Nama Pensyarah: En.

Zakariah Ahli Kumpulan: Ng Sing Hong Ooi Tze Zian Wong Kiong Loong 881025-04-5153 900227-07-5255 881225-08-6881

History of Lions Clubs

Melvin Jones was a young Chicago insurance man in 1917 and was serving as secretary of The Business Circle, a men's luncheon group devoted to promoting the business interests of its members. Noting the growing apathy in this club, Jones asked: "What if these men who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition were to be put to work helping improve their communities?"

This idea became a reality when, at his request, representatives of men's groups met in Chicago and on 7 June 1917, Lions Clubs International was officially launched. Under the leadership of Melvin Jones, who soon gave up his insurance agency to devote full time to Lionism, the organisation grew in numbers and in services. By 1927, membership stood to almost 60,000 and club strength reached 1,183. Canada and Mexico had become member nations and the organisation was truly international.

Lionism's dedication to aiding the blind grew out of a speech by Helen Keller at the 1925 International Convention when she challenged the Lions to become "Knights of the Blind in the crusade against darkness".

The Association continued to expand, both in numbers and in services. By the mid-50s, Lions clubs were active in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. The humanitarian and community service objectives of these clubs were well known. They were not social groups and no members was allowed to advance his business interests. The prestige of Lions clubs was based on their involvement in providing assistance to the sick, the needy, and the less fortunate and their willingness to take an active role in community leadership.

Lionism in Malaysia
Lionism was brought to Singapore and Malaysia by (Past International Director) Lion N.N.Pundole when he formed the first Lions Club in the (Multiple) District 308. The club was chartered as the Lions Club of Singapore, now re-chartered as Lions Club of Singapore (Host). Lionistic spirit soon spread to Peninsular Malaysia, and on 18 February 1959, witnessed the birth of the first Malaysian Lions club, the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur (Host). Under the guidance of the late Lion Minoo Engineer, more and more clubs were created throughout the States of Malaysia. Brunei, which is part of District 308, chartered her first Lions club on 9 January 1971.

With the increase in membership and clubs, District 308 was bifurcated to 308A & 308B in 1984. In 1998, the two sub districts were further bifurcated into A1, A2, B1 & B2. The membership as of April 2003 is as follows:

District 308 A1 - 1,887 (Singapore) District 308 A2 - 1,735 (Brunei, Sabah & Sarawak) District 308 B1 - 2,210 (Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor & Kuala Lumpur)

District 308 B2 - 1,827 (Kedah, Perlis, Penang, Perak, Selangor and Cameron Highlands)

The Lions believe in clubs meetings where good fellowship and harmony prevail; in developing projects and activities geared to the needs of their communities; in broad participation in an international programme of brotherhood and fellowship, based upon service wherever the need exists without personal reward, in service to humanity without thought to race, creed, nationality, religion or politics; in the ultimate leadership of

Lionism, but not all the expense of or in conflict with the programmes of other organisations which, with different methods, seek the same goal of unselfish service to mankind.

Today, there are more that 1,400,000 Lions and the numbers of clubs exceeds 44,600. These clubs are active in 192 countries and geographical areas. Lions clubs also sponsor Lioness clubs, now numbering over 1,500 for service-minded women. Melvin Jones idea has developed into a worldwide expression of what individuals, properly motivated, can do in providing unselfish service to their communities, their nation and their fellow men.

Lions Membership
Thank you for your interest in Lions Clubs International (LCI). "We Serve" in communities like yours. Following are answers to some frequently asked questions on membership to get you started. Please contact LCI or your local club for more information.

How can I become a Lions club member?

Membership is through invitation by a local Lions club. To learn more or to be considered for membership, use the District Directory to locate your local Lions club. You may want to search on the city of your home and/or business as there may be more than one club in a community and one better suited to your needs. Use District Directory to see if a local club has its own Web site to learn more. If there is not a club near you, read further on how to start a Lions club.

How can I join a Leo club?

