About Lions
Lions are an international network of 1.3 million men and women in 200 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world.
Known for working to end preventable blindness, Lions participate in a vast variety of projects important to their communities. These projects range from cleaning up local parks to providing supplies to victims of natural disasters.
Beginning in 1917, the association of Lions clubs has provided millions of people with the opportunity to give something back to their communities. View LQ (Lions Quarterly Video Magazine) on the Lions News Network to see how Lions continue to make a difference everyday and everywhere.
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 US$150 million.
Numerous programs exist to assist Lions in fulfilling the needs of the youth in their communities.
Lions participate in a wide variety of services for children, as well as programs that offer young people opportunities to learn, grow, serve and earn awards. These programs include the:
Many Lions clubs also sponsor Scouts (Lions sponsor more Scout troops than any other non-religious organization) and the association upholds partnerships with other youth organizations.
For news and information on Lions youth programs, read "Opportunities," the biannual youth chairperson newsletter. Multiple district and district chairpersons are encouraged to read the Lions Opportunities for Youth Guidelines.
