LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL
ORIENTATION and HISTORY
1
LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL
HISTORY TIMELINE

1917: Association founded in Chicago, Illinois, USA on June 7 by
businessman Melvin Jones

1920: Association became international with the formation of the
first club in Canada.

1925: Helen Keller challenges the Lions to become her “knights of
the blind in the crusade against blindness.”

1987: Lions Club International becomes the first service club to
admit women as members.

1990: SightFirst, a major blindness prevention initiative, is
launched.
2
INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
DIRECTORY
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT: Dr. Tae-Sup Lee
Immediate Past President – Kay K. Fukushima
1st International Vice President – Clement Kusiak
2nd International Vice President – Ashok Mehta
32 International Directors + 1 appointed
Lions Clubs International Headquarters
300 W. 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842 USA
(630) 571-5466 FAX: (630) 571-8890
Web Site: http://www.lionsclubs.org
3
LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL OBJECTS

TO CREATE and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.

TO PROMOTE the principles of good government and good citizenship.

TO TAKE an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the
community.

TO UNITE the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual
understanding.

TO PROVIDE a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest;
provide, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by
club members.

TO ENCOURAGE service-minded people to serve their community without personal
financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in
commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.
4
LIONS CODE OF ETHICS

TO SHOW my faith in the worthiness of my vocation by industrious
application to the end that I may merit a reputation for quality of service.

TO SEEK success and to demand all fair remuneration or profit as my just
due, but to accept no profit or success at the price of my own self-respect
lost because of unfair advantage taken or because of questionable acts on
my part.

TO REMEMBER that in building up my business it is not necessary to tear
down another’s; to be loyal to my clients or customer and true to myself.

WHENEVER a doubt arises as to the right or ethics of my position or actions
towards others, to resolve such doubt against myself.
5
LIONS CODE OF ETHICS cont.

TO HOLD friendship as an end and not a means. To hold that true
friendship exists not on account of the service performed by one to another,
but that true friendship demands nothing but accepts service in the spirit in
which it was given.

ALWAYS bear in mind my obligations as a citizen to my nation, my state and
my community, and to give them my unswerving loyalty in work, act, and
deed. To give them freely of my time, labor and means.

TO AID others by giving my sympathy to those in distress, my aid to the
weak, and my substance to the needy.

TO BE CAREFUL with my criticism and liberal with my praise; to build up
and not destroy.
6
EXERCISE – 0bjects, Ethics and You
Discuss with your trainer(s) what the Lions
Clubs International Objects and Ethics
means to you personally.
____________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
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7
ALL ABOUT YOUR CLUB

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A LION: Lions are men and women who are
dedicated to serving those in need in their community or half way
around the world.

Membership provides Lions with the opportunity to meet and work
with other individuals in a spirit of fellowship, striving toward the
common goal of helping those in need.

Members have the opportunity to improve both their local and world
communities and develop valuable personal and professional skills.

New members are expected to give freely of their time and energy
whenever possible. They are expected to attend club meetings, be
available for committee assignments, be knowledgeable about the
aims and objectives of Lions and to support club officers.
8
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

The unparalleled satisfaction of helping those in need.

Making a difference in your community.

Having an impact on those in need worldwide.

Developing leadership skills.

Enhancing communication skills.

Utilizing planning and organizational skills.

Working hands on to meet community needs.

Meeting new people – from your community and abroad.

Opportunities to network.

Opportunities to travel.
9
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

ACTIVE: A member entitled to all rights and privileges and subject
to all obligations which membership in a Lions club implies.

MEMBER-AT-LARGE: A member who has moved out of the
community and is unable to attend meetings and wants to retain
their Lions membership. This member can not hold an office or vote
at conventions and must pay dues.

HONORARY: An honor bestowed by a club to an individual who is
not a member of the Lions club; to recognize outstanding
community service.

PRIVILEDGED: A member who has been a Lion for 15 years or
more, because of illness, infirmities or advanced age or other
legitimate reason, must relinquish their active status. They may
vote but not hold an office.
10
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES cont.

LIFE-MEMBER: A member who has maintained active status for 20 or more years,
or for 15 years and is at least 70 years of age can be granted a Life Membership. Life
membership pay a one time payment to the association in lieu of future dues. They
have all rights and privileges of membership.

