07/06/2026
LIONS
A 109-Year Story of Service
On June 7, 1917, a group of individuals gathered in Chicago with a simple yet powerful idea: people should work not only for their own success, but also for the betterment of their communities.
Over the past 109 years, that idea has grown into one of the largest volunteer service movements in the world.
Today, Lions is more than an international service organization. With millions of members across hundreds of countries and geographic areas, it has become a global symbol of friendship, compassion, and humanitarian service.
Looking back at Lions history, we see not only the growth of an organization, but the development of a culture of service that has touched countless lives.
Founded in 1917, Lions became an international organization in 1920 with the establishment of a club in Canada. In 1925, Helen Keller delivered her historic challenge to Lions, calling upon them to become “Knights of the Blind.” Her words helped shape a mission that continues today through Lions’ commitment to vision care.
In 1945, Lions was invited to participate in the founding process of the United Nations, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to international cooperation and peace.
The establishment of the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) in 1968 further strengthened Lions’ ability to serve. Through disaster relief, health initiatives, educational programs, and humanitarian assistance, LCIF has helped millions of people around the world.
Today, Lions’ Global Causes include Vision, Diabetes, Childhood Cancer, Hunger, Environment, and Youth.
Yet the impact of Lions extends far beyond these areas.
Around the world, Lions clubs support mental health awareness initiatives, helping communities address loneliness, depression, bullying, emotional well-being, and resilience.
Through the Peace Poster Contest, millions of children are encouraged to express their hopes for a more peaceful world. Each year, their artwork brings together dreams, creativity, and understanding across cultures.
Through Lions Quest programs, children and young people develop social and emotional learning skills, empathy, responsibility, healthy decision-making, and the confidence needed to become future leaders.
Through Leo Clubs, new generations of leaders are inspired to embrace volunteerism and community service from an early age.
Being among the first to respond during disasters, helping fight hunger, supporting a child's education, offering hope to a patient, encouraging a young person's talents, or simply letting someone know they are not alone...
This is the true story of Lions.
A story not of buildings, titles, or meetings, but of people.
People who are stronger together.
People who unite despite their differences.
People who continue to believe that the world can be a better place.
Today, 109 years later, one simple motto still lights our path:
WE SERVE
Because service is not merely an activity.
It is a way of life.
For 109 years...
Today.
Tomorrow.