Membership in a Leo club is open to young men and women of good character who meet local age requirements and are deemed eligible by the Leo club committee of the sponsoring Lions club. Use the Leo Directory to locate the club nearest to you to inquire about membership. If there is not a Leo club near you, use the District Directory to contact your local Lions club and inquire about starting a Leo club.

What is a Lions club?

A Lions club is a group that comes together and shares a common interest in community service, supporting the Lions motto "We Serve." There is more than one type of Lions club; and one or more may exist in your community. For example, one Lions club may meet at noon and another in the evening; or there may be a college campus club. Learn more about the different types of Lions clubs: Traditional, New Century, Campus, Club Branch and Leo.

What are the benefits of membership?

There are nearly 1.4 million men and women members of Lions clubs in 192 countries. Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service organization.

As a Lions club member you will experience:

A network of people who share common interests and a commitment to service, making an impact on your local community .

Pride in commitment to demonstrate Lions' motto, "We Serve". Personal growth & leadership opportunities through mentoring and training programs. Fellowship with worldwide members at International Convention & exchange programs. Extension of local efforts through Lions Club's International Foundation helping others around the world.

How can I start a Lions club?

Is there a need in your community that is not being met? Consider forming a Lions club to bring together community service-minded individuals in an area where there is no Lions club or where an additional club would further Lions service.

Think beyond municipalities when assessing a community for a new club and consider business parks, corporations, college campuses, medical complexes and shopping areas.

In areas where it is difficult to meet the 20-member minimum to charter a new club, consider starting a club branch. A club branch allows individuals to broaden the reach of a parent club while meeting at its own time and location, serving its own community.

About Lions
About Lions Since 1917, Lions clubs have offered people the opportunity to give something back to their communities. From involving members in projects as local as cleaning up an area park or as far-reaching as bringing sight to the world's blind, Lions clubs have always embraced those committed to building a brighter future for their community.

Today with more than 45,000 clubs in 199 countries and geographical areas, Lions have expanded their focus to help meet the ever-increasing needs of our global community.

Our programs are continually changing to meet new needs and greater demands, but our mission has never wavered: "We Serve."

We Serve - Nearly 1.4 million Lions members in 193 countries and geographic areas answer the needs that challenge the communities of the world. Lions tackle tough problems like blindness, drug abuse prevention and diabetes awareness.

Global neighbours - Lions members - men and women - provide immediate and sustained relief in time of disaster and offer long-term assistance to those in need. Lions collect and recycle eyeglasses for distribution in developing countries and treat millions of people to prevent river blindness.

Community Leaders - Lions improve the quality of life in their local communities by building parks, supporting hospitals and establishing water treatment programs.

For 87 years, whenever there is a need at home or around the world, Lions members are there to help - We Serve

Lions Membership Hiistory of Lions Clubs The Emblem Mission, Purposes & Ethics

Service to Others

Worldwide, Lions clubs are recognized for their service to the blind and visually impaired. This service began when Helen Keller challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" during the 1925 Lions Clubs International Convention.

Today, Lions extend their commitment to sight conservation through countless local efforts, as well as through their international SightFirst Program and Lions World Sight Day, a global partnership of United Nations agencies, eye care and philanthropic organizations and health professionals, held the second Thursday of each October to increase awareness of the need to eradicate blindness. Lions also collect and recycle eyeglasses for distribution in developing countries year-round and especially during May, which is Lions Recycle for Sight Month.

In addition, Lions make a strong commitment to young people through youth outreach programs. Lions also work to improve the environment, build homes for the disabled, support diabetes education, conduct hearing programs and, through their foundation, provide disaster relief around the world.

Based on a recent report of Lions clubs worldwide, it is estimated that each year Lions clubs donate approximately US$506 million and 71 million hours, which is equivalent to 34,000 people working full time for a year.

The Emblem
The International Association of Lions Clubs, which is also known as the Lions Clubs International, is an incorporated, non-profit organisation.

The emblem of the Association consists of a large gold letter "L" on a purple field. The letter "L" stands for Law, Liberty, Labour, Loyalty, Love, Life and Lions. Bordering this is a circular gold area with two conventionalised Lion profiles facing away from the centre. The words "Lions" appears at the top and "International" at the bottom. Symbolically, the Lions face both past and future, proud of the past and confident in the future.

