FAQ
Who are the Lions?
Lions are an international network of 1.4 million people dedicated to making a difference locally and globally. Numerous self-governed Lions clubs are run by local volunteers to focus on their own community needs first. Close ties between clubs, their areas, and the world allow Lions to respond to wider needs quickly and with combined resources. This way Lions clubs are able to serve their own communities, as well as help their countries and world wide relieve activities.
What do Lions do?
Each Lions club is asked to find ways to serve their own community and to address local needs with activities and fundraising support. Driven by ideas from members and public outreach, Lions clubs are always looking to better the situation in their own towns and cities. This could be park or beach clean-ups, serving food, organizing much needed eye operations, or raise funds for cancer research to list just a few examples. Each individual club is free to find ways they feel are helpful for their area. On a global level, Lions are dedicated to five causes: Diabetes, Vision, Hunger, Environment and Childhood Cancer. These five causes have been identified, so Lions can channel their resources in order to generate sustainable improvements in these areas. Furthermore, Lions are always at the ready with disaster relief activities. Their global ties are especially helpful with raising much needed disaster relief funds quickly, where the local clubs are in an ideal position to deliver these funds directly to where they are needed.
How are Lions relevant to today’s world?
Since 1917, Lions have met the needs of their communities and continued to improve the areas in which they live. As long as there are needs around the world, we will work to meet those needs and make the world a better place for us all.
How do I become a Lion?
If you are interested in becoming a Lion, contact us or your local Lions club to find out about joining, or simply come along to one of our events or meetings.
Are there women Lions?
Yes. Lions Club International was the first service club organization to welcome women as members and women are the single fastest growing segment of Lions since. Serving as equals is a core value of all Lions.
As in other community organizations, is the membership of Lions declining?
No. Lions membership is increasing. Programs such as Family Clubs, Leo Clubs, Campus Lions Clubs and New Century Lions Clubs, are helping us adapt to meet the growing needs of the world around us.
I would like to volunteer in my community but why should I do so as a Lion?
- If you are interested in hands-on activities where you can see the change you bring to people first hand, consider serving as a Lion.
- If you would like to see your ideas to put into action, consider serving as a Lion.
- If you happen to find yourself low on confidence and could use leadership experience in running activities or serving as a club officer, consider serving as a Lion.
Whether your own interests are locally or globally, Lions are giving you structures to apply yourself and your ideas on every level. With the worldwide network of Lions, you’ll find a point of contact wherever you decide to go. The strength of Lions is in forming lasting friendships, which are forged when working together for good causes.