITICISMS AND LIBERAL WITH MY PRAISE; TO BUILD UP AND NOT DESTROY.

LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL

300 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60570-0001 U.S.A.

(708) 571-5466

CABLE: LIONINTL

Telix: 297236 LION UR