Lions Club International

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization, with a network of 1.4 million men and women in more than 210 countries and geographical locations. We serve where we live, as well as globally, and we have fun doing it.

About Lions Club International

The 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 new group took the name of the “Association of Lions Clubs.” Just three years after its formation, the association became international.

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.

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.

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 have launched

Lions Clubs International has grown to include 2 million men and women in approximately 68,000 clubs located in over 200 countries and geographic areas.

BECOME A LION SO YOU TOO CAN

  • Make a difference everyday in your community

  • Provide support locally or reach out internationally

  • Grow personally and professionally by participating in our programs, community service projects and events

  • Have an impact on local and international humanitarian issues

  • Develop relationships with both local and international community and business leaders

  • Develop your leadership skills

  • Make new friendships and connections

  • Have access to membership discounts and services

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Any person interested in joining can fill out an application here on our web page, or speak to any Lion. If you have specific questions or concerns you can e-mail us at [email protected] or call Lion Tom Kinzler at 815-735-1450.  We are always looking for new members to help us do our projects.

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