How Leo Clubs Began
In 1957, Jim Graver of Pennsylvania, USA was struck with an idea — to involve youth in the Lions Movement. Other Lions agreed to his proposal. The first Leo Club was born with 35 members, and on December 5, 1957, the Glenside Lions presented a Charter to the Abington High School Leo Club.
The group created the Leo acronym — Leadership, Experience, and Opportunity — and chose maroon and gold, their school colours, to serve as the Leo Club colours.
The second Leo Club was formed in 1963, and by then the number had risen to 27. In October 1967, the Board of Directors of Lions Clubs International adopted the Leo Club Program as an official program of the Association.
Open to males and females alike, the Leo Club Program provides youth of the world with an opportunity for development and contribution as responsible members of the local, national, and international community.
Today the Leo Program is stronger than ever. Community service remains the cornerstone of the program. Like their Lion counterparts, Leo members enjoy serving their neighbors and watching positive results unfold.
Leo Clubs are sponsored by a Lions Club, but they elect their own officers, schedule their own meetings, and decide on their own fundraising and service projects — full autonomy within a global support network.
The international scope of Leo Clubs allows members to meet others from different cultures through club twinning, youth exchange programs, and international youth camps — broadening perspectives and forging lifelong friendships.
The social aspect of the clubs provides young people with the opportunity to meet others who share common interests, values, and goals — building bonds that extend far beyond the meeting room.
Every new Leo member receives a New Member Kit from District 322B3, which includes:
Clubs, districts, and multiple districts may also charge an entrance fee. Current membership charges are: