Lions International - District 410A

The year was 1917; the city, Dallas, Texas. It was the first convention of Lions Clubs International and an event, which witnessed much of the basic structure, which the association put in place. Among the most important documents drafted and adopted by this convention, or any Lions convention, for that matter, was the Lions Code of Ethics, standards that were designed to identify and guide the type of individuals who were and who would become members of Lions clubs. The code was also handwritten on hotel stationery and submitted to delegates at the convention in St. Louis the following year.

There have been only minor changes in the code over the years. It has, most assuredly, stood the test of time during these nine decades and exists today as a criterion, which defines, without reservation, the mode of behaviour and personal demeanour, which is expected and required of a person who is a Lion.

Lions clubs worldwide should review the Code of Ethics on a regular basis. Many clubs, in fact recite it at the opening of each meeting. Every member needs to be familiar with our code to ensure that his or her conduct is in keeping with the Lions Code of Ethics. (see below)

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.

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.

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.

Always to bear in mind my obligations as a citizen to my nation, my state and my community, and to give them my unswerving loyalty in word, act and deed. To give them freely of my time, labour and means.

To aid my fellow men by giving my sympathy to those in distress, my aid to the weak and my substance to the needy.

To be careful with my criticism and liberal with my praise; to build up and not destroy.