Lions Clubs International


Lions Clubs International (LCI) is the world’s largest service organization, with over 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries and territories. Founded in 1917, LCI has remained committed to empowering volunteers to serve their communities through humanitarian efforts, leadership development, and global impact.

Lions Clubs play a critical role in supporting Leo Clubs, providing young leaders with resources, mentorship, and opportunities to make a real difference in their communities.

History & Founding of Lions Clubs International

Lions Clubs International was founded in 1917 by Melvin Jones, a Chicago-based businessman who believed that true success comes from helping those in need. What started as a small network of service-minded individuals has grown into a global movement dedicated to humanitarian service.

LCI has expanded across the world, responding to global crises, leading community development projects, and advocating for important social causes. Today, Lions are known for their commitment to service, leadership, and global impact.

Lions’ Global Mission & Areas of Focus

Lions Clubs International is dedicated to serving communities through five key global causes:

1️⃣ Vision & Eye Health 👁️

Lions are recognized worldwide for their efforts in preventing blindness and improving eye care. They provide:

  • Free vision screenings for children and adults.
  • Donations of eyeglasses to those in need.
  • Support for sight-saving surgeries and research.

🔹 Notable Initiative: Lions established the SightFirst program, which has helped restore vision to millions of people worldwide.

2️⃣ Hunger Relief & Nutrition 🍽️

Millions of people around the world suffer from food insecurity. Lions fight hunger by:

  • Organizing food donation drives and distributing meals.
  • Supporting nutrition programs for children and vulnerable groups.
  • Partnering with organizations to combat malnutrition and poverty.

3️⃣ Environmental Sustainability 🌱

Lions take action to protect the environment by:

  • Leading tree-planting projects.
  • Organizing recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
  • Supporting sustainable energy and conservation efforts.

4️⃣ Diabetes Awareness & Support 💉

With diabetes becoming a global health crisis, Lions work to:

  • Raise awareness about diabetes prevention.
  • Offer free health screenings and medical assistance.
  • Support research and community programs for diabetes management.

5️⃣ Childhood Cancer Support 🎗️

Lions provide care, support, and hope to children fighting cancer by:

  • Offering financial aid for medical treatments.
  • Supporting families of young cancer patients.
  • Funding research to improve treatments.

🔗 Learn more about Lions’ global causes: https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/start-our-global-causes

Lions Clubs & Their Role in Supporting Leo Clubs

Lions Clubs International is the parent organization of Leo Clubs, which serve as its official youth development program.

Why Are Lions Clubs Important for Leos?

✅ Mentorship & Leadership Development
Leos benefit from the guidance and experience of Lions. Lions provide mentorship, allowing Leos to develop leadership skills through hands-on experience in service projects and event management.

✅ Funding & Resources
Many Leo Clubs receive funding and logistical support from their sponsoring Lions Clubs. This support enables them to execute impactful projects, from medical camps to environmental initiatives.

✅ Global Network & Opportunities
Leos can attend Lions conventions, interact with global leaders, and even apply for scholarships and international leadership programs.

✅ Transition to Lions Membership
Many Leos continue their service journey by becoming Lions after completing their time as Leos, ensuring a lifelong commitment to humanitarian efforts.

🔹 Famous Lions-Leo Transition Program: The Leo-Lion Program helps young Leos smoothly transition into becoming full-fledged Lions members.

🔗 Leo Club Program Overview: https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/discover-our-clubs/about-leos

Lions Clubs’ Impact Around the World 🌎

Lions are known for their massive impact on a global scale:

  • Vision Screenings – Over 200 million people have received free eye care services.
  • Disaster Relief – Lions have donated millions in disaster aid following earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.
  • Hunger Programs – Over 30 million meals served annually to those in need.
  • Environmental Projects – Millions of trees planted and tons of plastic waste removed from natural areas.

Lions Clubs have proven time and again that when people work together, real change happens.

🔗 More About Lions’ Impact: https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/start-our-global-causes

How to Get Involved

Whether you’re a Leo looking to take your leadership to the next level or someone passionate about making a difference, joining a Lions Club is a powerful way to serve.

Ways You Can Join or Support

  • ✅ Become a Member – Join your local Lions Club and get involved in service projects.
  • ✅ Sponsor a Leo Club – Lions can start and mentor a Leo Club in their community.
  • ✅ Volunteer at Lions Projects – Support ongoing initiatives like vision camps, disaster relief, and tree planting.
  • ✅ Donate to Lions Causes – Contributions support life-changing service projects worldwide.

🔗 Find a Lions Club Near You: https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/join


For over 100 years, Lions Clubs International has remained the world’s largest service organization, impacting millions of lives. Through their global humanitarian efforts, Lions continue to empower communities, fight poverty, protect the environment, and inspire young leaders.

For Leos, Lions are more than sponsors—they are mentors, guides, and lifelong supporters. Together, Lions and Leos are making a lasting impact on the world, one service project at a time.

💡 So, whether you’re a Leo looking for growth, a young leader ready to transition, or someone passionate about service, now is the time to be part of this movement.

🚀 Join Lions. Lead with Purpose. Serve with Heart.

🔗 Explore More About Lions Clubs International: https://www.lionsclubs.org/