Our Story
A century of service, one vision at a time.
The story of Lions Clubs International — from a Chicago businessman's dream in 1917 to a global movement of 1.4 million volunteers in more than 200 countries.
The story of Lions Clubs International — from a Chicago businessman's dream in 1917 to a global movement of 1.4 million volunteers in more than 200 countries.
"Business clubs should expand their horizons from purely professional concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world at large." — Melvin Jones, Founder
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's 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. The new group took the name of one of the invited organizations — the "Association of Lions Clubs" — and a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas in October of that year. A constitution, by-laws, objects and code of ethics were approved.
Just three years after its formation, the association became international when the first club in Canada was established in 1920. Major international expansion continued throughout Europe, Asia and Africa during the 1950s and '60s, transforming a regional fellowship into the world's largest service club organization.
Become the knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.
Helen Keller Address to the Lions International Convention
Key moments that shaped Lions Clubs International into the global service movement it is today.
Melvin Jones convenes the first organizational meeting of the Association of Lions Clubs on June 7, planting the seed for a global movement of service.
The first national convention is held in October. A constitution, by-laws, objects and code of ethics are adopted — the framework for everything to come.
Just three years after founding, the first Canadian club is chartered. The association becomes International — a name it has carried ever since.
At the international convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, Helen Keller asks Lions to become "knights of the blind." From that day forward, sight is at the heart of Lions service.
Lions Clubs International helps the UN form its Non-Governmental Organizations section, and continues to hold consultative status with the United Nations to this day.
Lions clubs are established across Europe, Asia and Africa. The fellowship that started in Chicago becomes a truly worldwide force for community service.
Lions launch their most ambitious sight-preservation program — a US$202 million effort to combat preventable and reversible blindness through health-care services worldwide.
Lions Clubs International now spans 200 countries with 50,000 clubs and 1.4 million members, serving across eight global causes — including District 3242F right here in Tamil Nadu.
No club shall hold out the financial betterment of its members as its object.
— From the Objects of Lions Clubs International, adopted 1917