Lionism

The Name - Lions
When the clubs were forged into one, the search was on for an acceptable name for the new Association. The Clubs, naturally vied amongst themselves for the adoption of their Club’s name for the New Association. But Melvin Jones had anticipated this and had done considerable research on the legend, of “LION” and convinced all about the vital action. The word “LION” emerged with a thumping majority in the secret ballot. The Association was thus named as “THE ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS”.

Dr. W.P. Woods of Evansville, Indiana, was elected the very first International President and Melvin Jones was elected Secretary General. It was here that the Constitution and Bye Laws were laid down.

OUR ASSOCIATION: The Individual Lion Club is the most important unit of our Association. After all, it is the International Association of Lions Clubs that counts you as a member. But as an individual, you belong to your Club. It is a Club that is a member of the Association. It means that when it comes to elect International Officers and Directors, or to amend or change the necessary votes the Club acts through its authorized delegates.

WHAT IS LIONISM?
Lionism is a dedication to the highest of humanitarian service: a fellowship of men who have committed themselves to aiding those in need through whatever means at their disposal. Lionism is a faith that people of different nationalities and creeds, separated by borders, oceans and old distrusts, Can join together in helping to bring about a better world. It is indeed, a way life. The spirit of Lionism is not reserved for the meeting hall or only, for the calendar of Club Service projects. Lionism is a set of principles by which one lives: a guideline for community service, ethical business responsibilities and inter-personal relations.

About Lionism
“Be an informed Lion, when people ask you about Lionism, you should be able to explain our accomplishments, our programmes and our objectives”.

History and Growth of Lionism

Conception: In this world torn to bits and pieces by hatred and jealousy there was one visionary who firmly believed- “You cannot get very far until you start doing something for somebody else”. He was Melvin Jones, a Successful Insurance Executive, having his own insurance business under the name and style of Melvin Jones Insurance Agency” like any other wealthy, prosperous person, he joined“.

Business Circle “an exclusive club of about 200 people. The cream of business community merchants, industrialists, bankers and professionals- meeting regularly for luncheon at the “ Old Boston House” The Only objective of the Club was promotion of better business among the members or as one of the members ironically put it” You scratch my back, I' Il scratch yours”. In 1915 Melvin Jones organized a combined meeting of several already existing independent clubs; they met in La Salle Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, to consider the proposal for consolidation of all these Clubs. It was here that the seed of Lionism, was sown and calls for an Annual convention and Melvin Jones selected as Acting Secretary

Birth: The First annual Convention was held at Dallas, Texas from 8th to 10th Oct. 1917. “The Optimists”. “The Reciprocity Clubs”, The Wheels”, The Concordia Clubs of Omaha”, “ The Business and Professional Men of St.Paul “, “The Cirgonians”, “The Voters Groups” “The Lions Clubs of Indiana”, “The Business Circle”, 23 existing and independent clubs forged ahead under one banner. Melvin Jones had succeeded in convincing all of them true brotherhood exists where people live together, work together and bread together in mutual trust and respect.

Goals of Lionism: Lions throughout the world are ready at all times, to render unselfish service to their communities and to people lesser fortunate. Our goal is to do whatever possible to relieve the miseries of poverty, disease, hunger, ignorance and fear. Each Club has its own goals and each Lion has individual standard. If our purpose can be generalized, though, it is very simple “ to be there” to be ready, to take action, in times of natural disaster, to be at the side of the grief stricken and destitute when they call out for help, to be willing and able to initiate and support necessary community projects, to volunteer in leading a helping hand to the poor, the handicapped, the friendless and the helpless. The goal of Lionism is “to be there” when it counts.

International Outlook: The Association of Lions Clubs turned truly International by extending Lionism to Canade in 1920. The third, fourth and fifth Lions countries were China, Mexico and Cuba in 1926 and 1927. Eight years later, Central America entered the fold and in 1936 the first Latin American Club was established in Columbia. In 1956 Lionism crossed the Indian Shores. Within four month 20 new Clubs were born in India with 513 members. Recently Lionism has put its firm footholds in Russia and other socialist countries.

Recognition at U.N.O.
In 1945, Lion Melvin Jones had the unique distinction and honour of representing Lions International as consultant at the historic U.N.O. Session. The United Nations has earmarked 24th March as the Lions Clubs International Day recognizing the excellent service rendered by the Lions to mankind all over the world.

History and Growth of Lionism in India
The Lions movement took birth in India in the year 1956. An American Scouts officer Lion Robert Williams of Lions Club of Saxton, U.S.A.., And three Scouts Officers from India, Mr. Noshir K.L. Khan, Comr, kaiki B. Godrej and Noshir K.Pundole, organized the first two Lions Clubs in India- Lions Club of Bombay and Lions Club of Delhi. Lions Club of Bombay (now Mumbai) was inaugurated on 3rd February 1956 and Chartered on 15th February 1956. Lions Club of Delhi was inaugurated on 11th February 1956 and chartered on 14th February 1956. Lion Club of Saxton U.S.A sponsored both the Clubs. All the three Lions, the Late Lion Noshir K.L.Khan, the Late Lion Kaiki B. Godrej and Lion Noshir N.Pundole to be the first District Governor of combined District 304, comprising of India, Burma and Ceylon from 1956 to 1959. India should be and is proud of its contribution of Lionism. A Country which started as the 68th entrant in Lionism stands second numerically, supported by significant contribution to humanitarian work second to none in the world.

India has so far given 13 International directors in the persons of Lion Noshir N.Pundole. Lion Rohit C.Mehta, Lion Bihari Agarwal, Lion Premchand R.Bafna, Lion Ashok Mehta, Lion P.S.Ranganathan, Lion Sushiel Agarwal and Lion Mohanlal Tulsian. Lion Kamlesh Jain, Lion G.Ramaswamy. Lion Naresh Agarwal, Lion M. Natarajan, Lion Prem Lahoty, Lion Parveen chhajed and presently Lion K.M.Goyal & Lion C.Vara Prasad. The Lions in India can be proud that an Indian, Lion Rohit C, Mehta has adorned the highest office as Lion International President in 1992-93. The District 304 was redistricted in later year, starting from 1959-60 till 1973-74, 11 districts were formed viz 304-N1, 304-N2, 304-E1, 304-E2, 304-W1, 304-W2, 304-W3, 304-S1, 304-S2, and 304 Central.

In 1973-74, the eleven districts were completely reorganized in to Multiple District 321,322,323, and 324 comprising of thirteen Sub Districts. At the end of the year 2004-2005 we had 4 multiple Districts comprising of 63 Sub Districts.