International Association of Lions Clubs

The International Association of Lions Clubs, more commonly known as Lions Clubs International, is a global service club organization dedicated to serving communities around the world. It is not directly referred to as "International Association of Lions Clubs" but is instead known as Lions Clubs International. However, the term "International Association of Lions Clubs" is historically significant in its early formation.

Formation

Lions Clubs International was founded in 1917 by Melvin Jones, a prominent Chicago business leader. Initially, the organization aimed to encourage business professionals to focus on community service beyond their professional interests. The first organizational meeting took place on June 7, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois, where the Constitution, By-Laws, Code of Ethics, and Emblem were adopted. Dr. William Perry Woods was unanimously elected as the first president, and Melvin Jones served as the secretary-treasurer[1][3].

Expansion and Mission

Lions Clubs expanded internationally in 1920 with the establishment of the Border Cities Lions Club in Windsor, Canada[1]. Today, it operates in more than 200 countries with over 1.4 million members across nearly 50,000 clubs[5]. The organization's mission is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, promote international understanding, and support those in need. Key focus areas include sight conservation, youth support, disaster relief, and environmental issues[3][5].

Programs and Initiatives

The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) plays a pivotal role in supporting the organization's humanitarian projects. Since its establishment in 1968, LCIF has awarded over $1.2 billion in grants to support global initiatives such as the SightFirst program, which has contributed significantly to eliminating river blindness and distributing sight-saving medications[2][5]. Other notable programs include the Leo Clubs, which foster leadership in young people, and the Lions Quest program, which aids in social and emotional development[2][3].

Governance and Structure

Membership is open to individuals willing to serve their communities. Local clubs are part of a larger global network, each led by a president and board of directors. The organization is governed by an international board of directors and an elected president[3].

Despite sharing a similar name, the specific information provided for "International Association of Lions Clubs" with EIN 470638500 is not detailed in available sources, and the most relevant information pertains to Lions Clubs International.

References

Due to the lack of specific details on "International Association of Lions Clubs," the provided information focuses on Lions Clubs International. For more detailed information or clarification regarding the specific entity with EIN 470638500, further investigation is necessary.