Who are the Lions?

In 1917 the first Lions Clubs was formed in Chicago, Illinois by Melvin Jones and others. Theirs was a goal to help the community through service.

Lionism’s dedication to aiding the blind grew out a speech by Helen Keller at the 1925 International Convention when she challenged the Lions to become “Knights of the Blind” in the crusade against darkness.

Lions Clubs are not social groups. No member is allowed to advance his or her own business interests. The prestige of Lions Clubs was based on their involvement in providing assistance to the sick, the needy and the less fortunate and their willingness to take an active role in community leadership.

The mission of the Port City Lions Club is to provide meaningful service to others in an environment which encourages friendship, intellectual exchange and business networking among its members.

We are made up of persons interested in making our community better through service to the less fortunate. This service is provided through many different means, including regular standing committees and projects, and one-time service opportunities.

We understand the importance of friendship and fellowship, and we establish long-lasting relationships with other members. The Port City Lions have a proud past and a bright and promising future. It is made possible by the dedication and support of its members. It is that kind of dedication and support that its members bring to the community and beyond through service on the District and State Levels of Lionism. 5 members have served as District Governor. One member has served as President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation  One member is currently serving as committee chair for Multiple District 18 and MD 18 Lion Tamer. The District Tailtwister is a member of this club, as well as the Zone Chairman and the chairs of five District Committees.

To encourage a positive membership experience, Lions operate under the following Lions Clubs Objects:

Lions Clubs Objects

TO CREATE and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.

TO PROMOTE the principles of good government and good citizenship.

TO TAKE an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.

TO UNITE the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.

TO PROVIDE a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members.

TO ENCOURAGE service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.

And the 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.

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 and women; 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 to them my unswerving loyalty in word, act and deed. To give them freely of my time, labor 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 criticisms and liberal with my praise; to build up and not destroy.

The photo above is of the Olympic Cauldron commemorating the 1996 Olympic Yachting event held in Savannah.