History of International Association of Lions Clubs
& The Duncanville Lions Club


Triumph of an idea !

The International Association of Lions Clubs began as the dream of Chicago insurance man Melvin Jones, who wondered why local business clubs - he was an active member of one- could not expand their horizons from purely business concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world at large.

Jones' idea struck a chord within his own group, the Business Circle of Chicago, and they authorized him to explore his concept with similar organizations from around the United States.  His efforts resulted in an organizational meeting at a local hotel on June 7, 1917.

The 12 men who gathered there overcame a natural sense of loyalty to their parent clubs, voted the "Association of Lions Clubs" into existence, and issued a call for a national convention to be held in Dallas, Texas, USA in October of the same year.

Thirty-six delegates representing 22 clubs from nine states heeded the call, approved the "Lions Clubs" designation, and elected Dr. William P. Woods of Indiana as their first president. Guiding force and founder Melvin Jones named acting secretary, thus began an association with Lionism that only ended with his death in 1961.

The first convention also began to define what Lionism was to become.  A constitution and by-laws were adopted, the colors of purple and gold approved, and a start made on Lionism's Objectives & Code of Ethics .

One of the objects was startling for an era that prided itself on mercenary individualism, and has remained one of the main tenets of Lionism ever since.  "NO CLUB," it reads, "SHALL HOLD OUT THE FINANCIAL BETTERMENT OF ITS MEMBERS AS ITS OBJECTS."

Community leaders soon began to organize clubs throughout the United States, and the association became "international" with the formation of the Windsor, Ontario, Canada Lions Club in 1920.  Clubs were later organized in China, Mexico, and Cuba.  By 1927, membership stood at 60,000 in 1,183 clubs.

In 1935, Panama became home to the first Central American club, with the first South American club being organized in Columbia the following year.  Lionism reached Europe in 1948, as clubs were chartered in Sweden, Switzerland, and France.  In 1952, the first club was charted in Japan.  Since then, the association has become truly global, with clubs in more than 170 countries and geographical areas worldwide.

Community leaders soon began to organize clubs throughout the United States, and the association became
"international" with the formation of the Windsor, Ontario, Canada Lions Club in 1920.  Clubs were later organized in China, Mexico, and Cuba.  By 1927, membership stood at 60,000 in 1,183 clubs.

In 1935, Panama became home to the first Central American club, with the first South American club being organized in Columbia the following year.    Lionism reached Europe in 1948, as clubs were chartered in Sweden, Switzerland, and France.  In 1952, the first club was chartered in Japan.  Since then, the association has become truly global, more than 43,000 strong, these local clubs are part of the world's largest with clubs in more than 180 countries and geographical areas worldwide, with 1.4 million members serving their communities.

TheName

The proper name of the association is "The International Association of Lions Clubs."  Many Lions, however, prefer the use of the shorter form of "Lions Clubs International."
The Emblem
Throughout the world, Lions are recognized by the emblem they wear on their lapels.  It consists of a gold letter "L" on a circular purple field.  Bordering this is a circular gold area with two lion profiles at either side facing away from the center.  The word "Lions" appears at the top, and "International" at the bottom.  Symbolically, the lions face both the past and the future; proud of the past and confident of the future.  Lions wear their emblem with pride.
The Motto

The motto of every Lion is simply "We Serve." What better way to express the true mission of Lionism?

The Slogan

The slogan of the association is "Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety (LIONS).

 OfficialColors

The royal colors of purple and gold were selected as the official colors when the association was organized in 1917. Purple stands for loyalty to friends and to one's self, and for integrity of mind and heart. Gold symbolizes sincerity of purpose, liberality in judgment, purity in life and generosity in mind, heart and purpose toward humanity.

Duncanville NoonLions Club

The Lions in Duncanville officially started an evening club , on May 11, 1945. The Lions Community Building, located behind the new library, was built in 1951 by the Lions.

The Lions Community Building housed the 1st Library, the 1st Senior Citizen’s location and the 1st Boy Scout Troop in Duncanville.  Today the Lions Community Building is still used by the Club and Community for special activities like parties, wedding receptions and Church Services and of course Lions Club Events,

A second Lions club started in Duncanville for lunch on September 4, 1971.  The two clubs merged together in 1996.

The Duncanville Lions built and operates the Independent Living Center located at 423 Middale that houses 23 disabled families.

Lions are the largest civic organization in the world and our co-ed club is about 120 strong and one of the strongest clubs in the state! Listed below are 30 reasons to be proud of being a member of The Duncanville Lions. Our local club moto is WE SERVE,  BETTER, TOGETHER

Annually the Duncanville Lions Financially Support and/or Sponsor:
1. All the International Lions Club Charities.
2. All eight designated district charities including Texas Lions Camp, Shadow Children, Crippled Children Camp, Leader Dog and Diabetic Day Camp.
3. Lions Sight and Tissue Foundation.
4. Texas Lions Camp Melvin Jones Fellow Award.
5. Texas Lions Camp Jack Weich Fellow Award.
6. Test and fit ALL needy local youth for proper eyeglasses. (over 1000 pairs of Duncanville Students now fitted)
7. Collect approximately 2,000 pairs of used eyeglasses to be sent to Third World countries.
8. Founded and Host a Literacy Fair for every third grade student in the Duncanville ISD systema and award Scholarships for every class.
9. Presbyterian Home Camp program.
10. Methodist Camp medical supplies.
11. Project Graduation Party for the Graduating Seniors
12. DHS Government students to participate in Washington D.C. Government Close-Up Program.
13. Duncanville Independent School District's Education Foundation.
14. Duncanville Police Department’s "Partners for a Safe Duncanville".
15. South Side Park recently renamed "Lions Park" (originally funded and donated by the Duncanville Lions).
16. Built and Operate an Independent Living Center for 23 disaled families.
17. Award $10,000.00 in College Scholarships given to Duncanville High School Graduating Seniors.
18. Entry in the Community Christmas Parade.
19. Serve as HOST for the SWAA Girls Basketball Tournament at Duncanville High School.
20. Sponsor local youth in the International Peace Poster Contest.
21. Sponsor two high school students in district speakers competition.
22. Make a Wish Foundation.
23. The State of Texas Pathfinder Program to assist citizens who want to get off of welfare.
24. Host International Campers to live in Duncanville and become part of the community each summer.
25. Host Duncanville's 4th of July Celebration including Community Fire Works Show, Parade, Carnival, Food and Craft Show.
26. Host Annual Antique Car & Motorcycle Show.
27. Sponsor at least three events annually so that Spouses will be more involved with the club.
28. Duncanville Outreach Ministry for food, and assist indigent students with school supplies.
29. Host Community Pancake Breakfast in November.
30. Host Community Vegas Style Party in February.

The Duncanville Lions Club is one of the largest and most active civic clubs anywhere. We hope YOU might consider being the next member to join us having fun and supporting the Duncanville Community!  We meet every Friday’s starting 11:45AM at the The Dr Pepper Stars Ice Skating Facility corner of Hwy 67 and Main Street in Duncanville.



*  *  * * *  * *