ASSOCIATE: A member who holds his primary membership in another club, but
maintains residence or is employed in the community in which he attends the club
meetings. May vote on club matters but may not serve as a club delegate or hold an
office.

AFFILIATE: An individual who is currently unable to fully participate in the club, but
wishes to support the club. They may not hold office and may not represent the club
at district, multiple-district or international conventions, but may vote on club
matters.

Members cannot simultaneously hold membership – other than Honorary or Associate
– in more than one club. They also may not hold another membership, other than
Honorary or Affiliate, in another club of similar character.
11
EXERCISE – What it Means to be
a Lion
Discuss why you became a Lion with your
trainer (s). Write down three personal goals
you have for membership.
1.
2.
3.
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
12
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS



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Attend meetings
regularly
May earn 100%
Attendance Award
Make up a meeting by
attending board
meetings, region or
zone meeting, visiting
another club, attend a
committee meeting or
club activity.
Club Secretary is
responsible for
compiling club members
attendance.
13
GUESTS AT MEETINGS
Meals for guests are generally paid for by
the Lion who extends the invitation.
 The same guest may come twice if
considering membership.
 The guest speaker’s meal is absorbed by
the club.
 It is appropriate that the Lion who invited
the guest make the introduction to the
club.

14
DUES and ASSESSMENTS

$25 International membership fee is payable on the day
the member joins with the completed application.

Members are billed on a quarterly basis unless other
arrangements have been made with the treasurer.

New members are billed proportionately to the quarter.

It is important to stay current as the club is billed by
International on the 1st of January and again on July 1st.
The club pays first and then we have to collect from the
members.

Administrative assessments are made semi-annually,
both are $15 payable in October and April.
15
CLUB BUDGETS

Club maintains
separate accounts for
Administrative.

The Administrative
 Funds raised from the
budget is what
public through club
finances the club
projects may only be
operations. Its income
spent to satisfy a
comes mainly from
community or public
club dues.
need.

Club maintains
separate accounts for
Activities.
16
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors govern the Lions Club. The Board
consists of the President, the Immediate Past President,
three Vice Presidents, a Secretary, Treasurer, Lion Tamer,
Tail Twister, four or more Directors, a Membership
director, and a Branch Coordinator.

Officers are elected annually for a term of one year from
July 1 – June 30.

Directors are elected for two-year terms.

Meetings of the board are usually held once a month.
17
District and Local Information
District 2 S-1
District Governor – Lion Vergne Gregrich
Vice District Governor – Lion David Middleton
District Secretary – Lion Penny Gregrich
District Treasurer – Lion Harold Yost
Club Formed in
Club President – Lion
Immediate Past President – Lion
Vice Presidents: Lions
Club Secretary – Lion
Club Treasurer – Lion
Lion Tamer – Lion
Tail Twisters – Lions &
Membership Chairman – Lion
Chaplain – Lion
Directors: One (1) year Lion and Lion ; Two ( 2) year Directors : Lion
and Lion
18
CLUB OFFICERS and DIRECTORS
At a Glance
The club’s Board of Directors is composed of:


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

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


Club President
Immediate Past President
Vice Presidents
Secretary
Treasurer
Lion Tamer
Tail Twister
Membership Director
Elected Directors
Branch Coordinator (if applicable)
19
OFFICERS

President - Leader of the club and board of directors. Calls all regular and
special meetings, plans the agenda, and calls upon the status of each
committee and is an active member of the District Governor’s Advisory
Committee.

Immediate Past President – acts as an official greeter of members and
their guests and represents the club in welcoming new people in the
community served by the club.

Vice President – In the event that the President is unable to perform their
duties of office for any reason, the Vice President next in rank occupies the
position and performs the duties with the same authority as the President.
Each Vice President, under the direction of the President, oversees the
functioning of various committees of the club.

Secretary- acts as a liaison officer between the club and both district and
international. Responsibilities include submitting reports, maintaining club
records and issuing financial statements to the club members.
20
OFFICERS cont.

Treasurer- Responsible for all club financial matters. Duties include
receiving all monies and paying club obligations, maintaining financial
records, preparing financial statements and submitting financial reports,

Lion Tamer- Serves as custodian of club property. Duties include being
responsible for club property (such as flags, banners, gavels, etc.), serving
as sergeant at arms during meetings and distributing materials at meetings.

