We put people at the center of change.

Melvin Jones

Believing in the power of cooperative altruism, Melvin Jones helped shape Lions Club International into the largest network of services clubs in the world. The organization is committed to assisting the visually impaired and supporting sight conservation worldwide. Using the motto, “We Serve,” Lions Clubs seek to improve the lives of the needy and offer young people the chance to catch the spirit of service. Read more on Melvin Jones.
International Association of Lions Clubs, proud sponsor of The Extra Mile medallion honoring Melvin Jones

Social issues Melvin Jones addressed:
•    Education
•    Visual impairment
•    Poverty

Social issues that need to be addressed today:
•    Education – 41 percent of fourth-grade boys and 35 percent of fourth-grade girls read below the basic level – in low-income neighborhoods it is near 70 percent – lack of books affects literacy.*
•    Visual Impairment – Visual impairment has been identified as one of the four most significant contributors to lost independence among older Americans.**
•    Poverty – Approximately 39.8 million are living in poverty (2008).***

* http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/STTable?_ bm=y&geoid=01000US&qr_name=ACS_2006_EST_G00_ S1802&ds_name=ACS_2006_EST_G00_&_lang=en&redoLog=fals e&format=&CONTEXT=st
** http://www.lighthouse.org/research/statistics-on-vision-impairment/ disability-estimates/
*** http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/browse/volunteering-issues/ volunteer-management/doc/top-6-facts-about.html