Only four months later representatives of 23 clubs founded the International Association of Lions Clubs, now the world's largest, most active, and most representative service club organization. In 1920 the first Lions Clubs started in Canada and in only seven years, the movement spread to China, Mexico and Cuba. Lionism reached Europe in 1948, as clubs were chartered in Sweden, Switzerland, and France. Today Lions Clubs work in 178 geographic areas around the world, with more than 42,732 clubs and 1.4 million members. Truly the movement has now become an international force for good.
Meetings promote fellowship and harmony.
Projects and activities are geared to the needs of the local community. Participation is urged in an international program to serve any need, with no thought to race, creed, nationality, religion or politics, with other organizations which seek the same goal of unselfish service to all people. Extending good often brings good will in return. This builds mutual faith in one another and lays a foundation for productive fellowship and resolution of misunderstandings.