Introducing Lions Clubs International

In 1917, Melvin Jones, a Chicago business leader, told members of his local business club they should reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. Jones' 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, USA. The new group took the name of one of the invited groups, the "Association of Lions Clubs," and a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas, USA in October of that year. A constitution, by-laws, objects and a code of ethics were approved.

Within three years, Lions became an international organization. Since then, Lions Clubs International (LCI) has grown to more than 1.3 million members in more than 45,000 clubs worldwide. Lions Clubs are active men and women in more than 200 countries and geographic areas.

The clubs volunteer for many different kinds of community projects – including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.
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. Lions have extended their commitment to sight conservation through countless local efforts and through their international SightFirst Program, which works to eradicate blindness.

Lions community projects often support local children and schools through scholarships, recreation and mentoring. Internationally, LCI offers many programs, including the Peace Poster Contest, Youth Camps and Exchange and Lions Quest.