“We Serve.” Doesn’t that sound noble? Here, before the Lions Club Sculpture, we find a testament to that very motto.
The Lions Clubs International is a global service organization. It boasts over 1.4 million members. These members belong to more than 46000 local clubs. These clubs operate in over 200 countries. The organization’s headquarters are in Oak Brook Illinois.
The Association of Lions Clubs started in 1917. Melvin Jones a Chicago business leader founded it. In 1920 it became international with a club in Windsor Canada. Since then it’s known as Lions Clubs International. Jones believed business clubs should look beyond profit. He felt they should improve their communities.
The Lions embrace the motto “We Serve”. Their programs focus on many areas. These include sight and hearing conservation and diabetes awareness. They also work on youth outreach and international relations. Environmental issues are another focus. Partisan politics and sectarian religion are not allowed. The acronym LIONS stands for Liberty Intelligence Our Nations’ Safety.
Lions Clubs participate in diverse service projects. They donate to hospices. They run community campaigns like Message in a Bottle. This UK and Ireland initiative puts medical info in refrigerators. They also raise money for international crises. Examples include the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Another example is the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan. The Lions Clubs International Foundation coordinates international campaigns. Sight First and Lions World Sight Day are two examples. The latter raises awareness of sight loss in developing countries.
Helen Keller addressed the Lions in 1925. She urged them to be “Knights of the Blind.” This marked the start of their work for the visually impaired.
Lions conduct hearing and cancer screening projects. In Perth Australia they’ve done hearing screenings for over 30 years. They provided seed money for the Lions Ear and Hearing Institute. This institute excels in diagnosing and researching hearing disorders. Lions in Perth also helped establish the Lions Eye Institute. In Brisbane the Lions Medical Research Foundation funds researchers. Ian Frazer’s HPV vaccine work received funding from them.
Lions Clubs International has supported the UN since 1945. They helped draft the United Nations Charter in San Francisco.
Lions Clubs International Foundation helps Lions serve the world. Donations fund grants. These grants assist Lions districts with large humanitarian projects. These projects would be too expensive for them alone. The Foundation helps Lions make a bigger impact.
The Lions offer youth programs. These develop leadership skills. They also encourage community service. Leo Clubs are for those aged 12 to 30. Alpha Leo Clubs focus on personal development. Omega Leo Clubs focus on community leadership. Lions Quest develops social-emotional skills. The Youth Exchange Program promotes cultural understanding. The Peace Poster Contest encourages kids to express their vision of peace. The Young Leaders in Service Awards recognize youth volunteers. Many local Lions Clubs offer scholarships.
The Lions endorsed the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases. Through SightFirst they aim to eradicate blindness from trachoma. They allocated over $11 million in 10 countries. This money supports eye surgeries and medical training. It also funds the distribution of medicine and sanitary services. They also announced $6.9 million for the same cause in China.
Membership is by invitation only. Applicants need a sponsor. The club’s board of directors must approve the membership. Prospective members must have good moral character. Regular attendance is encouraged. Members can advance from local to international levels.
In 1987 the constitution changed to allow women members. Some all-male clubs still exist though. Famous Lions include Jimmy Carter and Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh. Sir Edmund Hillary was also a member.
The organization expanded to Canada in 1920. In 1937 it reached Puerto Rico. Today Lions Clubs operate in over 200 countries.
An international convention happens yearly. Members meet each other and elect officers. They participate in activities. They display fundraisers and trade souvenirs. The first convention was in Dallas in 1917.
So when you look at this Lions Club Sculpture remember its meaning. It represents service community and global betterment. It stands for the tireless work of Lions worldwide. Their commitment makes a real difference.