What are Lions?
Lions are men and women who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes in their local and world communities. Through various community service projects and fundraising events, Lions strive to help those in need, wherever need exists. The Lions Club motto is “We Serve.”
In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions Clubs 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. This crusade has led to the establishment of Sight First, a global blindness prevention and eradication program.
Additionally, Lions participate in service activities that emphasize diabetes awareness, education and research; they also work with the physically and mentally impaired, tackle environmental issues, promote community welfare, foster international understanding, and support youth initiatives.
Founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1917, the Lions Clubs International has grown to be the world's largest service club organization, despite being the youngest. With 1.4 million members belonging to clubs in over 187 countries and geographical locations, Lions Clubs International is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois.
To Lions, “WE SERVE” is not just a motto, but a definition and philosophy. The Newfane Lions Club, along with the Newfane Leo, is dedicated to serving our community through various humanitarian efforts. We focus on improving the lives of those in need by organizing meaningful volunteer opportunities and impactful service projects.
Lions Code of Ethics
Lions Code of Ethics
TO SHOW my faith in the worthiness of my vocation by industrious application to the end that I may merit a reputation for quality of service, particularly through my involvement with the Newfane Lions and other community service initiatives.
TO SEEK success and to demand all fair remuneration or profit as my just due, but to accept no profit or success at the price of my own self-respect lost because of unfair advantage taken or because of questionable acts on my part.
TO REMEMBER that, in building up my business, it is not necessary to tear down another’s; to be loyal to my clients or customers and true to myself, just as the Newfane Leo exemplifies in their commitment to ethical service.
WHENEVER a doubt arises as to the right or ethics of my position or action towards my fellow men, to resolve such doubt against myself.
TO HOLD friendship as an end, and not a means. To hold that true friendship exists not on account of the service performed by one to another, but that true friendship demands nothing but accepts service in the spirit in which it is given, reflecting the values of the Lions Club.
TO AID my fellow men by giving my sympathy to those in distress, my aid to the weak, and my substance to the needy through volunteer opportunities in our community.
TO BE careful with my criticisms and liberal with my praise, to build up, not to destroy, fostering a supportive environment for all.
Lions Club Objectives
The Lions Club Objectives focus on fostering a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world. One of our primary goals is to promote the principles of good government and good citizenship. We actively engage in community service, taking a keen interest in the civic, cultural, social, and moral welfare of our communities, including the initiatives by the Newfane Lions and the Newfane Leo. Our aim is to unite the Clubs in friendship, good fellowship, and mutual understanding. We also provide a forum for open discussions on all matters of public interest, while ensuring that partisan politics and sectarian religion are not debated among Club members. Furthermore, we encourage service-minded men and women to participate in volunteer opportunities that benefit their community without seeking personal financial reward, while promoting efficiency and high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works, and private endeavors.