Since 1917, the main objective of Lions Clubs is to promote the betterment of communities and the world by providing unselfish service to a fellow man in need, thus befitting the creation of a word meaning precisely this one concept: Lionism. Lionism is truly about service ("Lions Clubs International History-). .
Lions International began as a humble, yet optimistic goal of Chicago businessperson Melvin Jones. He and other businessmen in the area believed that, to truly meet the needs of people in the community, businesses should not only satisfy the wants and needs of customers, but they should also accept social responsibility and serve people within the community - without profit in mind ("Lions Club International History-).
On June 7, 1917, Jones' Business Circle of Chicago and other prominent business groups around the United States met in Chicago. They adopted the name of one of the groups present: "The Association of Lions Clubs."" In October of that year, a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas. At this particular meeting, a constitution, by-laws, objectives and code of ethics were approved. Among the most important objects discussed was one that read, "No club shall hold out the financial betterment of its members as its [objective]- ("Lions Club International History-). This call for selflessness still remains one of the main tenets of Lions Clubs International, leading to the adoption of a simple motto that speaks volumes: "We Serve- ("Lions Club International History-). .
In 1920, the Association of Lions Clubs became international when a chapter was established in Canada. In subsequent years, other chapters were formed throughout Europe, Africa and Asia during the 1950s and 1960s ("Lions Club International History-).
Membership in Lions Clubs International expanded in other ways, as well. Women and children were in auxiliary organizations known as Lioness and Leo Clubs.
