Martinsville Noon Lions Club
| Lions Clubs International -- Triumph of an Idea |
The International Association of Lions Clubs began as the dream of
Chicago insurance man Melvin Jones, who wondered why local business
clubs -- he was an active member of one -- could not expand their
horizons from purely business concerns to the betterment of their
communities and the world at large.
Jones' idea struck a chord within his own group, the Business Circle of
Chicago, and they authorized him to explore his concept with similar
organizations from around the United States. His efforts resulted in an
organizational meeting at a local hotel on June 7, 1917.
The 12 men who gathered there overcame a natural sense of loyalty to
their parent clubs, voted the "Association of Lions Clubs" into existence,
and issued a call for a national convention to be held in Dallas, Texas,
USA in October of the same year.
Thirty-six delegates representing 22 clubs from nine states heeded the
call, approved the "Lions Clubs" designation, and elected Dr. William P.
Woods of Indiana as their first president. Guiding force and founder
Melvin Jones named acting secretary, thus began an association with
Lionism that only ended with his death in 1961.
That first convention also began to define what Lionism was to become. A
constitution and by-laws were adopted, the colors of purple and gold
approved, and a start made on Lionism Objectives and Code of Ethics.
One of the objects was startling for an era that prided itself on mercenary
individualism, and has remained one of the main tenets of Lionism ever
since. "No Club," it read, "shall hold out the financial betterment of its
members as its object."
Community leaders soon began to organize clubs throughout the United
States, and the association became "International" with the formation of
the Windsor, Ontario, Canada Lions Club in 1920. Clubs were later
organized in China, Mexico, and Cuba. By 1927, membership stood at
60,000 in 1,183 clubs.
In 1935, Panama became home to the first Central American Club, with the
first South American Club being organized in Columbia the following year.
Lionism reached Europe in 1948, as clubs were chartered in Sweden,
Switzerland, and France. In 1952, the first club was chartered in Japan.
Since then, the association has become truly global, with clubs in more
than 170 countries and geographical areas worldwide.
The Name
The proper name of the association is "The International Association of
Lions Clubs." Many Lions, however, prefer the use of the shorter form of
"Lions Clubs International."
The Emblem
Throughout the world, Lions are recognized by the emblem they wear on
their lapels. It consists of a gold letter "L" on a circular purple field.
Bordering this is a circular gold area with two lion profiles at either side
facing away from the center. The word "Lions" appears 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. Lions wear their
emblem with pride.
The Motto
The motto of every Lion is simply "We Serve". What better way to
express the true mission of Lionism?
The Slogan
The slogan of the association is "Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety
(LIONS).
Official Colors
The royal colors of purple and gold were selected as the official colors
when the association was organized in 1917. Purple stands for loyalty to
friends and to one's self, and for integrity of mind and heart. Gold
symbolizes sincerity of purpose, liberality in judgement, purity in life and
generosity in mind, heart and purpose toward humanity.
Leadership for the Future
Since 1917, local Lions clubs have offered people just like you the
opportunity to give something back to their communities. From involving
members in projects as local as cleaning up an area park or as
far-reaching as bringing sight to the world's blind, Lions clubs have
always embraced those committed to building a brighter future for their
community. The world has changed...and so have we.
Today, with more than 1.4 million men and women members in more than
180 countries, Lions have expanded their focus to help meet the
ever-increasing needs of our global community.
We provide millions of dollars of support to an extensive international
program dedicated to eradicating preventable blindness; we finance
vocational training to help the world's underprivileged and disabled gain
economic independence; we sponsor drug awareness and education
programs for youths around the world; and more.
Our faces and our programs may have changed to meet new needs and
greater demands, but our mission has never wavered: "We Serve."
And, we continue to serve in ways that have made us a global leader in
humanitarian assistance, community welfare and promotion of
international understanding.
The Individual Achievement ... United in Purpose
As individuals, Lions are people of tireless drive, uncommon spirit and
ambitious goals. United in efforts through more than 44,000 individual
clubs around the world, Lions Clubs International is a strong organization
with a proud history of accomplishment.
But our efforts and our future ability to serve the growing population of
those in need in our own communities, across our country and around the
world depend on the involvement of a new generation of Lions. A
generation of individuals committed as we are to eradicating reversible
blindness, preserving the environment and building self-esteem in young
people. A generation that knows that we can accomplish great things if
we work together.
