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Lions Clubs International -- Triumph of an IdeaThe International Association of Lions Clubs began as the dream of Chicago businessman Melvin Jones. He believed that local business clubs should expand their horizons from purely professional concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world at large. 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 12 men who gathered 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. 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. 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's Objectives and Code of Ethics. Among the objects adopted in those early years was one that read, "No club shall hold out the financial betterment of its members as its object." This call for unselfish service to others remains one of the association's main tenets. Just three years after its formation, the association became international when the first club in Canada was established in 1920. Major international expansion continued as clubs were established, particularly throughout Europe, Asia and Africa during the 1950s and '60s. In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions international convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, USA. She challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." From this time, Lions clubs have been actively involved in service to the blind and visually impaired. The first club in Latin America was chartered in 1931. In 1935, Panama became home to the first Central American club, with the first South American club being organized in Columbia the following year. Broadening its international role, Lions Clubs International helped the United Nations form the Non-Governmental Organizations sections in 1945 and continues to hold consultative status with the U.N. The first club in Australia was chartered in 1947. Lionism reached Europe in 1948, as clubs were chartered in Sweden, Switzerland, and France. In 1952, the first club was chartered in Japan. Asia and Africa had their first clubs in 1953. A little know fact is that even though Melvin Jones was the heart and soul of forming what the Association was to become, he was NEVER President of the the Association but was the first Secretary. He remained active with Lions until his death in 1961. Lions Clubs International made history in 1987 by being the first service club to admit women as members. In 1989 the first Lions clubs organized in former “Eastern Bloc” countries. In 1990, Lions launched its most aggressive sight preservation effort, SightFirst. This $143.5 million program strives to rid the world of preventable and reversible blindness by supporting desperately needed health care services. In 1997, Phase I of SightFirst China Action, an program to confront cataract
blindness In 2002, Phase II of SightFirst China Action is launched. Also in 2002, Lions clubs chartered in China. In addition to sight programs, Lions Clubs International is committed to providing services for youth. Lions clubs also work to improve the environment, build homes for the disabled, support diabetes education, conduct hearing programs and, through their foundation, provide disaster relief around the world. Lions Clubs International has grown to include 1.4 million men and women in 46,000 clubs located in 193 countries and geographic areas. Our programs are continually changing to meet new needs and greater demands, but our mission has never wavered: "We Serve." |
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