| The origins of
the International Association of Lions Clubs began in the United
States of America in 1917 when a group of independent clubs
responded to an ideal presented to them by a young Chicago insurance
agent, Melvin Jones.
The ideal was one of service as a group to
others without regard to politics, religion, race or in any way the
personal interests of the members. This was heralded as a departure
from the trend, current at that time, of forming clubs basically
with a commercial motive. A conference was convened with some twenty
five independent clubs in attendance on June 7th 1917 and from this
meeting, the Lions organisation was born.
The concept of Lions Clubs spread
throughout the world and the first Lions Club formed in South Africa
was in Cape Town in 1957. We are now
approaching nearly 50 years
of our service to the communities of Southern Africa. Today there
are some 1.425 million members in approximately 43,370 Lions Clubs
in 180 different countries and geographical locations throughout the
world. A tribute indeed to the testimony of one man’s dream and
the global need for service minded people to aid the one motto—
We Serve.
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Lions
Clubs Activities
The
universal motto of every Lions Club is “We Serve”. Whether
helping the sight or hearing impaired...conducting drug or diabetes
awareness campaigns providing recreational opportunities for the
handicapped… sponsoring the research into the causes and the
prevention of blindness… providing children with sports equipment
or just a place to play...or raising funds to make it all possible,
service always comes first for a Lion. That’s why Lions Clubs
International is not only the largest, but also the most active
service club organisation in the world.
Assisting the elderly is just one of the many
services offered by
Lions Clubs International
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| Lions
are….
LIONS ARE individuals
that make up the world’s largest and most active service club
organisation.
LIONS ARE people who
have decided to give something back to their communities, who are
dedicated to seeking out people in need, and who meet those needs in
an efficient, dignified and caring way.
LIONS ARE men and
woman who believe that, by working together with other people and
uniting in the bonds of friendship, they will be able to accomplish
far more for their communities than would be possible alone.
LIONS ARE dedicated to
maintaining the highest ethical and moral standards in their Club—and
in their personal and professional lives.
LIONS ARE people who
cherish the friendship of their own Club, and who also feel a close
kinship with Lions of other nations in 180 countries and
geographical locations throughout the free world.
LIONS ARE aware that
the friendships made through Lionism last a lifetime because they
are based on a common commitment to service.
LIONS
ARE very serious about
their commitment to humanitarian service, and certainly don’t mind
having a lot of fun and excitement along the way.
LIONS ARE …or
perhaps could be…someone just like you!
...yes, but what’s in it for me?
There are so many benefits. For some it is simply to have a sense
of belonging—or to be part of the team. For many there is the
desire for altruism—the need to give to others. Opportunities
abound where you can associate with new found friends and where the
emphasis is pure fun. You will receive thanks from those you serve
and from your fellow Club members too because you will have touched
so many lives in need.
MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES
Lions Clubs throughout Southern Africa are seeking people who
want to make a difference in their community and who are prepared to
invest a little of their spare time.
If you are a service minded member of your community and feel
that you may have a little time to spare, please contact your
nearest Lions Club or the Webmaster.
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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 customers and true
to myself.
Whenever a doubt arises as to the right or ethics of my position or
action towards others, to resolve such doubts against myself.
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
another, but that true friendship demands nothing but accepts
service in the spirit in which it is given.
Always to bear in mind my obligations as a citizen to my nation, my
state, and my community, as to give them my unswerving loyalty in
word, act, and deed. To give them freely of my time, labour 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. |
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Lions' Objects
TO CREATE
and foster a spirit of understanding among the people 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; provided 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.
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