THE EMBLEM

A large letter "L" standing for LAW-LIBERTY-LABOR-LOYALTY-LOVE-LIFE-LIONS:  on a circle representing the Lions and Lions Clubs all bound together into one; Lions' profiles looking two ways, representing  a Lion looking in every direction for an opportunity to give unselfish service, with the word "Lions" at the top representing the Association, and the word "International" at the bottom indicating it is an International Association.  It is the unwritten obligation of every Lion to wear and display the emblem with pride.

LIONISM

FELLOWSHIP

LEADERSHIP

SERVICE
 

Philosophy of Lionism

Lionism embodies within its Code of Ethics, in its Objects and Emblem, the basic essentials of good citizenship.  These are to be studied and understood, to be practiced and lived, that they may become dissseminated throughout the thinking world.

While the appreciation of these underlying principles may, of necessity, change from decade to decade, they form a livable Philosophy of Life.  Since it has been demonstrated many times that we receive back from others the attitudes of mind that we ourselves send out, we find that to extend "good will" brings good will in return.  This makes for mutual faith and basis for good fellowship, for resolving misunderstandings which might otherwise become divisive.  With good will and recognition that the other is acting in good faith, "we can agree to disagree without being disagreeable."

Human nature being what it is, we are sometimes prone to allow ourselves to become absorbed with minutiae, "little things," with mechanics of operation, with personalities, all trivia in comparison to the great, all-consuming Spirit of Lionism with its tremendous opportunities and responsibilities, fraught with an everlasting challenge toward service to others.  These are matters dependent on creative thinking on the part of the leaders in individual clubs, a matter, of thinking in depth which reaches down an dout to an overall "concern for others."  A concern that transcends minor affairs.

This means leadership in each club to match the big challenge to serve our boys and girls, our handicapped people, our community, which now involves the world itself, leadership that will never yield to the temptation to be satisfied with a rating of "good" when its rating should be "the best," with the mediocre when it could be marvelous, the miracle working.

There are people of means in our Association-talent, energy, enthusiasm, good will, understanding, vision and determination; Lions who love liberty and are committed to its intelligent use.  Leaders with conviction can use these qualities to demonstrate Lionism as the great potential force for good that it is.  Lionism is being extended throughout the nations of the Earth.  If the TRUE Spirit of Lionism can be brought into being in the hearts of those who are attracted to it and practice it in thier lives, we shall demonstrate that we have in our hands an instrument of unsurpassed POWER for International good will and the longed-for PEACE among the peoples of this small WORLD.