Lions Values
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 doubt 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 to 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, and to give them my unswerving loyalty in word, act and deed. To give them freely of my time, labor, 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.
Purposes
• To Organize, charter and supervise service clubs to be known as Lions clubs.
• To Coordinate the activities and standardize the administration of Lions clubs.
• To Create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples 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.
Objectives
• TO CREATE and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples 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.
Vision Programs
In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness” during the association’s international convention.
Today, Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired.
Lions demonstrate their commitment to sight conservation through eyeglass recycling, sight partnerships and countless other sight services.
The Lions ambitious SightFirst Program has restored sight through cataract surgeries, prevented serious vision loss and improved eye care services for hundreds of millions of adults and children. To continue and expand this effort, Lions have launched Campaign SightFirst II, with a goal of raising at least $150 million.
Donate Your Used – Yet Usable – Eyeglasses
Millions of children and adults in developing nations lack access to basic eye cares services and corrective lenses. Poor vision profoundly affects their quality of life. For children, vision loss can lead to failure in school, delays in development, learning disabilities and even juvenile delinquency.
For adults, uncorrected vision can lead to unemployment and the inability to support a family. Seniors with vision loss are limited in performing daily activities, depriving them of an independent lifestyle.
Lions Recycle For Sight
During the month of May, and throughout the year, Lions and other volunteers collect used eyeglasses for donation to Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers that are located around the world. The used eyeglasses are cleaned and classified by prescription. Trained Lions volunteers and other organizations hosting optical missions in developing countries then distribute the glasses to those in need.
How You Can Help
If you have used prescription or nonprescription glasses or sunglasses in your drawers, desks, or closets, you can donate them now! Children�s glasses are especially needed. Both plastic and metal frames are accepted.
Lions History
The Lions Name
On June 17, 1917 at the invitation of Melvin Jones, delegates met in Chicago. The only point of contention was the selection of a name for the new organization. Melvin Jones researched the idea of calling the new organization Lions. He was convinced that the lion stood for strength, courage, fidelity and vital action. On a secret ballot the name Lions was chosen over several others.
The Lions Emblem
At the 1919 convention there was a move to change the symbol, but a young attorney from Denver, Colorado rose to speak. His name was Halsted Ritter.”The name Lions stands not only for fraternity, good fellowship, strength of character and purpose, but above all, its combination of L-I-O-N-S heralds to the country the true meaning of citizenship: LIBERTY, INTELLIGENCE, OUR NATION’S SAFETY.”
The January 1931 issue of THE LION Magazine featured this interpretation of the association’s name:
Our name was not selected at random, neither was it a coined name. From time immemorial, the lion has been the symbol of all that was good, and because of the symbolism that name was chosen. Four outstanding qualities – Courage, Strength, Activity and Fidelity – had largely to do with the adoption of the name. The last mentioned of these qualities, Fidelity, has a deep and peculiar significance for all Lions. The lion symbol has been a symbol of Fidelity through the ages and among all nations, ancient and modern. It stands for loyalty to a friend, loyalty to a principle, loyalty to a duty, loyalty to a trust.
The emblem consists of a gold letter “L” on a circular purple (or blue) field. Bordering this is a circular gold area with two Lion profiles facing away from the center. The word “Lions” appears at the top and “International” at the bottom. The Lions face both past and future – showing both pride of heritage and confidence in the future.
Official Colors
The royal colors of purple and gold were selected as the official colors when the association was organized in 1917. Purple stands for loyalty to friends and for integrity of mind and heart. Gold symbolizes sincerity of purpose, liberality in judgment, purity in life and generosity in mind, heart and purse to those in need. Reflex blue and PMS 123 (gold) are the specified ink colors for printing Lions logos today.