The World’s Largest Service Club Organization

With over 49,000 clubs and 1.4+ million members, the Lions Club is one of the most effective service organizations in our local communities.

1917: The Beginning

• In response to social problems created by WWI and rapid industrialization, a Chicago businessman named Melivin Jones invites business clubs from around the United States to a meeting where the Association of the Lions Clubs is formed.

1920s: Lions Go International

• Just three years after founding, the Association of Lions Clubs become international when the Border Cities Lions Club in Windsor, Canada is established.

1925: Becoming “Knights of the Blind”

• Helen Keller addresses the Lions at the International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio. She famously challenges Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” Thus began a century-long mission - impacting millions of lives through vision-related work.

1945: Uniting Nations

• Lions and other representatives from 46 nations meet to help establish the NGO section of the United Nations, underscoring Lions International’s commitment to a “certain and lasting peace for the world”

1973: Celebrating 1million members

1990: Launching SightFirst

• A campaign to help restore sight and prevent blindness on a global scale is launched, leading more than 488 million people to be positively impacted.

2017: Lions Turn 100

2024: We’re just getting started

• As we move into our second century of service, our commitment to taking action and making a positive impact on the world is stronger than ever.