All About Lions History Organization Service Understanding the history, organization, service, and membership of Lions Clubs International is important for all Lions. Embracing these fundamentals of our association is what will ensure our future as the largest humanitarian service organization in the world for many years to come. Service

Historical Highlights Lions Clubs International Let’s start by taking a trip back in time to review some of Lions Clubs International’s historical highlights. Historical Highlights

1917 Melvin Jones establishes the Association of Lions Clubs Lions Clubs International began as the dream of Melvin Jones, an American businessman who belonged to a club named the Business Circle of Chicago. Melvin Jones believed that local business clubs should expand from purely professional concerns to focus on working for the betterment of their communities. In 1917, he contacted members of similar independent organizations around the country and invited them to a meeting. Most agreed to merge as one association of clubs, and they took the name of the largest group, the Indiana-based Association of Lions Clubs. The first convention was held in October of that year in Dallas, Texas, USA, where the constitution was adopted and the first president, Dr. W.P. Woods, was elected. Jones was elected secretary, beginning a 44-year career with the association.

“You can’t get very far until you start doing something for someone else.” - Melvin Jones Melvin Jones explained his reasoning for the concept of service to the community with the saying, “You can’t get very far until you start doing something for someone else.” For over 90 years Lions around the world have proven Jones’ saying to be true by serving local, national, and global communities.

First club chartered in Canada 1920 In 1920, the Association of Lions Clubs was established internationally when the first club in Canada was chartered in Windsor, Ontario. Today, Lions Clubs International has 1.35 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographic areas around the world. First club chartered in Canada

1925 Lions become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness” Helen Keller was an American author and lecturer, who overcame considerable physical handicaps and served as an inspiration for other disabled people. When she was 19 months old, she was stricken with an acute illness that left her deaf and blind. She overcame these setbacks to earn a college degree with honors. An early milestone in Lions’ history occurred in 1925 when Helen Keller addressed the association at the International Convention in Ohio, USA. She challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." Since this historic event in 1925, Lions Clubs International has been committed to ridding the world of preventable and reversible blindness and providing services for people who are already blind or visually impaired.

1930 White canes introduced as a symbol of the blind                                                                   White canes introduced as a symbol of the blind Though Lions work with the blind was in its early stages in 1930, Lions clubs were already emphasizing ways to help prevent blindness and were actively promoting services for the visually impaired. In fact, in 1930, the club president of the Peoria Lions Club of Illinois, USA, saw a problem and developed a solution that has spread throughout the world. Lion George A. Bonham observed a blind man trying to cross a busy street as traffic whirled around him. The man tapped furiously on the pavement with his black cane, but no one understood his problem. Lion Bonham came up with the idea of supplying blind people with white canes to alert others, and he introduced a resolution to the city of Peoria to give the right-of-way to any blind person using a white cane. By 1956, every state in the United States had passed white cane safety laws, which also included blind persons employing the help of guide dogs. The white cane has since become an international symbol and a blessing to those without sight.

established as official motto of LCI 1954 As you know, our organization's motto is “We Serve.” At the International Convention in 1954, this simple phrase, submitted by Lion D.A. Stevenson, was chosen from more than 6,000 suggested mottos. It symbolizes the spirit of Lionism: to help others and to tear away the shrouds of ignorance and distrust that separate one human being from another. As a dominant theme of Lionism for more than fifty years, “We Serve” is translated daily from words into reality on every continent. “We Serve” established as official motto of LCI

1957 First Leo club chartered in Pennsylvania, USA On December 5, 1957 the Glenside Lions Club in Pennsylvania, USA chartered the first Leo club for young people. The circle of junior service clubs began to expand. In October 1967, the board of directors of Lions Clubs International adopted the Leo Club Program as an official program of the association. Open to males and females, the objective of the Leo Club Program was (and still is): "...to provide the youth of the world (with) an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national and international community." Today, the Leo Club Program is stronger than ever, and community service remains the cornerstone of the program. Like their Lion counterparts, Leo club members enjoy serving their communities and watching as the positive results unfold.

International Foundation 1968                                                                                  Lions Clubs International Foundation established The Lions Clubs International Foundation was established in 1968 with the purpose of funding large-scale Lions humanitarian projects for sight, youth, disability, health, and disaster relief. Since LCIF began in 1968, it has awarded over 9,600 grants totaling over US$685 million to improve the lives of people worldwide. Every single dollar donated to LCIF goes directly toward a grant.

