The International Association of Lions Clubs is the largest service clubs organisation in the world with almost 1.5 million members belonging to nearly 42,500 Lions Clubs in over 178 countries and geographical locations.

Lions Clubs International, (as it is called for short), has contributed almost 80 years of local and global community service since its foundation in the USA in 1917. More recently Lions Clubs have been formed in Albania, Republic of Belarus and Russia.

There are approaching 1000 Lions Clubs in the UK and Ireland with around 21,000 members.

Membership is by invitation with each club totally autonomous. Anyone over 21 could be a prospective member. There are male only Lions Clubs, mixed Lions Clubs (male and female), and Lioness Clubs (ladies only). There are also mixed Leo Clubs for the 16 to 25 year olds. Lions believe in fellowship both locally and world-wide and many social, convention and inter-club visiting events continually take place. A typical Lions Club usually consists of between 20 and 40 members, from all walks of life and backgrounds, united in a common aim to help those less fortunate than themselves.

Most clubs meet twice a month to discuss community service, fund raising and social activities many also hold monthly social/dinner meetings.

A Board of Directors administers the club and presents projects for consideration by members. Most members are usually part of a committee which may be involved in assessing community service projects (allocation of funds or giving a helping hand), fund raising activities or special projects which Lions globally are involved in.

Generally, most of the club activities concentrate on the needs of their local community.