The Outstanding Programs
As Lions, our goal is to make a difference--and we have--over and over
again with programs that succeed.
Service to people who are blind and who are visually-impaired has always
been one of our most significant programs. Today, the Lions SightFirst
program is dedicated to eradicating preventable and reversible blindness
worldwide. Lions operate the vast majority of eye banks throughout the
world and have donated hundreds of millions of dollars toward research,
training and rehabilitation for people who are blind.
The Lions Youth Outreach program focuses on volunteerism and steers
young people away from harmful behaviors such as gang involvement,
violence and substance abuse. Lions award thousands of academic
scholarships every year and literacy and vocational training in
underprivileged areas are also high on Lions clubs' service agenda.
Through participation in Lion-guided Leo clubs, youths worldwide learn
leadership skills and the importance of community service. Lions also
sponsor International Youth Camps and youth exchanges, bringing
together young people from around the world to share their cultures and
friendships. The Lions International Peace Poster Contest helps educate
children about the importance of world peace and international
cooperation.
New Dimensions
For all of us, personal time is a valuable commodity. How you choose to
spend your time is an important consideration. Volunteering as a Lion can
make a difference for you too.
We believe that time invested with a Lions club yields an invaluable
return: an added dimension to your personal and professional life. While
providing the framework for you to serve your community, a Lions club
also offers opportunities for individual growth.
Leadership Ability--Whether you lead a meeting, spearhead a fund raising
effort or organize a project, Lions clubs provide opportunities to learn the
skills that get the job done. Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
flow naturally from making things happen when you work with your Lions
club.
Business Skills--You can improve your public speaking and presentation
skills while you communicate with others on important social issues.
First-hand experience in budgeting projects, planning activities and
motivating others in your Lions club can also enhance your professional
abilities.
Networking--Interact with other professionals who have come together
through Lions clubs to work toward common goals and to have a
meaningful impact on your community.
Service
More than ever, people with vision problems, our senior community, our
youth and the disadvantaged around the world need your help.
Our commitment to serve holds strong. You can help.
By participating in a local Lions club, you can help meet pressing needs in
your own community and have a meaningful impact on the health and
well-being of people around the world
Chicago insurance man Melvin Jones, who wondered why local business
clubs -- he was an active member of one -- could not expand their
horizons from purely business concerns to the betterment of their
communities and the world at large.
Jones' idea struck a chord within his own group, the Business Circle of
Chicago, and they authorized him to explore his concept with similar
organizations from around the United States. His efforts resulted in an
organizational meeting at a local hotel on June 7, 1917.
The 12 men who gathered there overcame a natural sense of loyalty to
their parent clubs, voted the "Association of Lions Clubs" into existence,
and issued a call for a national convention to be held in Dallas, Texas,
USA in October of the same year.
Thirty-six delegates representing 22 clubs from nine states heeded the
call, approved the "Lions Clubs" designation, and elected Dr. William P.
Woods of Indiana as their first president. Guiding force and founder
Melvin Jones named acting secretary, thus began an association with
Lionism that only ended with his death in 1961.
That first convention also began to define what Lionism was to become. A
constitution and by-laws were adopted, the colors of purple and gold
approved, and a start made on Lionism Objectives and Code of Ethics.
One of the objects was startling for an era that prided itself on mercenary
individualism, and has remained one of the main tenets of Lionism ever
since. "No Club," it read, "shall hold out the financial betterment of its
members as its object."
Community leaders soon began to organize clubs throughout the United
States, and the association became "International" with the formation of
the Windsor, Ontario, Canada Lions Club in 1920. Clubs were later
organized in China, Mexico, and Cuba. By 1927, membership stood at
60,000 in 1,183 clubs.
In 1935, Panama became home to the first Central American Club, with the
first South American Club being organized in Columbia the following year.
Lionism reached Europe in 1948, as clubs were chartered in Sweden,
Switzerland, and France. In 1952, the first club was chartered in Japan.
Since then, the association has become truly global, with clubs in more
than 170 countries and geographical areas worldwide.
The Name
The proper name of the association is "The International Association of
Lions Clubs." Many Lions, however, prefer the use of the shorter form of
"Lions Clubs International."
The Emblem
Throughout the world, Lions are recognized by the emblem they wear on
their lapels. It consists of a gold letter "L" on a circular purple field.
