Lions Clubs
International

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest non-political service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Lions meet the needs of local communities and the world every day because they share a core belief — to serve their community.

Lions have a dynamic history. Founded in 1917 in Chicago, Illinois, by Melvin Jones, now headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois. We are best known for fighting blindness, but we also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects and Global Causes — including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry, and aiding seniors and the disabled.

Lions give sight. By conducting vision screenings, equipping hospitals and clinics, distributing medicine, and raising awareness of eye disease, Lions work toward their mission of providing vision for all. We have extended our commitment to sight conservation through countless local efforts and through our international SightFirst Program, which works to eradicate blindness. This program originated when Helen Keller attended the Lions Clubs International Convention in 1925 and challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness."

Lions serve youth. Our community projects often support local children and schools through scholarships, recreation, and mentoring. Internationally, we offer many programs, including the Peace Poster Contest, Youth Camps and Exchange, and Lions Quest. Our Leo Program provides the youth of the world with an opportunity for personal development through volunteering. There are approximately 144,000 Leos and 5,700 Leo clubs in more than 140 countries worldwide.

Lions inspire voice. The New Voices Initiative promotes gender parity and diversity and seeks to increase the number of women, young adults, and underrepresented populations within our association. It features a diverse group of Lions who are selected annually by their district governor for their dynamic and innovative contributions in one of four areas: Service, Membership, Leadership, and Marketing. Use #NewVoices on social media!

Lions award grants. Since 1968, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has awarded more than US$700 million in grants to support Lions humanitarian projects around the world. LCIF was also ranked the number one nongovernmental organization in a 2007 study by The Financial Times. Together, our Foundation and Lions are helping communities following natural disasters by providing for immediate needs such as food, water, clothing, and medical supplies — and aiding in long-term reconstruction.

Lions are active. Our motto is "We Serve". Lions are part of a global service network, doing whatever is necessary to help our local communities. For more about Lions Clubs, visit www.lionsclubs.org.