History of the Lions Clubs

Lion's Clubs began as a dream of a Chicago Businessman, Melvin Jones in 1917. Jones felt that business men's clubs should be working toward the betterment of their communities. He persuaded 12 of his friends in business to meet on June 17th, 1917 and the Association of Lions Clubs was formed. The first national convention was held in Dallas, Texas at the Adolphus Hotel, in 1917. In attendance were representatives from 22 clubs from 9 states. In 1920 the Association became International when it spread to Windsor, Ontario.

Later to China, Mexico and Cuba truly becoming International Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with 46,000 clubs and 1.4 million members in 192 countries around the world. The international headquarters is situated in Oak Brook, Illinois. Lions is an acronym for: Life In Our Nation's Safety.

Membership was originally restricted to men, and women were regarded as supporters or "Lion's Ladies". That old attitude has gone and clubs are now open to both sexes with no restrictions due to race, creed or physical handicaps.

Membership is by invitation and attendance at meetings is expected on a monthly or fortnightly basis. Politics, religion or other contentious subjects are generally forbidden at club meetings. Lions are a truly community based organization with a hierarchy that can take a member from a club to office in national or even international level.