Lions Clubs International (LCI) is a secular service
organization with over 45,500 clubs and more than
1,368,683 members in 205 countries around the
world founded by Melvin Jones in 1917. Young people of high moral standards who wish to serve others but are not members of others service organization are eligible to become Leos. Membership is divided into two classification:
Alpha 1
2-17 Age
Omega 18-28 Age
Leo Membership Benefits
Since 1957, thousands of young people have benefited from membership in the Leo Club Program. Some of these benefits are tangible; others are intangible. Making new friends and viewing the world through another's perspective are two of the benefits of Leo service. As community volunteers, Leos develop confidence and organization skills through this hands-on experience. Leo club and district offices help young people develop these skills. The Leo District 325 A and B, Nepal invited Leo District 323 A2 from India to a Leo international exchange program. The program lasted for 10 days and allowed the Leo district participants the opportunity to exchange information, establish friendships and share ideas about their Leo districts. Another benefit of Leo club membership is experiencing teamwork. The Neoleopart's 77 Leo club, France organized a service project which organized donations of pharmaceutical items for the Baby of the Heart day. Donations were handed over to the Red Cross for distribution. In Tennesse, USA, members of the Cornersville School Leo Club helped raise money for their school by helping to run the refreshment stand at an annual football tournament. Membership in a Leo club also develops fellowship and camaraderie. One of the many activities enjoyed by the Tokai Leo Club, Republic of South Africa, is bowling. The Leos have also enjoyed attending theater events together, playing active cricket, taking hikes, and playing the Trivial Pursuit board game. As members of a worldwide organization, Leos have international benefits as well. Leos often participate in the Lions international youth camp and youth exchange programs. Leo clubs also participate in the Leo club twinning program. Recently, the Wellawatte Leos, Sri Lanka, twinned with the Ulladulla Milton Leos in Australia. Leadership Positions
There are many opportunities for Leos to accept leadership positions within a Leo club, a Leo district, or a Leo multiple district. Leadership positions within a Leo club include:
-an elected president;
-an elected vice president;
-an elected secretary;
-an elected treasurer;
-appointed members of the board of directors. Leo districts or multiple districts, offer another level of leadership positions including an elected Leo district president. Leo club activities at the district and multiple district level encourage Leos from clubs in the same territorial area to share ideas, promote the Leo Club Program, strengthen community service, focus on membership growth and expansion and offer further leadership development opportunities.
