About Lions Clubs

Lions Clubs – Ready to Help, Worldwide

Whenever a Lions club gets together, problems get smaller. And communities get better. That's because we help where help is needed – in our own communities and around the world – with unmatched integrity and energy.

The World's Largest Service Club Organization

Our 46,000 clubs and 1.35 million members make us the world's largest service club organization. We're also one of the most effective. Our members do whatever is needed to help their local communities. Everywhere we work, we make friends. With children who need eyeglasses, with seniors who don’t have enough to eat and with people we may never meet.

Lions Clubs International Mission and History

In 1917, Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old Chicago business leader, told members of his local business club they should reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. Jones' group, the Business Circle of Chicago, agreed.

After contacting similar groups around the United States, an organizational meeting was held on June 7, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The new group took the name of one of the invited groups, the "Association of Lions Clubs," and a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas, USA in October of that year. A constitution, by-laws, objects and a code of ethics were approved.

Within three years, Lions became an international organization. Since then, we've earned high marks for both integrity and transparency. We're a well-run organization with a steady vision, a clear mission, and a long – and proud – history.

Vision Statement

To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service.

Mission Statement

To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.

Community Volunteer Work that Makes a Difference

If you’re interested in volunteering, leading projects, networking and having fun – you can do all of this and more as a Lions club member. As a Lion, you’ll perform volunteer work to improve your community – and communities around the world. You can plan a local project to protect the environment. Recycle eyeglasses to help the working poor. Or bring clean water to a remote village. Whatever you choose, you’ll be sharing, caring and making a difference.

Join an International Network of Volunteers and Friends

As a Lions club member, you’ll join a local group of service-minded men and women who are doing volunteer work to support your community – right now. You’ll also become a member of Lions Clubs International, a respected international organization, a leader in your community and a friend to people in need.

There are many reasons to become a member. As a Lion, you will:

Help your community and gain valuable skills

Make an impact on people's lives – locally and internationally

Learn to be a leader – and lead a respected organization

Network with business people in your community and around the world

Energize your life and have fun

You'll grow personally and professionally. And you'll know that the community volunteer work you perform is worthwhile and appreciated.

Becoming a Member

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Mansfield Lions Club and the Lions International organization, just show up at our next meeting and let us know. We look forward to seeing you there!

Lions are an international network of 1.3 million men and women in 205 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world.