Lions Clubs International

HomeHome  >  About Lions  >  Mission and History  >  Mission and History

Mission and History

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, we've earned high marks for both integrity and transparency. We're a well-run organization with a steady vision, a clear mission, and a long – and proud – history.

LIONS IN ACTION

Picture of Mission Possible
Mission Possible Mission Possible
Seeing the World More Clearly   » »

I'M A LION BECAUSE ...

"We clean the parks, we paint the benches, we make sure that the park is beautified for the residents in the community, and my daughters absolutely love that."
Ty'East Alleyen-Bunn, USA

© Lions Clubs International       300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842

Custom web development, hosting and implementation provided by Alkon Consulting