We Serve

Serving the World in Need

HISTORY OF LIONISM

During the war the International Conventions were limited to the International leaders who assembled at the Headquarters for a solemn ceremony. However, as the war came to an end in '1946 and on the Lions returning to their clubs, the Association could resume its normal functioning once again. The membership grew considerably as peace returned. The roll stood at 2,79,000 in 5,500 clubs scattered over 18 countries The following years found Lionsm spreading to Australia, Europe, Philippines, Japan-and Morocco in Africa. Till 1954, the International Presidents used to carve out different mottos to be used during their respective term al office. But in 1954, at the 37th International Convention the delegates voted to adopt "We Serve" as the official motto of the Association and it is being used ever since. Lionism reached the shores of India with the formation of Lions club of Bombay and Delhi on 3rd and 11th February 1956 respectively. It was the Lions Club of Saxton, Pennsylvania that sponsored both the Bombay and the Delhi Clubs India was the 62 rid country to embrace Lionism. The next five years saw many more countries joining the International organisation. In 1958 Thailand became the 100th country to welcome Lionism.

On 01 June 1961 the founder of the great movement, Melvin Jones departed for his heavenly abode. Hundreds of thousands of Lions, their families, civil leaders and other dignitaries paid their last respects to the departed leader. Having done his 'wordly task, Melvin Jones departed from us but the great work he began, which was the mission of his life, is being carried on as vigorously as ever.

By 1966, with one more country Fiji Island having found its way to Lionism, the total number of Clubs crossed 20,000 mark, with a membership of over 8,00.000. The fallowing year the Association celebrated its golden jubilee in 135 countries. In commemoration of the occasion, the Association instituted "Hunrianitiarian Award", the highest recognition for outstanding service to humanity.

The first award was presented to Dr. Walter Munz, who had been continuing the good work of Albeft

Schweitzer

The first International convention in Asia, which was the 52nd International convention, was held from 2nd to 5th July 1969 at Tokyo, Japan. A year earlier "Leo Club programme" was approved by International Board. Four years later in 1973, the number of clubs increased to 26,000 with membership crossing 10,00,000 (one million). One millionth member and his sponsor were duly honoured at the 56th Convention.

At the 58th International convention in Dallas, in 1975, President harry J" Asian announced the decision to start the Lioness club programme. 20 January 1977 turned out to be a day of rejoicing for Lions all over the world. On that day Jimmy Carter, a Past District Governor of Lions Club of Plains, Georgia was elected as the 39th President of the United states of America.

On 24 March 1980, United Nations honoured the Association by observing the day as "Lions Clubs International Day at the U.N.", a unique distinction that no other service organisation could ever achieve. Now it has become an annual feature and the day is known as "Lions Day with the U.N."

The 70th International convention was held in Taipei, Republic of China in 1987. It was in this convention that the constitution was amended to provide for the ladies to become members of Lions Clubs. It should be noted that we have now many lady Lions actively engaged in service and some of them are holding high offices. The year 1991 had the distinction of witnessing a lady Lion getting installed as District Governor for the first time in the history of Lionism. The fortunate lady was none other than Madame Louise Colombani of District 103 C.C. of Multiple District 103 in France.

As on 30th June 2017 the association of Lions Clubs International has spread over 210 countries and geographical areas with more than 47,701 clubs in more than 731 districts and 14,17,906 members. Needless to say that every Lion is, duty bound to strive hard to bring in more members under its fold to serve humanity.