2007 – A YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS

Join your fellow Lions from around the world in celebrating important landmarks of the international association. Work with your club and district to plan events and projects that mark the following milestones. While celebrating our past, we look to our future and continue to make the world a better place. View the Celebrate Lions video online.

90th Anniversary of the Association (June 1917)
On June 7, 1917, Melvin Jones invited his fellow Chicago business leaders to help lay the groundwork for an organization focused on improving their communities. Today, 1.3 million men and women Lions in 200 countries and geographic locations are working to make the world a better place. View the Lions News Network (LNN) and THE LION Magazine to see how. The LCI Web site also has information on Lions programs, resources, news and events, including the History, Photo History and Facts.
This year also marked the association’s 90th annual convention, which took place in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Visit the Online Convention to see highlights from this event.

50th Anniversary of Leo Clubs (December 1957)
Half a century ago, members of the Glenside Lions Club in Pennsylvania, USA, saw a need to work with the youth in their community. They began a club for teens in the local high school, creating the first official Leo club. There are now more than 140,000 Leos around the world. Leos who attended the 2007 Lions International Convention celebrated this milestone with the Leo Global Conference. To find or organize a new Leo club, visit the Leo Zone.

20th Anniversary of Women Lions (July 1987)
Although always present as Lionesses and in other supportive roles, women were officially invited to become Lions in 1987. Two decades later, women are the fastest growing group of Lions, making up nearly 20% of all members and taking on numerous leadership roles within the association, including 30.5% of council chairpersons. For more information, contact the Membership Programs Department.

20th Year of the Peace Poster Program (January 1988)
For the past two decades, Lions clubs have sponsored the Peace Poster Contest in schools and sponsored youth groups. The program provides children, ages 11 through 13, with a creative outlet to discuss their feelings for peace. Through the contest, Lions have made connections, received media exposure and had fun. The theme of the 2007-08 contest is “Peace Around the World.” For more information, to view winning posters, order a kit and send Peace Poster e-cards, visit the Peace Poster section of the Web site.