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
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.