The royal colours of purple and gold were selected as the official colours when the Association was organised in 1917. To Lions, purple stands for loyalty to friends and to one's self, and for integrity of mind and heart. It is the traditional colours of strength, courage and tireless dedication to a cause. Gold symbolises sincerity of purpose, liberality in judgement, purity in life and generosity in mind, heart and purse to those in need.

The slogan "LIONS" carries the meaning "Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety".

The motto is "WE SERVE".

Mission, Purposes & Ethics

Lions Clubs International Mission Statement

"To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation."

Lions International Purposes

TO CREATE and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.

TO PROMOTE the principles of good government and good citizenship.

TO TAKE an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.

TO UNITE the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.

TO PROVIDE a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest, provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members.

TO ENCOURAGE service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavours.

Lions Code of Ethics

TO SHOW my faith in the worthiness of my vocation by industrious application to the end that I may merit a reputation of quality of service.

TO SEEK success and to demand all fair remuneration or profit as my just due, but to accept no profit or success at the price of my own self-respect lost because of unfair advantage taken or because of questionable acts on my part.

TO REMEMBER that in building up my business it is not necessary to tear down another's; to be loyal to my clients or customers and true to myself.

WHENEVER a doubt arises as to the right or ethics of my position or action towards others, to resolve such doubt against myself.

TO HOLD friendship as an end and not a means. To hold that true friendship exists not on account of the service performed by one to another, but that true friendship demands nothing but accepts service in the spirit in which it is given.

ALWAYS to bear in mind my obligations as a citizen to my nation, my state and my community, and to give them my unswerving loyalty in word, act, and deed. To give them freely of my time, labour, and means.

TO AID others by giving my sympathy to those in distress, my aid to the weak, and my substance to the needy.

TO BE CAREFUL with my criticism and liberal with my praise; to build up and not destroy.

Lions Clubs International (LCI) is the world's largest secular service organization with over 44,500 clubs and more than 1.4 million members in 201 countries around the world.[1] Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, United States, the organization strives to meet the needs of communities on a local and global scale. A diverse organization, LCI currently supports the eleven following languages: Chinese, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.[1] Lions Clubs International was founded in the United States in 1917 by Melvin Jones,[2] a Freemason[3] and Chicago businessman. Jones asked, with regard to his colleagues, "What if these men who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?" Jones' personal code, "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else," reminds many Lions of the importance of community service.[4]

At the local, zone, region, district, and international level, Lions members exemplify their motto We Serve. Lions Clubs focus on programming related to sight conservation, hearing and speech conservation, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations, environmental issues, and other programs that support the local communities where Lions live. Lions are also passionate about developing effective leadership skills in their members and have an extensive leadership development program including an online Lions Learning Center and several leadership institutes.[5]

Lions International purposes include the following:

To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world. To promote the principles of good government and good citizenship. To take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community. To unite the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding. To provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members.

To encourage service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.[5]

Charitable work

Lions plaque posted a location where a local club meets

Much of the focus of Lions Clubs International work as a service club organization is to raise money for worthy causes. All funds raised by Lions Clubs from the general public are used for charitable purposes, and administrative costs are kept strictly separate and paid for by members. Some of the money raised for a clubs charity account goes toward projects that benefit the local community of an individual club.

Service projects
Lions Clubs plan and participate in a wide variety of service projects that meet the international goals of Lions Clubs International as well as the needs of their local communities. Examples include donations to hospices,[6] or community campaigns such a Message in a bottle, a United Kingdom initiative which places a plastic bottle with critical medical information inside the refrigerators of vulnerable people.[7] Money is also raised for international purposes. Some of this is donated in reaction to events such as the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Other money is used to support international campaigns, coordinated by the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), such as Sight First and Lions World Sight Day, which was launched in 1998 to draw world media attention to the plight of sight loss in the third world.[8]

Lions focus on work for the blind and visually impaired began when Helen Keller addressed the International Convention at Cedar Point, Ohio on 30 June 1925 and charged Lions to be Knights to the Blind.

