Our association is made up of 1.4 million members in 49,000 clubs who bring hands and hearts to the communities we serve in nearly every country on earth. Our Lions and Leos help hundreds of millions of people every year. Check out the ways we serve.
A Little History
In 1917, Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old 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, objectives and a code of ethics were approved. And the rest is history.
Our Global Causes
These Global Causes present significant challenges to humanity, and we believe it's our turn to meet them.
Diabetes
We serve to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve quality of life for those diagnosed.
Vision
We serve to prevent avoidable blindness and improve quality of life for the visually impaired.
Hunger
We serve to ensure all community members have access to nutritious foods.
Environment
We serve to protect and restore our environment to improve the well-being of all communities.
Childhood Cancer
We serve those affected by childhood cancer survive and thrive.
Disaster Relief
We take steps to meet immediate needs and provide long-term support for communities devasted by natural disasters.
Humanitarian
We identify the world's most crucial needs and provide humanitarian aid where it's needed most.
Youth
We support young people so they can make positive choices, lead healthy and productive lives, and become the next generation of service leaders.
International President
Fabrício Oliveira
Make Your Mark
Everywhere we serve, every time we give, we bring kindness and compassion, change and hope. And we make our mark on the lives we touch, the communities we serve and the world we share.