Tail Twister- Serves to promote harmony, good fellowship, and
enthusiasm at club meeting through judicious imposition of fines on
members. The Tail Twister may not be fined except by unanimous vote of
all members present. Any fines collected are to be immediately turned over
to the treasurer.

Membership Director- Serves as the chairman of the membership
committee. Responsibilities include development of membership growth
programs, implementation of recruitment and retention program and
preparation of orientation sessions.

Branch Coordinator- chief officer of the club’s branch executive
committee.
21
Club Organization
ELECTIONS: All officers are elected annually except Directors are elected every other
year. Nominations for officers begin in March. The President appoints a nominating
committee. The committee proposes the candidates names at a nominating meeting.
At this meeting nominations may be made from the floor. Elections are held in April
and the terms of office begin on July 1st.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: is made up from a three-member committee. The
committee includes a Member, a Vice Chairman and a Chairman who automatically
becomes Director of the Board. After the first year, only the Membership
Chairman/Director moves off the committee. The Vice Chairman moves up to
become the Membership Chairman. The remaining committee member becomes the
Vice Chairman and a new Lion is elected to fill the vacancy.
COMMITTEES: Club projects and activities are originated and led by club committees
under the direction of a Committee Chairman. The President appoints the chairman
and committee members. There are two general classifications of club committees:
Administrative and Activities based. Chairman will periodically call members for
committee meetings and report their progress to the board. Vice Presidents report
these activities to the general membership.
22
Club Organization cont.
ADMINISTRATIVE MAY INCLUDE:
Constitution & By-Laws
Finance
Information Technology
Leadership development
Membership/Retention
Programs
Lions Information
Attendance
Public Relations-Newsletter
ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE:
Addresses specific
community needs as well
as supporting
international services.
Youth Outreach
Leo Clubs
Diabetes Awareness
Sight Conservation
Hearing & Speech
Environmental Services
Lions Camp
23
CLUB COMMUNICATIONS
CLUB CALENDAR: The program committee is
responsible for maintaining a calendar of events.
This calendar helps to remind members of
pertinent club dates.
CLUB NEWSLETTER: is a vital communication tool.
Members are encouraged to read each issue.
WEB-SITE: A great communication tool for club
members and others for vital club information.
24
AWARDS
AWARDS: There are many awards available to members at the club level for
service activity and membership initiatives. They include:
◊ Extension Award: Given for outstanding efforts in formation of new
Lions Clubs.
◊ Year-Round Growth Award for recruiting three or more members in one
year.
◊ Membership Keys: Awarded for recruiting quality members.
◊ 100% Attendance: Recognizes perfect attendance.
◊ Chevrons: Awarded for length of membership.
Many clubs also have their own awards programs to recognize the
outstanding achievements of their members, as do Districts and Multiple
Districts.
Club leaders are eligible for a variety of awards to acknowledge superior
efforts, such as the club President Excellence Award.
25
EXERCISE – Community Service
What community service projects interest
you most? How do you feel you can best
contribute to your club? Discuss with your
trainer (s).
____________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________

26
YOUR INTERNATIONAL
ASSOCIATION



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
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
Founded: 1917 in Chicago, Illinois, USA
Founder: Melvin Jones
Motto:
“ We Serve ”
Official Colors: Purple and Gold
Slogan: Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation’s Safety
Primary Activity: Blindness Prevention and Sight
Conservation
Nearly 1.4 Million men and women in 189
countries and areas worldwide.
27
CURRENT STATISTICS
1,368,683 men and women members in
 45,502 Clubs and
 738 districts
 191 countries and worldwide geographical
areas

* As of February 28, 2003 reported in The LION, June 2003
28
The International Association

THE ASSOCIATION’S ORIGINAL NAME was “The
International Association of Lions Clubs” or simply Lions
Clubs International. LIONS was chosen for the animal
symbolism of courage, strength, activity, and fidelity.

MISSON STATEMENT: To create and foster a spirit of
understanding among all people for humanitarian needs
by providing voluntary services through community
involvement and international cooperation.

MOTTO: The Lions motto is “ We Serve. ” It was
adopted at the 1954 International Convention, after
being selected from more than 6,000 suggestions from
members worldwide.
29
The International Association cont.

SLOGAN: Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nations Safety. Adopted in
1919.

