History Lions Clubs International

ORIGIN

Lions began in the United States in 1917 when a group of independent clubs responded to an idea presented to them by a young Chicago insurance agent, 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.

This was heralded as a departure from the trend current at that time of forming clubs basically with a commercial motive - Jones' own group was the Business Circle of Chicago. An organisational meeting was held at a local hotel on June 7, 1917 and from this meeting the organisation was born.

The association became "international" with the formation of the Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Lions Club in 1920. From that time on clubs were formed worldwide.

MELVIN JONES

The guiding force and founder Melvin Jones was the first acting secretary of the association, thus beginning an affiliation with Lions that only ended with his death. He served the association from 1917 until his death in 1961. Melvin Jones, who was born on January 13, 1879, in Fort Thomas, Arizona, is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois U.S.A.

FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION

The first annual convention was held in Dallas, Texas, at the Adolphus Hotel, October 8 - 10, 1917. Thirty six delegates representing 22 clubs from nine states participated, approved the " Lion Clubs " designation, and elected Dr. William P. Woods of Indiana as their first president.

That first convention also began to define what the association was to become. A constitution and by-laws were adopted, the colours of purple and gold approved, and a start was made on the Objects and Code of Ethics.

NAME

The official name of "Lions" is "The International Association of Lions Clubs" or simply "Lions Clubs International"

EMBLEM DESCRIPTION

It consists of a gold letter " L " on a circular purple field. Bordering this is a circular gold area with two conventionalised lion profiles at either side facing away from the centre. The words " Lions " appear at the top and " International " at the bottom. Symbolically, the lions face both past and future - proud of the past and confident of the future.

It is the obligation of every Lion to wear and display this emblem with pride.

MISSION STATEMENT

Developed at the 1997 International Convention in Philadelphia and included in the masthead of THE LION Magazine beginning with the October 1997 issue.

" To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation. "

THE SLOGAN

" Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety. "

THE COLORS

Purple and Gold
To Lions, Purple stands for loyalty to country, friends, one's self and the integrity of mind and heart. It is the traditional colour of strength, courage and tireless dedication to a cause. Gold symbolises sincerity of purpose, liberality in judgement, purity in life and generosity in mind, heart and purse towards those in need.

THE BASIS OF MEMBERSHIP

Any person of legal majority, good moral character and good reputation in the community may be granted membership in a duly authorised Lions Club. Membership is by invitation only.