civilian service club organized by a Chicago insurance broker, Melvin Jones, in Dallas, Texas, U.S., in 1917 to foster a spirit of “generous consideration” among peoples of the world and to promote good government, good citizenship, and an active interest in civic, social, commercial, and moral welfare. Jones remained an active member of the Lions Clubs and was able to see them grow until his death in 1961. Because it adopted more lenient membership rules than other service clubs and did not impose a rigid quota on membership from each business and profession, it soon became the largest of all service club organizations.

Lions' activities include general community welfare projects, aid to the blind, and promotion of knowledge and support of the United Nations. The Lions Clubs, with members in more than 180 countries and geographic areas, are headquartered in Oakbrook, Ill., U.S.