WHAT IS LEO
Leos are comprised of young men and women, ages 12 to 28, who are dedicated to make a difference in their community. Sponsored by a Lions Club, each Leo Club elects its own officers, schedules its own meetings, and selects its own fundraisers and service projects.
Popular local service initiatives include: drug abuse prevention, educational assistance, community improvement, social service, environment protection, citizenship promotion and health education.
The international scope of Leo Club allow members to experience and enjoy meeting others from different cultures through activities such as Club Twinning, Lions Youth Exchange Program and International Youth Camp.
And the social aspect of the clubs provide young people with the opportunity to meet others who share common interests, values and goals.
Popular local service initiatives include: drug abuse prevention, educational assistance, community improvement, social service, environment protection, citizenship promotion and health education.
The international scope of Leo Club allow members to experience and enjoy meeting others from different cultures through activities such as Club Twinning, Lions Youth Exchange Program and International Youth Camp.
And the social aspect of the clubs provide young people with the opportunity to meet others who share common interests, values and goals.
LOGO Of LEO
Leo Club in the Whole World is separated into 2 groups.These 2 groups are:
- ALPHA LEO CLUB
Alpha Leo Clubs are those that consist of members between the age of 12, the Leo Club program's minimum age, and the age of majority for the region the club is based in.
- OMEGA LEO CLUB
Omega Leo Clubs are those that consist of members between the age of consent of the club's region, and an age determined by the Lions District.
LEO PROGRAM HISTORY
Forty-five years ago, Coach Jim Graver started the Leo ball rolling. Chances are, that ball was a baseball. Back in 1957, Graver was the coach of the Abington High School, Pennsylvania, USA, baseball team. Graver was also an active member of the Glenside, Pennsylvania, Lions Club.
With fellow Lion, William Ernst, Graver talked about starting a service club for high school boys. "The Kiwanians had their Key Clubs and the Rotarians had their Wheel Club (since changed to Interact Clubs)," Ernst is quoted as saying in an October 7, 1976 newspaper article in "The Evening Bulletin."
So they asked their fellow Lions for support. Without hesitation, the Glenside Lions agreed that a Lions youth group was a good idea. Graver and Ernst set to work.
"We needed a nucleus, a group of kids to start with," stated Ernst. "So we got Jim's son to come to the first meeting with his whole baseball team." Nine sophomores, junior and senior boys joined the group of 26 baseball players. Together, the 35 teens formed a club. On December 5, 1957, the Glenside Lions presented a charter to the Abington High School Leo Club.
As the world's first Leo club, the group created the Leo acronym - Leadership, Equality, Opportunity (Equality was later changed to Experience.) And, the group chose maroon and gold - their school colors - to serve as the Leo club colors.
By 1964, there were 27 Leo clubs in Pennsylvania and one in New York. The circle of junior service clubs was expanding. 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, the objective of the Leo Club Program was (and still is): "...to provide the youth of the world (with) an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national and international community."
In 1968, newly formed Leo clubs began sending their requests for club certification to International Headquarters. On October 17, 1969, forms requesting certification for the Abington High School Leo Club reached headquarters. On this date, the world's original Leo club was formally recognized as a part of the international Leo program. Leo John Hebert of Baederwood, Pennsylvania, served as president of the Abington High School Leo Club.
Today, the Leo Club Program is stronger than ever. Community service remains the cornerstone of the program. Like their Lion counterparts, Leo club members enjoy serving their neighbors and watching positive results unfold.
With fellow Lion, William Ernst, Graver talked about starting a service club for high school boys. "The Kiwanians had their Key Clubs and the Rotarians had their Wheel Club (since changed to Interact Clubs)," Ernst is quoted as saying in an October 7, 1976 newspaper article in "The Evening Bulletin."
So they asked their fellow Lions for support. Without hesitation, the Glenside Lions agreed that a Lions youth group was a good idea. Graver and Ernst set to work.
"We needed a nucleus, a group of kids to start with," stated Ernst. "So we got Jim's son to come to the first meeting with his whole baseball team." Nine sophomores, junior and senior boys joined the group of 26 baseball players. Together, the 35 teens formed a club. On December 5, 1957, the Glenside Lions presented a charter to the Abington High School Leo Club.
As the world's first Leo club, the group created the Leo acronym - Leadership, Equality, Opportunity (Equality was later changed to Experience.) And, the group chose maroon and gold - their school colors - to serve as the Leo club colors.
By 1964, there were 27 Leo clubs in Pennsylvania and one in New York. The circle of junior service clubs was expanding. 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, the objective of the Leo Club Program was (and still is): "...to provide the youth of the world (with) an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national and international community."
In 1968, newly formed Leo clubs began sending their requests for club certification to International Headquarters. On October 17, 1969, forms requesting certification for the Abington High School Leo Club reached headquarters. On this date, the world's original Leo club was formally recognized as a part of the international Leo program. Leo John Hebert of Baederwood, Pennsylvania, served as president of the Abington High School Leo Club.
Today, the Leo Club Program is stronger than ever. Community service remains the cornerstone of the program. Like their Lion counterparts, Leo club members enjoy serving their neighbors and watching positive results unfold.
MEMBERSHIP OF LEO
Leos conduct monthly general and board meetings. Typical Leo club officers include President, Secretary, Vice Presidents and Directors. At the end of every Leoistic year Leos hold a conference annually. In this conference Leos are recognized for their performance. Every country where Leoism exists is divided into districts. Each district have a separate executive officers which includes District President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Directors. Leos also hold multiple district conferences annually. There is a democratic procedure for Leos to select a District President. If a Leo district receives more than one nomination for the seat of District President, an election is called. Same procedure is made for the post of District Vice President.
