What are Lions?

Lions are men and woman who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes in their local and world communities. By conducting service projects and raising funds, Lions strive to help those in need, wherever need exists. The Lions motto is "We Serve".

In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions International Convention, challenging them to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness". Since that time, service to the blind and visually impaired has become one of the associations most significant activities. That crusade has resulted in the establishment of Sight First, a global blindness prevention and eradication program.

In addition, Lions participate in service activities emphasizing diabetes awareness, education and research; work with the physically and mentally impaired; environmental issues; community welfare; international understanding and youth.

The association was founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1917. Although the youngest major service club organization, Lions Clubs International has grown to be the worlds largest. Its 1.4 million members belong to clubs in over 187 countries and geographical locations. Lions Clubs International is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois.

To Lions, "WE SERVE" is not only a motto, but a definition and philosophy.