Lions are men and women who
volunteer their time to humanitarian causes in
their local and world communities. By
conducting service projects and raising funds,
Lions strive to help
those in need, wherever need exists. The Lions' motto is "WE SERVE."
In 1925,
Helen
Keller addressed the Lions at their annual International Convention,
challenging them to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness."
Since that time
service to the blind and visually impaired has become one of the
association's
most significant activities. That crusade has resulted in
the establishment of Sight First,
a
global blindness prevention program.
In addition, Lions participate in
service activities emphasizing diabetes
awareness,
education and research; work with the physically and mentally
impaired; environmental issues;
community welfare; international
understanding and youth.
The association was founded in Chicago, Illinois,
USA, in 1917. Although the youngest
major service club organization, Lions Clubs International has grown to
be the
world's largest. Its 1.4
million members belong to clubs in over 180 countries
and geographical
locations. Lions Clubs International is headquartered in Oak Brook,
Illinois, USA.
To the Lions,
"We
Serve" is not only a motto, but a definition and
philosophy.