1973 Melvin Jones Fellowship created In 1973, LCIF created the Melvin Jones Fellowship. This donor recognition award is the Foundation’s highest honor. The Melvin Jones Fellowship is the backbone of LCIF, providing 70 percent of its revenues. A recognition of humanitarian work, a Melvin Jones Fellowship is given to those who give US$1,000 to LCIF or to people for whom a donation was made by others.

1987 Another historical highlight in the history of Lions Clubs International is the inclusion of women as members in 1987. Today, women comprise approximately 21% of the association’s total membership and bring a wealth of ideas, energy, and skills to our association. Women become LIONS

1989 First International Peace Poster Contest 1989 winner In 1989, the International Peace Poster Contest was established for young people around the world to express their artistic visions of peace. Each year, Lions Clubs around the world sponsor the contest in their communities. 1989 winner

2005 Campaign SightFirst II is launched In 2005, the Lions Clubs International Foundation launched Campaign SightFirst II, it’s second major fundraising effort to provide sight services for people around the world. At the 2008 International Convention, it was announced that the campaign had raised US$200 million dollars.

provide earthquake relief 2008 In 2008, a devastating earthquake caused massive damage in the Sichuan province of China. In response, Lions in China quickly mobilized to lead relief efforts and provide immediate and long-term aid and support to the thousands of victims affected by the disaster. Lions in China provide earthquake relief

2010 Lions provide earthquake relief in Haiti On January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated the country of Haiti. Lions around the world responded quickly, providing generous donations, services, and aid. Within 3 months, Lions “Hope for Haiti” generated $4.2 million in monetary donations, and Lions continue to support the long-term reconstruction and relief efforts in the area. These historical highlights represent only a small fraction of the illustrious history of Lions Clubs International, and you have become a part of that history through your membership. Lions provide earthquake relief in Haiti

Organization Member Club Zone Region District Multiple District International Board of Directors International Headquarters Another important part of being a Lion is understanding how Lions Clubs International is organized. The organization of Lions Clubs International begins with you, the member, and with your club. But like all large organizations, there are a number of levels within the organization, each of which supports the others.

Organization Member These concentric squares represent the structure of Lions Clubs International. At the center of the organization is the Lions club member. Lions club members begin the chain of service that permeates the organization’s structure. Currently there are over 1.3 million Lions.

Organization Clubs Together Lions members make up the Lions club. Currently there are approximately 46,000 clubs within the association. Club members elect club officers to guide the club as it serves various needs within their communities.

Club Structure Club President Immediate Past President Vice Presidents Secretary/Treasurer Membership Director Other elected chairpersons Lion Tamer Tail Twister Club officers include the president, immediate past president, vice presidents, secretary, and treasurer. Also included in the club structure is a membership director, other elected chairpersons, as well as a Lion tamer. Lion tamers are responsible for the property and paraphernalia of the club such as flags, banners, and gavels. Some clubs also elect a tail twister, who is responsible for promoting harmony, good fellowship, and enthusiasm at club meetings.

Club President Responsibilities Chief executive officer of club Calls club and board meetings Conducts club meetings Appoints standing/special committees Active member of district governor’s advisory committee The club president plays a key role in the success and well-being of the club. The president is the ‘chief executive officer’ of the club, calls meetings of the board and of the club, conducts effective club meetings, appoints standing and special committees, and is an active member of the district governor’s advisory committee in the zone in which the club is located. It is important to remember that the club president’s authority depends on the directives of the club’s board of directors.

Club President Conduct efficient and enjoyable meetings Challenges Conduct efficient and enjoyable meetings Keep members involved Inspire members to achieve level of excellence The club president is challenged to conduct efficient and enjoyable meetings. In fact, Lions often decide to leave the organization because their club meetings are ineffective or boring. The club president also faces the challenge of keeping members involved in club activities and events. Appointing members to committees or other positions within the club is an effective way to increase member involvement. An effective president will inspire members to realize their own potential.

Organization Zone The next ring of the Lions structure is the zone. Zones consist of 4-8 Lions clubs within a geographical area. Delegates of the clubs within the zone may elect a zone chairperson, but it is more common that the district governor appoints Lions to this position. Zone chairpersons act as advisors, help solve problems, and identify opportunities for their clubs. They also play an active role in organizing new clubs.

