What are Lions?
Lions are men and women who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes in their local and world communities. By conducting service projects and raising funds, Lions strive to help those in need, wherever need exists. The Lions motto is “We Serve”.
In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions International Convention, challenging them to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness”. Since that time, service to the blind and visually impaired has become one of the associations most significant activities. That crusade has resulted in the establishment of Sight First, a global blindness prevention and eradication 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.
The association was founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1917. Although the youngest major service club organization, Lions Clubs International has grown to be the worlds largest. Its 1.4 million members belong to clubs in over 187 countries and geographical locations. Lions Clubs International is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois.
To Lions, “WE SERVE” is not only a motto, but a definition and philosophy.
Lions Code of Ethics
TO SHOW my faith in the worthiness of my vocation by industrious application to the end that I may merit a reputation for quality of service.
TO SEEK success and to demand all fair remuneration or profit as my just due, but to accept no profit or success at the price of my own self respect lost because of unfair advantage taken or because of questionable acts on my part.
TO REMEMBER that, in building up my business, it is not necessary to tear down another’s; to be loyal to my clients or customers and true to myself.
WHENEVER a doubt arises as to the right or ethics of my position or action towards my fellow men, to resolve such doubt against myself.
TO HOLD friendship as an end, and not a means. To hold that true friendship exists not on account of the service performed by one to another, but that true friendship demands nothing but accepts service in the spirit in which it is given.
TO AID my fellow men by giving my sympathy to those in distress, my aid to the weak, and my substance to the needy.
TO BE careful with my criticisms and liberal with my praise, to build up, not to destroy.
Lions Club Objectives
TO CREATE and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.
TO PROMOTE the principles of good government and good citizenship.
TO TAKE an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.
TO UNITE the Clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.
TO PROVIDE a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by Club members.
TO ENCOURAGE service-minded men and women to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.