Lions also have a strong commitment to community hearing- and cancer-screening projects. In Perth, Western Australia, they have conducted hearing screening for over 30 years and provided seed funding for the Lions Ear and Hearing Institute established September 9, 2001, a center of excellence in the diagnosis, management, and research of ear and hearing disorders.[9] In Perth, Lions have also been instrumental in the establishment of the Lions Eye Institute. In Brisbane, Queensland the Lions Medical Research Foundation provides funding to a number of researchers. Prof. Ian Frazer's initial work, leading to the development of a HPV vaccine for cervical cancer, was funded by the Lions Medical Research Foundation.

Lions Clubs International has supported the work of the United Nations since that organization's inception in 1945, when it was one of the non-governmental organizations invited to assist in the drafting of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco, California.

Lions Clubs International Foundation

Lions Clubs International Foundation is Lions helping Lions serve the world.[10] Donations provide funding in the form of grants to financially assist Lions districts with large-scale humanitarian projects that are too expansive and costly for Lions to finance on their own.[11] The Foundation aids Lions in making a greater impact in their local communities, as well as around the world. Through LCIF, Lions ease pain and suffering and bring healing and hope to people worldwide. Major initiatives of the foundation include the following:

SightFirst programs
o o o o o

Childhood Blindness Project Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP, pronounced "leap") River Blindness/Trachoma SightFirst China Action Sight for Kids

Other sight programs

o o

Core 4 Preschool Vision Screening

Disability programs
o o o o o

Diabetes Prevention/Treatment Habitat for Humanity Partnership Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project Low Vision Special Olympics Opening Eyes

Youth Programs
o

Lions Quest [12]

Membership
The Lions member is at the center of the organization. Membership is by invitation, though dedicated individuals are rarely turned away, and attendance at meetings is expected on a monthly or fortnightly basis. Since Lions Clubs International is a community-based organization with a well-developed hierarchy, members have the opportunity to advance from a local club to an office at the zone, district, national (also known as multiple district) and international levels.

Lions welcome any individual, regardless of age, gender, political or religious affiliation, or background who wants to make a difference, grow personally and professionally, and have a positive impact on local and international humanitarian issues.[13]

Spread of Lionism
Lions Clubs around the world
The organization became truly international on 12 March 1920, when the first club in Canada was established in Windsor, Ontario. Lions Clubs have since spread across the globe. Listed below are the dates of entry for some countries and regions.

1917 United States of America 1920 Canada 1926 China (Tianjin) 1927 Mexico (Nuevo Laredo) 1927 Cuba (Havana) 1950 Finland 1952 Brazil 1955 Hong Kong and Macau 1963 Turkey On 4 January 1963 with Law 3512 signed by President Cemal Grsel 2002 People's Republic of China (Guangdong and Shenzhen, chartered on May 14, 2002 are the first international service clubs to be granted permission by the government of the PRC to operate in mainland China)

2007 Iraq

Extensions of the Lions family

In addition to adult Lions Clubs, the Lions family includes high school Leo Clubs and Campus Lions Clubs. These divisions are important parts of Lions Clubs International. They allow service-minded individuals the opportunity to build better communities at the high school and college or university level.

Leo Clubs

The Leo Club Program began in 1957, and has grown to include more than 5,500 clubs in more than 130 countries. There are approximately 140,000 Leos worldwide. The objective of the Leo Program is "to provide the youth of the world an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national, and international community." The name Leo originated as an acronym that stood for the motto of the clubs, Leadership, Experience, Opportunity.[14]

Campus Lions Clubs

Many Leos join a Campus Lions Club if they attend a university or college after high school graduation. There are more than 125 Campus Lions clubs in the world including nearly 2,500 members on college and university campuses in Australia, Brazil, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, England, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda, United States, Venezuela and Zimbabwe. Campus Lions Clubs empower their members to create meaningful change in their communities while developing leadership and professional skills.[15]