Organization Region Zone chairperson activities are coordinated at the regional level. The region chairperson is responsible for leadership in the region and guides zone chairpersons in their efforts. The position of region chairperson is an optional position within the organizational structure.

Organization District The next ring in the association is the district. Our association is divided into approximately 750 districts, each led by a district governor team.

District Structure District Governor Immediate Past District Governor First Vice District Governor Second Vice District Governor Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer Region & Zone Chairpersons District Committee Chairpersons The governor leads the district cabinet, which includes the immediate past district governor, the first and second vice district governors, the cabinet secretary-treasurer (or cabinet secretary and cabinet treasurer), and zone and region chairpersons. Some districts have additional members, depending on the individual district’s constitution and by-laws. Districts are typically made up of at least 35 clubs and 1,250 Lions members in good standing.

District Governor Responsibilities Administer membership growth/new club development Promote club/district leadership development Protect association’s registered trademarks Promote LCIF and service activities of LCI Preside over cabinet, convention, other district meetings The District Governor Team is made up of three positions that are important in maintaining effective district operations. These three positions are: District Governor First Vice District Governor Second Vice District Governor The district governor has many responsibilities that are described in the District Governor Team Manual. Here are a few of the governor’s key responsibilities.

District Governor Responsibilities (cont.) Ensure clubs function according to Constitution & By-Laws Monitor club payments and district finances Promote harmony among clubs Supervise cabinet officers/district appointees Perform functions required by the International Board of Directors, District Governor Team Manual, etc. Here are a few more responsibilities of this important position.

First Vice District Governor Perform duties assigned by district governor, International Board of Directors Conduct meetings in absence of district governor Visit clubs as representative of district governor Ensure clubs are active and strong Assist district committees with strategic plans, goal-setting The position of first vice district governor is critical in supporting the district governor and the district cabinet. The responsibilities of this position include: Perform duties and functions as assigned by the district governor and International Board of Directors Conduct cabinet meetings in absence of district governor Visit clubs as a representative of district governor Assist the district governor in ensuring that clubs are active and strong Assist various district committees with strategic plans and goal-setting, including Membership, Extension, Leadership Development and Convention committees For further information about the duties and responsibilities of the first vice district governor, consult the District Governor Team Manual and the LCI District Constitution and By-Laws.

Second Vice District Governor Perform duties assigned by district governor, International Board of Directors Conduct meetings in absence of district governor, first vice district governor Assist district governor, first vice district governor in budget planning Visit clubs as representative of district governor Assist district committees with strategic plans and goal-setting Review health and status of clubs Another important support position in the district cabinet is that of the second vice district governor. The responsibilities of this position include: Perform duties and functions as assigned by the district governor and International Board of Directors Conduct cabinet meetings in absence of district governor and first vice district governor Assist the district governor and the first vice district governor in district budget planning Visit clubs as a representative of the district governor Assist various district committees with strategic plans and goal-setting, including LCIF, Retention, and IT committees Review health and status of clubs For further information about the duties and responsibilities of the second vice district governor, consult the District Governor Team Manual and the LCI District Constitution and By-Laws.

Organization Multiple District The next ring of support for the Lions member is the multiple district. Multiple districts are formed by two or more districts within a territory defined by the International Board of Directors. Districts within multiple districts are referred to as sub-districts. Some districts are not part of a multiple district. These stand-alone districts are referred to as single districts. Annual district and multiple district conventions allow Lions to elect officers, share best practices, sharpen their leadership skills, and enjoy fellowship and fun.

Organization International Board of Directors The next component of the international structure is the International Board of Directors, which includes the officers and directors.

International Board of Directors President Immediate Past President First Vice President Second Vice President International Directors Board Appointees Administrative Officers: Executive Director, Treasurer, Secretary The members of the board include the president, immediate past president, first vice president, second vice president, international directors and selected Lions leaders who serve as board appointees. Full time administrative officers who serve on the board include the executive director, secretary, treasurer, and others as may be designated by the International Board of Directors. The duty of all officers is to further the Purposes of Lions Clubs International.

