Lions Clubs In The 21st Century

Relates the history, growth and record of voluntary service accomplishments of Lions Clubs International from its establishment to the present day.

This is the story of a special type of men and women, those who seek to return to society a portion of the good fortune they have earned and received in their own lives. They are called Lions and, since 1917, have actively engaged in constructing an organization that has evolved into one of the world’s most powerful forces for humanitarian progress: The International Association of Lions Clubs. It is today comprised of nearly 1.3 million members in over 45,000 Lions clubs active in 202 lands spanning the globe. They speak scores of languages and represent diversified cultures. In spirit, however, they speak a common language, the language of voluntary service, responding to an inner drive to answer human needs and to improve living conditions in their own communities and the world community. This book expands upon the history of Lions Clubs International, published in 1991 as “We Serve: The History of the Lions Clubs.” It chronicles the development of the association from its birth in 1917 at Chicago’s LaSalle Hotel in June of that year and at its first convention at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas later in October. It relates 90 years of the association’s life span and emphasizes the work of Lions on the world scene, including the tremendous success of the Lions Clubs International Foundation, SightFirst, Campaigns SightFirst I and II, programs for youth, and other activities that have elevated the stature of Lions wherever they serve. Readers will be impressed with the accomplishments of the membership and Lions will be moved to take greater pride in wearing the lapel pin of the association. Non-Lions will come to understand fully the ideals and determination of those to whom voluntary service has become a way of life.

This is a book about stories from the heart. The designation from the heart was carefully chosen because it identifies a place of origin. Using stories from the heartto relay how service to those in need transforms lives and creates a greater appreciation for the role that helping others can have on an individuals sense of purposewas the right choice for a book about Lions Clubs International and its impact on the world over the past one hundred years. Through the stories and comments included in this book, readers gain a better understanding of what service to others has meant to those who have chosen to heed the call to give of themselves in order to make life better for those in need.

Lions District Directory for District 3231A1 is published for the First Time, after its formation during the centennial year, by its District Governor MJF Lion Pradip M Parekh. The Print edition gives entire details of all its Clubs, Club Members, Office Bearers, Lion Leaders like ZC, RC, Core Cabinet, DG Team etc. This Digital Edition is published to enable portability of information through Smart Mobile Phones and eReaders, Lions Carry.

Discover how in 1917 a group of businessmen in Chicago created the world's largest humanitarian service club organization! This book tells a detailed and unique history of Lions Clubs International, and highlights the work of dedicated members who provide community service and help people worldwide. Founded in Chicago in June 1917, the dream of a group of visionaries, led by Melvin Jones, from Fort Thomas, Arizona and Dr. William P. Woods, from Evansville, Indiana, is today the largest service club organization in the world. Almost 100 years old, the International Association of Lions Clubs can be found in 208 countries and geographic areas, with 1.35 million members participating in more than 45,000 Lions clubs. Originally published in 1995, this revised edition includes new data and extensive research about international conventions, the leadership of international presidents and directors, and photographs of the past 97 years. It also describes the role of Lions Clubs International in the founding of the United Nations in 1945. Global authorities such as kings, heads of state, congressmen, and professionals belonged or supported Lions clubs' projects in their countries. Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, said that, "Lionism is not the best idea of the present; it is the most brilliant idea of all times." Harry Truman, former president of the United States stated, "In my lifetime I have known many great ideas: but none as great as this of Lionism." Former president of the United States Jimmy Carter became a member of the Plains Lions Club in the state of Georgia, was a district governor, and up to this date he works in partnership with Lions Clubs International Foundation. Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), the official charitable arm of Lions Clubs International, supports Lions' compassionate work by providing grant funding for their local and global programs, such as helping victims of earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters, and by supporting programs, such as SightFirst which is working to find the cure for reversible blindness. Lions are proud that LCIF was named the #1 non-governmental organization worldwide with which to partner, according to a 2007 Financial Times independent survey. Lions answered the call from Helen Keller who, at the 1925 International Convention, asked the Lions to become the "Knights of the Blind." Lions' members and the public at large will be captivated by this vivid account of the organization's history and aspirations for what can still be accomplished in the future.

Includes history of bills and resolutions.