10
SOUTHERN SENIOR MAGAZINE
| Winter 2016
e, men and women, are
Lions of Mississippi and we
are extremely proud to be a
part of the International
Association of Lions Clubs.
Our pride of Lions extends to over 1.4 million
men and women in more than 46,000 clubs
located in 210 countries and geographic areas through-
out the world. When you become a Lion you become a part
of the
service organization.
The Lions of Mississippi are divided into two areas, North
and South Mississippi.The clubs in South Mississippi include
but are not limited to
Biloxi, Diamondhead, Lumberton,
Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Picayune, and Woolmarket.
Lions clubs are unique among service clubs in that the
focus of our association is on the local club. The aim of any
single Lions Club despite its location, size or age is to offer its
members the opportunity and support to better serve their
community.
The International Association of Lions Clubs was founded
in 1917 by Melvin Jones, a Chicago businessman who
believed that successful individuals should give aid and
assistance to those in need. From the beginning years right
through today, the Mississippi Lions Clubs have been there
for the residents of Mississippi in providing Significant
Disaster Relief following Katrina, and by providing food,
housing, clothing and medical care through the years.
Additionally, the Lions of Mississippi have provided this same
service throughout the World. Where there was a need, the
Mississippi Lions were there.
The Lions Slogan is
Loving Individuals Offering Needed
Services.
The Lions Motto is
We Serve.
What Lions are Not.
•We are not a political organization.
Among our
members are found leaders of all political parties and
factions. Each club provides a forum for the free and open
discussion of all matters of public interest.
•We are not a social club.
We take an active interest in the
social welfare of our various communities in an effort to
realize the full potential of our influence in developing the
moral fiber of our society.
•We are not a fraternal organization.
Our members are
W
By Miriam J. Gray, R.N., Phd
men and women of all faiths, all religions, all nationalities,
and all races.
•We are not a youth organization.
We sponsor a Youth
Club called Leo’s and participate in many youth programs
and projects both in this nation and abroad.
•We are not a welfare organization.
Over the years in
good times and bad, countless thousands of less
fortunate people have been the generosity of Lions.
Wherever human suffering has been found, lions
have been there and responded generously and
with open hearts.
•We are not a sports organization.
Yet we
sponsor and support Little League activities
and other activities built around the training
of the minds and bodies of our youth, both boys
and girls.
•We are not a religious organization.
Our
members belong to various religious groups and we
believe in the age-old philosophy of “ Love Thy Neighbor”.
•We are not a medical or health organization.
However
we provide assistance for medical care which includes eye
care, hearing care, and diabetes education.
•We are not an educational foundation.
Yet today,
thousands of students today are in schools built by Lions or
founded by Lions.
•We are not the United Nations.
However we are an
instrument of peace supporting freedom and liberty through-
out the world and we meet with the United Nations in New
York every Spring.
The Purposes of the Mississippi Lions Club are to:
•Create and foster a spirit of understanding among the
peoples of the world
•Promote the principles of good government and good
citizenship
•Take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social, and
moral welfare of the community
•Unite the members in the bonds of friendship, good
fellowship, and mutual understanding
•Provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of
public interest provided that partisan politics and sectarian
religion shall not be debated by club members
•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.
Do you want additional information about the Lions of
Mississippi or do you have an interestin becoming a Missis-
sippi Lion? If you do, contact the Lions Club in your home
town or contact me, Miriam Gray via email gypsymom@
cableone.net or any member of the South Mississippi Lions
at our Mid-Winter Convention at the Hollywood Casino
Hotel in Bay St Louis on February 19 and 20, 2016.
Information about
Lions of Mississippi