South America, Central America, Mexico & Islands of the Caribbean Sea Constitutional Areas United States of America, its affiliates, Bermuda & the Bahamas Canada The International Directors are chosen based on their Constitutional Area. Lions Clubs International is organized into 7 constitutional areas which include: United States of America, its affiliates, Bermuda & the Bahamas Canada South America, Central America, Mexico & Islands of the Caribbean Sea South America, Central America, Mexico & Islands of the Caribbean Sea

South Asia, Africa and the Middle East Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia & Islands of the South Pacific Ocean Europe Constitutional Areas (continued): Europe The Orient and Southeast Asia South Asia, Africa and the Middle East Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia & Islands of the South Pacific Ocean The Orient and Southeast Asia

Organization International Headquarters The final component of Lions Clubs International structure is Lions Clubs International Headquarters located in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA, where nearly 300 employees provide resources and support to the 1.3 million Lions club members.

International Headquarters Lions Clubs International Headquarters Club Supplies and Distribution Convention Extension and Membership District and Club Administration Information Technology Finance International Headquarters is organized into 11 separate divisions to serve the various needs of Lions around the world. These divisions are: Club Supplies and Distribution: Offers clubs a wide variety of items marked with the association’s emblem, including awards, apparel, banners, pins, plaques and special orders Convention: Works with host Lions in convention cities to plan the annual international convention for approximately 15,000 Lions District and Club Administration: Responsible for district and club operations, assisting districts and clubs worldwide in 12 official languages, and administration of district governor and club president awards Extension and Membership: Implements programs to recruit and retain members and develop new clubs by encouraging traditional and non-traditional club development. Creates materials and supports new member and orientation, as well as the President’s Retention Program. Finance: Maintains the integrity of the association’s financial and accounting systems and provides financial services Information Technology: Monitors and administers all computer systems at headquarters, in India, and in Japan Service Activities: Develops Lions opportunities for youth, health, culture and the environment Leadership: Provides a variety of leadership development opportunities for current and future Lions leaders, such as the Senior Lions Leadership Institute, the DGE Seminar, and the Lions Learning Center Legal: Responsible for association’s legal operations Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF): As the grant-making arm of the association, LCIF supports Lions humanitarian efforts worldwide Public Relations: Works to share Lions image and stories with Lions, media and the general public via the association’s official web site, the LION Magazine, the International Peace Poster Contest and Lions Quarterly. Service Activities LCIF Leadership Public Relations and Communications Legal

We Serve As we consider this entire structure, and think of all of the people who are devoting their time to advance Lionism, we must focus on the basic foundation of the association…our motto, “We Serve.” Let us look more closely at the wide variety of projects and programs that our members currently undertake to help those in need.

Adopted Service Programs There are many ways in which Lions serve the world community. Lions Clubs International endorses service programs and projects called “Adopted Service Programs”. These service opportunities are organized into seven categories, all of which meet the following criteria:   exemplify the Lions ‘We Serve’ motto and are relevant to Lions clubs internationally meet an important community or humanitarian need achieve measurable outcomes which benefit service recipients provide “hands-on” involvement by Lions include leadership roles for Lions promote public awareness of the Lions service mission are sustainable

Environmental Services Community Services Health and Wellness Environmental Services Disaster Preparedness/ Relief Lions Opportunities for Youth International Relations The seven categories within the Adopted Service Program are: Community Services: citizenship, cultural, educational, health, public, recreational, and social services. Example: Lions Crew at Work Disaster Preparedness/Relief: services to provide planning, awareness, aid, relief, supplies, and other services to victims of disasters. Example: Lions ALERT Team Environmental Services: services that aim to preserve the flora and fauna of the planet. Example: Lions Environmental Photo Contest, Lions Green Team Health and Wellness: services that include: Diabetes Awareness and Action; Hearing Preservation, Awareness and Action; and Sight Preservation, Awareness and Action. International Relations: programs that fulfill the Third Purpose of Lions Clubs International: To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world. Example: Lions Day with the United Nations. Lions Opportunities for Youth: committees are established at the club, district, and multiple district levels to promote all Lions youth programs. Example: Leo Club Program, International Peace Poster Contest Lions Services for Children: programs to encourage Lions to help children and young adolescents in adverse circumstances through health and education services. You can find resources and information about each of these programs on the LCI Web site at: http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/member-center/planning-projects/other-adopted-programs.php Lions Services for Children

All About Lions History Organization Service Understanding the history, organization, service, and membership of Lions Clubs International is important for all Lions. Embracing these fundamentals of our association is what will ensure our future as the enduring humanitarian service organization in the world for many years to come. Service