International Convention
An international convention is held annually in cities across the globe for members to meet other Lions, elect the coming year's officers, and partake in the many activities planned. At the convention, Lions can participate in elections and parades, display and discuss fundraisers and service projects, and trade pins and other souvenirs. The first convention was held in 1917, the first year of the clubs existence, in Dallas, Texas. The 2006 convention was due to be held in New Orleans, but damage sustained during Hurricane Katrina meant that the convention had to be relocated to Boston.[16]

Past conventions
Past convention locations include the following:

91st 2008 Bangkok, , Thailand 90th 2007 Chicago, Illinois, USA 89th 2006 Boston, Massachusetts, USA 88th 2005 Hong Kong, People's Republic of China 87th 2004 Detroit, Michigan, USA 86th 2003 Denver, Colorado, USA 85th 2002 Osaka, Japan 84th 2001 Indianapolis, Indiana, USA 83rd 2000 Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 82nd 1999 San Diego, California, USA 81st 1998 Birmingham, United Kingdom 80th 1997 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 79th 1996 Montreal, Quebec, Canada

78th 1995 Seoul, South Korea 77th 1994 Phoenix, Arizona, USA 76th 1993 Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA 75th 1992 Hong Kong 74th 1991 Brisbane, Australia 35th 1952 Mexico City, Mexico

Lions Band
Many clubs sponsor a Lions Band to compete in the International Lions Parade at the International Convention. The parade champion for 25 years between 1951 and 2007 was the Lions Band from Mississippi, USA. Mississippi Lions All State Band has won the last 5 championships in a row.

Lions Clubs International in the news

In a survey released on July 5, 2007, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) was ranked best among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide.[17] The survey asked 445 companies about their involvement with non-governmental organizations. From 34 global organizations, LCIF came in first for its execution of programs, demonstrated accountability, communications internally and externally, program adaptability to the surrounding community, and understanding the goals of its corporate supporters. LCIF ranked above organizations such as Rotary International, Habitat for Humanity, UNESCO and UNICEF.[18]

The ratings were compiled by the Financial Times in association with the Dalberg Global Development Advisors and the United Nations Global Compact. The assessment was published in the Financial Times' Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy special report and highlights

companies' growing interest in long-term partnerships to tackle an expanding range of social issues. The list was released at a meeting of executives of NGOs and the UN in Geneva, Switzerland.[17]

Conspiracy Theories
In 1988 Hamas labeled Lions Clubs (and Rotary International) Zionist organizations and, according to the 1988 Covenant of Hamas, is bent on its ultimate obliteration[19].

References
1. ^ a b "The Structure of Lions Clubs International". Retrieved on 2007-11-06. 2. ^ "Melvin Jones biography". The Points of Light Foundation. Retrieved on 2007-06-07. 3. ^ "Melvin Jones". Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. Retrieved on 2007-0607. 4. ^ "Melvin Jones Biography". Retrieved on 2007-11-07. 5. ^ a b "Leadership Development Programs". Retrieved on 2007-11-06. 6. ^ "Lions share flower carpet riches". BBC News (25 August 2005). Retrieved on 200706-07. 7. ^ "Scheme not bottling out of aid". BBC News (31 January 2006). Retrieved on 2007-0607. 8. ^ "Webcast fights blindness". BBC News (13 October 1999). Retrieved on 2007-06-07. 9. ^ "About The Institute". Ear Science Institute Australia. Retrieved on 2007-06-23. 10. ^ "LCIF Grants & Programs". Retrieved on 2007-11-06. 11. ^ "Case Study: Lions Club International Foundation". Financial Times (July 5, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-11-03. 12. ^ "LCIF Grants & Programs". Retrieved on 2007-11-06. 13. ^ "How to become a member". Retrieved on 2007-11-06. 14. ^ "About Leo Clubs". Retrieved on 2007-11-06. 15. ^ "Campus Lions Clubs News". Retrieved on 2007-11-06. 16. ^ "Lions will be roaring into town". The Boston Globe (March 5, 2006). Retrieved on 2007-06-07. 17. ^ a b "Companies rank Lions Club best NGO". Financial Times (July 5, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-11-03. 18. ^ "Table of results" (PDF). Financial Times. Retrieved on 2007-11-03.
19. ^ 1988 covenant of the Hamas