| Lions are an international network of 1.3 million men and women in 200 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world. They are the local men and women who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes. The National Association was founded in 1917. The Association motto is "We Serve". Newcastle Golden Spike Lions have been serving the greater Newcastle area since its establishment in 1992. Each Lion serves as a volunteer, donating his or her time and talent to continue the solid reputation for community service and traditional family values through the outreach of saving sight, serving youth, developing youth and adult leaders, and fostering international understanding and friendship. Our club's commitment to the community of Newcastle and beyond mirrors generations of caring Lions and is woven into the fabric of each relation and written into its plans for tomorrow. | |
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 The emblem
with a gold letter "L" on a circular gold area with two lion
profiles at either side facing away from the center symbolically
demonstrate that the lions face both past & future...proud of the
past & confident of the future. |
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| The International Association of Lions Clubs began
as the dream of Chicago insurance man Melvin Jones, who wondered why
local business clubs -- he was an active member of one -- could not
expand their horizons from purely business concerns to the
betterment of their communities and the world at large. Jones' idea struck a chord within his own group, the Business Circle of Chicago, and they authorized him to explore his concept with similar organizations from around the United States. His efforts resulted in an organizational meeting at a local hotel on June 7, 1917. The 12 men who gathered there overcame a natural sense of loyalty to their parent clubs, voted the "Association of Lions Clubs" into existence, and issued a call for a national convention to be held in Dallas, Texas, USA in October of the same year. Thirty-six delegates representing 22 clubs from nine states heeded the call, approved the "Lions Clubs" designation, and elected Dr. William P. Woods of Indiana as their first president. Guiding force and founder Melvin Jones named acting secretary, thus began an association with Lionism that only ended with his death in 1961. That first convention also began to define what Lionism was to become. A constitution and by-laws were adopted, the colors of purple and gold approved, and a start made on Lionism's Objectives and Code of Ethics. Community leaders soon began to organize clubs throughout the United States, and the association became "international" with the formation of the Windsor, Ontario, Canada Lions Club in 1920. Clubs were later organized in China, Mexico, and Cuba. By 1927, membership stood at 60,000 in 1,183 clubs. In 1935, Panama became home to the first Central American club, with the first South American club being organized in Columbia the following year. Lionism reached Europe in 1948, as clubs were chartered in Sweden, Switzerland, and France. In 1952, the first club was chartered in Japan. Since then, the association has become truly global, with clubs in more than 170 countries and geographical areas worldwide. |
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| Known for
working to
end preventable blindness, Lions participate in a vast variety
of projects important to their communities. These projects range
from cleaning up local parks to providing supplies to victims of
natural disasters. The Golden Spike Lions Club is involved with numerous community
projects, programs and sponsorships. Samples of those include: Placer County Adult Literacy Local and District Student Speaker Contests Annual Flag Day presentations at the local elementary School White Cane Day Newcastle Clean Up Day Auburn 4th of July Parade Easter Egg Hunt Newcastle Celebration Day Newcastle Christmas Basket and Loomis Christmas Basket Food collection Halloween House Decorating Contest Newcastle Harvest Festival Hot Rod and Custom Get Together Newcastle Project Fit America |
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Lions Clubs International -- Triumph of an Idea