OFFICIAL COLORS: Purple and Gold were chosen in 1917

OFFICIAL EMBLEM: The current Lion emblem (or logo) was
adopted in 1919. The Lions face both past and future-pride of
heritage and confidence in the future.

INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING:
International understanding and friendship is a matter of spirit
rather than language. Lions throughout the world communicate
with one another through club activities that create and foster a
spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.
30
EXERCISE – The “We Serve” Spirit
Discuss with your trainer how you intend to
keep the “ We Serve ” spirit of the
association alive.
31
The International Association of Lions Club
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
BOARD OF DIRECTORS – 32 members; 1 appointed
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
 INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
 EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR
 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
 VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR
 CABINET SECRETARY - TREASURER
 REGION CHAIRMAN
 ZONE CHAIRMAN
 ADVISORY COMMITTEE
 LIONS CLUB
 Delegates to the Annual Convention


32
EXERCISE – Your International
Headquarters

1.
2.
3.
List three ways that the International
Headquarters staff assists Lions
worldwide. Discuss with your trainer(s).
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
33
Your District, Multiple District and
Country

District: Most lions clubs are part of a district
comprised of at least 35 clubs that have a
combined total of 1,250 members.

District Governor: Chief administrator of the
District for a one year term.

Vice District Governor: Chief administrative
assistant to the DG, preparing for the governor
year.

Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Treasurer:
Acts under the supervision of the DG.
34
DISTRICT, REGION AND ZONE
ORGANIZATION

REGION CHAIRMAN: member of the DG cabinet, subject to the
supervision and direction of the DG, is the chief administrative
officer in the region.

DISTRICT CHAIRMAN: LCI officially recognizes sixteen district
chairmen:
Convention, Diabetes Awareness, Environmental, Extension,
Hearing & Speech Action and Work with the Deaf, Honorary,
International Understanding & Cooperation, Leadership
Development, Leo Club, LCIF, membership, Lions
International Peace Poster Contest, Public Relations & Lions
Information, SightFirst, Youth Exchange, and Youth
Outreach

ZONE CHAIRMAN: The Zone Chairman, subject to the
supervision and direction of the DG and/or Region Chairman,
and is the chief officer in the zone. Zone Chairman serves as the
chairman in the DG Advisory Committee.
35
DISTRICT, REGION AND ZONE
ORGANIZATION cont.

DISTRICT CONFERENCES: The district conference is held for the
purpose of conducting training seminars for the club officers. To
be attended by club officers and committee chairmen, as well as
by district cabinet members.

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS: The annual District Convention is the
chief deliberate body of the district. Conventions are held to
conduct general district business, adopt resolutions, elect DG
and other district-elected officers, vote on convention sites,
conduct seminars, sponsor events important to the district and
develop fellowship among the Lions in the district.

DISTRICT CONTESTS AND AWARDS: District contests conducted
over a period of several months are effective in stimulating
interest among clubs. These contests are based on a point
system for various categories. They normally are: prompt
submittal of reports, membership increases, attendance, etc.
Appropriate prizes are regularly awarded.
36
MULTIPLE DISTRICTS

Sub-divided into two or more sub-districts

Identified by its own letter and/or number

More then one sub-district forms a “ Multiple District ”

Texas is a Multiple District, MD-2 and has sixteen (16) Districts. Districts
are – T1, T-2, T-3; E-1, E-2; X-1, X-2, X-3, A-1, A-2, A-3; S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4
and S-5.

Our District is 2 S-1.

Each MD has its own constitution bases upon a standard form provided by
LCI

MD supervises the administration of its own affairs, may choose officers,
hold meetings, administer funds, authorize expenditures, and exercise
other administrative powers as provided in its MD constitution and bylaws.

Council of Governors: Governors within a Multiple District constitute a
Council of Governors for each Multiple District. The District Council may
include one or more Immediate Past District Governors, provided they do
not exceed one-half the number of District Governors. Each member may
cast one vote on each question requiring action of the council.
37
DISTRICT ORGANIZATION
DISTRICT GOVERNOR
 VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR
 CABINET SECRETARY – TREASURER
 IMMEDIATE PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR
 REGION CHAIRMAN
 ZONE CHAIRMAN
 COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN (16)

38
EXERCISE – Your District
Write down three ways your club
participates in district activities. Discuss
with your trainer(s).
1. _________________________________
2. _________________________________
3. _________________________________
39
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION – held in late June or early July and is
the annual meeting of the association’s members. Activities include voting
on constitutional amendments, electing new members to the board of
directors, seminars for all Lions, district governors-elect seminar, general
business sessions and the parade of nations.

