Lionism began in the United States in 1917
when a group of independent clubs responded to an idea presented
to them by a young Chicago insurance agent, Melvin Jones. The
ideal was one of service as a group to their fellow men without
regard to politics, religion, race, or in any way the personal
interests of the members. This was heralded as a departure from
the trend current at that time of forming clubs basically with
a commercial motive. A conference was called of some 25 independent
clubs on June 7, 1917 and from this meeting the organization was
born.
The official name of "Lions" is:
"The International Association of Lions Clubs" or simply
"Lions Clubs International."
It consists of a gold letter
"L" on a circular purple field. Bordering this is a
circular gold area with two conventionalized lion profiles at
either side facing away from the center. The words "Lions"
appear 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 the unwritten obligation
of every Lion to wear and display the emblem with pride.
"Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety"
To Lions, purple stands for loyalty to country,
friends, one's self and the integrity of mind and heart. It is
the traditional color of strength, courage and tireless dedication
to a cause. Gold symbolizes sincerity of purpose, liberality in
judgement, purity in life and generosity in mind, heart and purse
toward his fellow man.
The International Association of Lions Clubs, with more than 1.4 million members in about 40,000 clubs in more than 180 countries and geographical locations, has grown to be the largest service club organization in the world.
The Association's headquarters is located in
Oak Brook, Illinois, U.S.A. The Association is governed by an
elected Board of 33 members from all parts of the world. This
Board includes 28 Directors, 3 Vice-Presidents, the Immediate
Past President and is headed by the International President.
From the start, the emphasis has been on service
in all forms to less fortunate members of the community. The club
constitution, as recommended by the Association, may be adapted
by the local club to suit its own particular requirements while
keeping within the principles of the Association and its International
constitution. This autonomy allowed to the individual clubs and
the concentration on practical service have perhaps been the two
principal factors which maintain the momentum of the Association's
growth and progress.
In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions at their annual International Convention, challenging them to become "Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness." Since that time, service to the blind and visually impaired has become one of the association's most significant activities. That crusade has resulted in the establishment of SIGHT FIRST, a global sight preservation program. In addition, Lions participate in service activities emphasizing diabetes awareness, education and research; work with the physically and mentally impaired; environmental issues; community welfare; international understanding and youth..