Bordering this is a circular gold area with two lion profiles at either side
facing away from the center. The word "Lions" appears 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. Lions wear their
emblem with pride.
The Motto
The motto of every Lion is simply "We Serve". What better way to
express the true mission of Lionism?
The Slogan
The slogan of the association is "Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety
(LIONS).
Official Colors
The royal colors of purple and gold were selected as the official colors
when the association was organized in 1917. Purple stands for loyalty to
friends and to one's self, and for integrity of mind and heart. Gold
symbolizes sincerity of purpose, liberality in judgement, purity in life and
generosity in mind, heart and purpose toward humanity.
Leadership for the Future
Since 1917, local Lions clubs have offered people just like you the
opportunity to give something back to their communities. From involving
members in projects as local as cleaning up an area park or as
far-reaching as bringing sight to the world's blind, Lions clubs have
always embraced those committed to building a brighter future for their
community. The world has changed...and so have we.
Today, with more than 1.4 million men and women members in more than
180 countries, Lions have expanded their focus to help meet the
ever-increasing needs of our global community.
We provide millions of dollars of support to an extensive international
program dedicated to eradicating preventable blindness; we finance
vocational training to help the world's underprivileged and disabled gain
economic independence; we sponsor drug awareness and education
programs for youths around the world; and more.
Our faces and our programs may have changed to meet new needs and
greater demands, but our mission has never wavered: "We Serve."
And, we continue to serve in ways that have made us a global leader in
humanitarian assistance, community welfare and promotion of
international understanding.
The Individual Achievement ... United in Purpose
As individuals, Lions are people of tireless drive, uncommon spirit and
ambitious goals. United in efforts through more than 44,000 individual
clubs around the world, Lions Clubs International is a strong organization
with a proud history of accomplishment.
But our efforts and our future ability to serve the growing population of
those in need in our own communities, across our country and around the
world depend on the involvement of a new generation of Lions. A
generation of individuals committed as we are to eradicating reversible
blindness, preserving the environment and building self-esteem in young
people. A generation that knows that we can accomplish great things if
we work together.
The Outstanding Programs
As Lions, our goal is to make a difference--and we have--over and over
again with programs that succeed.
Service to people who are blind and who are visually-impaired has always
been one of our most significant programs. Today, the Lions SightFirst
program is dedicated to eradicating preventable and reversible blindness
worldwide. Lions operate the vast majority of eye banks throughout the
world and have donated hundreds of millions of dollars toward research,
training and rehabilitation for people who are blind.
The Lions Youth Outreach program focuses on volunteerism and steers
young people away from harmful behaviors such as gang involvement,
violence and substance abuse. Lions award thousands of academic
scholarships every year and literacy and vocational training in
underprivileged areas are also high on Lions clubs' service agenda.
Through participation in Lion-guided Leo clubs, youths worldwide learn
leadership skills and the importance of community service. Lions also
sponsor International Youth Camps and youth exchanges, bringing
together young people from around the world to share their cultures and
friendships. The Lions International Peace Poster Contest helps educate
children about the importance of world peace and international
cooperation.
New Dimensions
For all of us, personal time is a valuable commodity. How you choose to
spend your time is an important consideration. Volunteering as a Lion can
make a difference for you too.
We believe that time invested with a Lions club yields an invaluable
return: an added dimension to your personal and professional life. While
providing the framework for you to serve your community, a Lions club
also offers opportunities for individual growth.
Leadership Ability--Whether you lead a meeting, spearhead a fund raising
effort or organize a project, Lions clubs provide opportunities to learn the
skills that get the job done. Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
flow naturally from making things happen when you work with your Lions
club.
Business Skills--You can improve your public speaking and presentation
skills while you communicate with others on important social issues.
First-hand experience in budgeting projects, planning activities and
motivating others in your Lions club can also enhance your professional
abilities.
Networking--Interact with other professionals who have come together
through Lions clubs to work toward common goals and to have a
meaningful impact on your community.
Service
More than ever, people with vision problems, our senior community, our
youth and the disadvantaged around the world need your help.
Our commitment to serve holds strong. You can help.
By participating in a local Lions club, you can help meet pressing needs in
your own community and have a meaningful impact on the health and
well-being of people around the world
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"WE SERVE"