In 1917 Chicago based insurance worker Melvin Jones asked a simple and world-changing question – what if people put their talents to work improving their communities. At that time he founded the International Association of Lions Clubs. With the motto “WE SERVE” Almost 100 years later, Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization, with 1.35 million members in more tha
n 45,000 clubs and countless stories of Lions acting on the same simple idea.
• Leo Club History :
In 1957, Lions Jim Graver and William Ernst of the Glenside Lions Club, Pennsylvania, USA, formed the world first Leo Club. All 35 members of the Abington High School baseball team joined Abington Leo Club soon 1964, more Leo Clubs formed in Pennsylvania and throughout the USA. Leo Clubs were formally adopted as an official program and project of Lions Clubs International in 1967, the year of the Association golden Anniversary. In 1968, newly formed Leo clubs began sending their requests for club certification to International Headquarters. On October 17, 1969, forms requesting certification for the Abington High School Leo Club reached headquarters. On this date, the world's original Leo club was formally recognized as a part of the international Leo program. Leo John Hebert of Baederwood, Pennsylvania, served as president of the Abington High School Leo Club.
• Leo Milestones :
1957 – First Leo club founded by Glenside Lions Club in Abington, Pennsylvania, USA with 35 high school boys.
1964 – The Leo Club Program became an official district project and started to grow rapidly in Pennsylvania and other surrounding areas.
1967 – Became an official program of Lions Clubs International.
1967 - 200 Leo clubs organized in 18 countries
1968 - 918 clubs in 48 countries
1974 - 2000th club was established
1984 - 4000th club was established
1996 - 5000th club was established
2007 - 50th Anniversary of the Leo Club Program
2009 - Leo clubs organized in 141 countries
• Leo Statistics (as of January 2010) :
Leo members : 143,450 (approx); Countries: 142
Leo Clubs : 5,738 (Alpha clubs: 2,331; Omega clubs: 3,407)
• Who Can Be a Leo? (Leo Membership) :
Young people of high moral standards who wish to serve others but are not members of others service organization are eligible to become Leos. Generally most of Leos are meritorious, talent and humanitarian. Leo Club membership is open to young man and woman. Membership is divided into two classifications:
Club Track : • Alpha: 12-17 Age • Omega: 18-28 Age
Club Type : • School-based • Community-based
• What are Leo Clubs? :
Leo clubs are an official activity of Lions Clubs International that encourages young men and women to serve others in their community and around the world. Leo clubs are sponsored by local lions clubs and may be either school-affiliated or community based. Leo club activities include regular meetings, service projects and social functions.
• Who Benefits from Leo Clubs? :
Young People: Participation in Leo activities and projects helps young people prepare for the future by developing leadership, organizational and social skills. Members experience increased self-esteem and personal growth as they meet challenges and accept responsibilities. By volunteering their time and talents for the benefit of others, Leos learn firsthand the value and rewards of service. Leo club involvement can start young men and women on a lifetime of helping-others.
• Leo Objective & Motto :
To provide the youth of the world with an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national and international community.
• Leadership: Leo members acquire skills as project organizers and motivators of their peers.
• Experience: They discover how teamwork and cooperation can bring about change in their community and the world.
• Opportunity: Leos develop positive character traits and receive recognition for their contributions.
• Benefits of Sponsoring a Leo Club :
• Increases your Lions club’s community exposure and attracts potential members.
• Energizes your Lions club and inspires members.
• Satisfaction of mentoring and helping today’s youth and young adults become better citizens and leaders for life.
• Leos and Lions Working Together :
• Lions benefit from joint service projects by multiplying community service efforts.
• Leos benefit from joint service projects by developing confidence, leadership and organization skills.
• The community benefits whenever Lions and Leos volunteer together to help meet the needs of the community.
• Awards and Recognition :
For Lions
• Leo Club Sponsor Banner Patch
• Leo Club Extension Award
• Advisor Outstanding Service Award
• Advisor 5-Year Service Award
• Chairperson Achievement Award
• Serving Together Banner Patch
For Leos
• Leo of the Year
• Leo Club Excellence Award
• Membership Growth Award
• 100% President Awards
• Spotlight on Children Banner Patch
• Leo Club Extension Award
• Leo Club Resources :
LCI WEB SITE: The Leo Zone section of the LCI Web site is the primary online resource about Leo clubs. Leo MMR: Is a membership reporting Web site that allows Leo club officers to enter and track data about club members. NEWS LETTERS: Resources, important deadlines and additional information is sent to from International Headquarters on a regular basis. Typical Leos Projects:
*Fun *Environment *Drug Awareness *Youth Welfare *Health *Save Sight *Hearing *Citizenship *Public Service * Youth Exchange *School Support
• History of Leoism in Bangladesh :
Late. Abdul Jabber Khan is the founder of Leo Clubs in Bangladesh. In 23rd August of 1973 the Leo Club of Bangladesh namely Kamalapur Leo club was established. Leo M Aawarul Haque is the founder Leo District President of District 315 Bangladesh. In the Leo District Year 1987-88 Leo District 315 bifurcated into 2 Leo Districts Namely District 315 A & 315 B. Again in the Leo District Year 1993-94 Leo District 315 B bifurcated into 2 Leo Districts Namely District 315 B1 & 315 B2. T. M. Mostain Billah is the founder District president of Leo District 315 B2 during 1993-94. Leo Tanvir Ahmed Siddiqee is the President of This District Now. He has Such a strong Leadership that he is the most Junior Aged Omega Leo District President in this Leo Club Program Advisory Panel for LCI Constitutional Area 6 (ISAAME). LEOism of Bangladesh is dramatically changed in the year 1999-2000 and recognized Multiple Leo District council 315. Kazi Saiful Islam Sohel Was the Founder President of Multiple Leo District.. At present there are 6 Leo District (315 A1, 315 A2, 315 B1, 315 B2, 315 B3, and 315 B4) under the umbrella of six Lion District with Multiple District 315. Today, the Leo Club Program is stronger than ever. Community service remains the cornerstone of the program. Like their Lion counterparts, Leo club members enjoy serving their neighbors and watching positive results unfold.
• Websites :
Lions Clubs International: http://www.lionsclubs.org/
Bangladesh Lions Foundation: http://www.blfbd.org/
Leo Clubs International: http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/our-work/youth-programs/leo-clubs/index.php
