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Arizona Lions are members of the world's largest non-profit service organization, Lions Clubs International. With over 1.46 million members across 200 countries, Arizona Lions focus on Helen Keller-inspired initiatives for the visually and hearing impaired, extending their impact to childhood cancer, eliminating hunger and more!
For a century, Arizona Lions have epitomized hands-on activism, excelling in service projects that directly benefit local communities. With 103 clubs and 2,398 members, they collaborate with diverse partners, embodying a commitment to welcome and support. Arizona Lions champion inclusivity, valuing diversity while upholding the highest ethical standards among their members. In every endeavor, Arizona Lions exemplify the enduring spirit of service with the resounding mantra, "We Serve." |
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Serving for Over 100 Years
Lions Clubs International traces its roots back to the vision of Melvin Jones, a native of Ft. Thomas, Arizona, who later settled in Chicago, Illinois.There he became an insurance man and joined a business leads club called “The Business Circle.” Acknowledging the diverse skills within the club, he proposed utilizing their collective talents to benefit their fellow citizens. He found ways to do so and reached out to similar clubs in other areas of the country.
On June 7, 1917, these clubs united to establish the "Association of Lions Clubs." Although not yet international, this significant step set the stage. The inaugural convention convened in Dallas, Texas, from October 8 to 10, 1917, where a constitution, code of ethics, and objectives gained approval. Dr. William Woods of Evansville, Indiana, was elected the Association's first president. In 1919, the name "Lions International" was adopted, and the corporation was established in Illinois.
The expansion commenced with clubs in Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and China, marking the Association's rapid growth throughout the 1920s. The 1925 International Convention at Cedar Point, Ohio, featured an impactful address by Helen Keller, a deaf and blind advocate. She implored the Lions to be her "Knights of the Blind," a challenge embraced by the Lions, shaping their commitment to eliminating preventable causes of blindness and deafness.
Lions International played a pivotal role in the establishment of the United Nations and experienced substantial growth post-World War II. Presently, Lions Clubs thrive in 207 countries and geographical areas, testament to their enduring global impact.
In 1921, Arizona was part of District 4, comprising western Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. In 1925, New Mexico and Arizona were joined together to form District 21. Prior to that, in 1923, the Phoenix Downtown Lions Club and the Tucson Lions Club were chartered. They held a combined “Charter Night” on May 5. Since then, Arizona has become a Multiple District, specifically MD 21, with the addition of Districts 21A, 21B, and 21C. Notably, in 2020, a reorganization led to the formation of Districts 21-North and 21-South.
There are four state projects founded and supported by the Lions of Arizona. These include the Lions Foundation of Arizona, The Vision and Hearing Foundation, Camp Tatiyee, and the Melvin Jones International Memorial.
On June 7, 1917, these clubs united to establish the "Association of Lions Clubs." Although not yet international, this significant step set the stage. The inaugural convention convened in Dallas, Texas, from October 8 to 10, 1917, where a constitution, code of ethics, and objectives gained approval. Dr. William Woods of Evansville, Indiana, was elected the Association's first president. In 1919, the name "Lions International" was adopted, and the corporation was established in Illinois.
The expansion commenced with clubs in Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and China, marking the Association's rapid growth throughout the 1920s. The 1925 International Convention at Cedar Point, Ohio, featured an impactful address by Helen Keller, a deaf and blind advocate. She implored the Lions to be her "Knights of the Blind," a challenge embraced by the Lions, shaping their commitment to eliminating preventable causes of blindness and deafness.
Lions International played a pivotal role in the establishment of the United Nations and experienced substantial growth post-World War II. Presently, Lions Clubs thrive in 207 countries and geographical areas, testament to their enduring global impact.
In 1921, Arizona was part of District 4, comprising western Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. In 1925, New Mexico and Arizona were joined together to form District 21. Prior to that, in 1923, the Phoenix Downtown Lions Club and the Tucson Lions Club were chartered. They held a combined “Charter Night” on May 5. Since then, Arizona has become a Multiple District, specifically MD 21, with the addition of Districts 21A, 21B, and 21C. Notably, in 2020, a reorganization led to the formation of Districts 21-North and 21-South.
There are four state projects founded and supported by the Lions of Arizona. These include the Lions Foundation of Arizona, The Vision and Hearing Foundation, Camp Tatiyee, and the Melvin Jones International Memorial.
Lions Foundation of Arizona
Phoenix |
The Vision and Hearing Foundation
Phoenix |
Camp Tatiyee
Lakeside/Pinetop |
Melvin Jones Lions
International Memorial Ft. Thomas/Safford |
Meet Our Team
Arizona Lions Club Leadership
Click on photo to email officer
Chris Gibbs
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Joe Osborne
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Maribel Dillard
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Joe Preston
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Marie T. Cunning
International Director |
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"We Serve"
It’s not just a motto; it’s a way of life at the Arizona Lions Club.