Adopted at the founding convention in 1917, the Objects of Lionism are the principles that have guided more than a century of service across 200 countries.
"No club shall hold out the financial betterment of its members as its object." — From the Objects of Lions International
When Lions Clubs International was founded at the first convention in Dallas, Texas in October 1917, the assembled clubs did more than adopt a constitution and by-laws. They wrote down the principles that every Lion, in every country, would carry forward.
The Objects of Lionism are not a wish list or a marketing statement. They are a pledge — a commitment to fellowship, understanding, civic responsibility and unselfish service that defines what it means to be a Lion.
More than a century later, in 50,000 clubs across 200 countries — including every Lions club in District 3242F — these same five principles are read, recited, and lived.
The pledge every Lion makes — to fellow Lions, to the community, and to the world.
Building bridges across cultures, faiths and borders — service that knows no nationality and recognizes the shared humanity that connects us all.
Standing for the values that strengthen democratic society — civic responsibility, integrity in public life, and active engagement with the institutions that serve our communities.
Investing in the wholeness of the community — its institutions, its arts, its families, and its dignity. Service that improves not just what people have, but how they live.
We serve better together. The fellowship between Lions clubs — locally, nationally and globally — multiplies what each club can accomplish alone.
An open table for ideas that matter — provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members. Service unites us where division would divide.
We Serve.
Two words. One movement. A century of action.
— Lions Clubs International, since 1917
Alongside the Objects, every Lion pledges to live by a Code of Ethics that shapes both private conduct and public service.
To show faith in the worthiness of our vocations by industrious application — to merit a reputation for quality of service.
To seek success and demand fair remuneration, but to accept no profit at the price of self-respect lost through unfair advantage or questionable acts.
To hold friendship as an end and not a means — believing that true friendship demands nothing but accepts service in the spirit it is given.