OFFICIAL DIRECTORY OF LIONS CLUBS – The directory contains a list
of all the clubs in the world. The list includes the name, address, phone
number of the club president and the meeting time and place. Other
valuable information is also available through the Club Supplies and
Distribution Division at International Headquarters or www.lionsclubs.org

THE LION MAGAZINE is the official magazine of Lions Club International
and was established in 1917. It is sent to every member each month and is
published in 21 languages.

LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL WEB-SITE is located at
www.lionsclubs.org and contains information, downloadable materials,
training courses, club supplies, etc.
40
EXERCISE - Resources

1.

1.
2.
3.
List the person you should contact for more
information about the association:
___________________________________
List three places to get more information about
the association.
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
41
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (LCIF) is the
charitable arm of Lions Clubs International. The foundation was
chartered in 1968 to support humanitarian service efforts of Lions clubs
worldwide.
1.
The SightFirst program is a global effort to respond to the worldwide
needs for the prevention of blindness in both developing and developed
countries.
2.
The “Core 4” grant is the newest LCIF grant program that provides up
to $200,000 in the top four humanitarian concerns of Lions: preserving
eyesight, combating disability, promoting health and serving youth.
3.
Donations to LCIF supports grants in these categories: LCIF SightFirst,
Core 4, Standard, International Assistance Grants (IAG), Emergency,
Major Catastrophe and Major International Service Program.
4.
LCIF honors donors with awards and recognition. The Melvin Jones
Fellowship is the highest form. Others include Honor Roll and
Contributing Membership.
42
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS cont.


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
LEO CLUB – A Leo club is an
activity sponsored by a Lions club.
Provides Young men and
women with an opportunity to
serve others in their community –
and around the world ages 12-28.
Can be school affiliated or
community based.
Leo Motto – Leadership,
Experience, Opportunity is fulfilled
as member s work together to
respond to the needs of others.
Helps young people prepare for
future by developing leadership,
organization and social skills.

LIONS YOUTH OUTREACH
PROGRAM mission is “Changing
Tomorrow Today,” is to help
and challenge youth to learn, to
achieve, and to serve.

Lions Youth Outreach
emphasizes drug awareness
prevention through education.

Lions sponsor educational
programs in thousands of schools.

The Lions Quest Skills for
Growing (Grades K-5)

Skills for Adolescence (Grades

Skills for Action (High School).
6-8)
All include community service and
violence prevention/conflict
resolution components.
43
ADDITIONAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES

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
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Lions International Peace
Poster Contest
Lions Cultural Program
Environmental Projects
International Youth Camps
Used Eyeglasses Collection

Sight Night

Global Youth Service Day

International Youth Exchange

Diabetes Awareness

Eye Banks

Guide Dogs

World Sight Day

Work with Deaf and Hearing
Impaired

HOBY
44
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Equally as important as club service activities is participating in the growth of your Lions
club. Recruiting new members into your club ensures that there will be a continual
influx of enthusiastic members to serve those in need.
Forming new Lions Clubs helps bring the dedication and services Lions are known for to a
new or underserved area. There are many excellent membership and extension
programs to help stimulate this essential growth, as well as foster quality members.
They include:
◊
Year-Round Growth Program
◊
President’s Retention Campaign
◊
Lioness Bridge Program
◊
Club Branch Program
◊
New Century Lions Club
◊
Campus Lions Clubs
◊
Lions Mentoring Program
◊
Certified Guiding Lion Program
◊
Lions Worldwide Induction Day
Information about these initiatives is available by contacting the Extension and
Membership Division at International Headquarters or visiting the Lions Clubs
International Web Site at www.lionsclub.org
45
EXERCISE – International Activities

Discuss with your trainer(s) what
International activities your club
participates in, such as a Leo Club, the
Lions International Peace Poster Contest,
Lions Recycle for Sight, etc.

How does your Lions club support LCIF?
Does your District or Multiple District have
any LCIF –sponsored projects?
46
TEST YOUR LIONS CLUB IQ
Answer the following Lions IQ test and
check your answers.
47
ROAR LIKE THE LIONS
The End
48