Innovate—and Evolve. It’s in Our Roots.

Hello, Lions!

In 1917 a group of independent social clubs gathered at the LaSalle Hotel in downtown Chicago. They asked themselves if they might join forces to help their communities. At the time, it was incredibly innovative. International service organizations had yet to become a driving force for good in the world. But with the birth of the International Association of Lions Clubs, a whole new era began.

Looking back, it seems so obvious. Of course those who have should band together and help those who have-not! But isn’t that how it is with innovation? When we look back, it seems like it was there all along.

Lions, I love hearing about the smart, exciting, and sometimes wacky new ideas you come up with. I know my club is not the same club it was when my father was a Lion. And I hope it will continue to evolve well after I’m gone.

Because that’s how we grow. That’s how we stay relevant. We take old ideas and we make them better. We make our service reflect what our communities need now, not what they needed a hundred years ago. We make our service better. We innovate. And we evolve.

Keep up the great work, Lions. I look forward to seeing all your evolutions of service.

Make a great day,

Brian E. Sheehan

International President, Lions Clubs International