Lions are men and women who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes in their local and world communities. By conducting service projects and raising funds, Lions strive to help those in need wherever need exists. The Lions’ motto is "WE SERVE."

In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions at their annual international convention, challenging them to become "Knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." Since that time, service to the blind and visually impaired has become one of the association’s most significant activities. That crusade has resulted in the establishment of SIGHTFIRST, a global sight loss prevention program.

In addition, Lions participate in service activities emphasizing diabetes awareness, education, and research; work with the physically and mentally impaired; environmental issues; community welfare; international understanding; and youth.

The association was founded in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1917. Although the youngest major service club organization, Lions Clubs International has grown to be the world’s largest. Its 1.5 million members belong to over 43,000 clubs in 185 countries and geographical locations. Lions Clubs International is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA.