Lions Historical Milestone
A Brief History of Lions Clubs International
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.
As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2017, it's moment to look back on our long and proud tradition of service and the numerous achievements of our association and Lions around the world.
2025
Indian Lions at International
Fourth indian Lion A.P.Singh takes over as Lions International President focusing on achieving Mission 1.5 Goals
2023 - 2027
Embarked on a Mission 1.5 to take our membership to 1.5 million by 30th June 2027
2023
2023: Partnering for Kindness
LCIF and Lions Quest become a founding member of The Choose Kindness Project, a coalition of the leading nonprofit organizations in the United States championing bullying prevention, intentional inclusion and youth mental wellness.
2022
Campaign 100 goal exceeded
LCIF exceeds its goal for Campaign 100: LCIF Empowering Service. A total of US$325 million was raised during the campaign, which is the organization’s most ambitious fundraising initiative to date.
2017
100th Anniversary
Lions celebrate their 100th anniversary and first century of service!
1971
LCI Moves to Oak Brook
LCI moves to its fourth and final location in Oak Brook, IL.
1968
LCIF Established
The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is established.
1965
Melvin Jones Memorial
Lions build the Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial in Fort Thomas, Arizona.
1957
Youth Programs Start
Lions launch youth programs, including the very successful Leo Clubs.
1956
Stevie Wonder Gift
The Detroit Lions Club gives 6-year-old Stevie Wonder a Christmas gift – a drum set.
1954
Official Motto Chosen
After an international contest among Lions, an official motto is chosen: 'We Serve.'
1952
Lions Expand to Japan
Filipino Lions reach out to Japan and encourage the chartering of the first Japanese Lions club.
1948
First European Club
Europe sees its first Lions club in Stockholm, Sweden.
Lions in Leper Colony
A Lions club is formed in Kalaupapa, Hawaii, where the charter members all have Hansen's disease (leprosy).
1947
30th Anniversary
In October, Lions celebrate the 30th anniversary of the association at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.
UN Consultant Status
Lions are given consultant status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council.
1946
Blind Camp Launched
The Lions Blind Camp on Casper Mountain in Wyoming hosts its first group of blind children.
1945
Lions and UN Charter
Lions assist in drafting the United Nations Charter, starting a lasting bond with the U.N.
1944
First Eye Bank
The world's first eye bank is created in New York City. Today, most eye banks are Lions-sponsored.
1939
Dog Guide Training
Members of the Detroit Uptown Lions Club turn an old Michigan farmhouse into a school to train dog guides for the visually impaired, helping to popularize dog guides worldwide.
First Little League
To provide an organized baseball program for children, Lion Carl Edwin Stotz of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, appeals for support from Lions clubs, YMCAs and other community partners. On June 6, 1939, the very first Little League baseball game is played at Park Point in Williamsport.
1935
Amelia Earhart Honored
Amelia Earhart, honorary member of the New York City Lions Club, completes a record-breaking nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Mexico during the Lions Clubs International Convention in Mexico City.
Talking Book Donation
Local Lions donate a Talking Book machine to the Milwaukee Public Library, allowing the blind to hear books.
1933
Lions at World's Fair
Visitors to the Chicago World's Fair learn about Lions clubs at the fair's Social Science Division.
1931
Club in Mexico
Lions head south and establish a club in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.
First Int'l Convention
The first international convention outside of the U.S. is held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
1930
White Cane for Blind
Lion George Bonham paints a cane white with a wide red band to aid the visually impaired after he witnesses a blind man having trouble crossing the street.
1926
Lions Flag at Poles
Polar explorer and member of the Washington D.C. Lions Club, Admiral Richard E. Byrd, Jr. flies over the North Pole and carries the Lions flag with him.
South Pole Expedition
He flies over the South Pole later that same year.
1925
Helen Keller Challenge
During the international convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, Helen Keller charges Lions with becoming 'knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.'
1920
International Expansion
Lions Clubs become international by chartering a club in Windsor, Canada.
1917
Lions Clubs Founded
Melvin Jones and fellow Chicago businessmen found Lions Clubs to improve the community.
First Convention
The first convention takes place at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, TX.