The True Spirit of Lionism: Service Beyond Self

By: Nirmla Johnson

 

The Lions Club International has long been a beacon of hope, embodying the true essence of service and community upliftment. Established to serve humanity with humility and dedication, its mission transcends beyond mere charitable acts—it is about making a lasting impact in the lives of those in need. However, in the ever-evolving landscape of service organizations, the integrity of Lionism is constantly tested by the intentions and actions of its members.
Chartering a Lions Club: A Commitment, Not a Ceremony To establish a Lions Club is to take on extraordinary responsibility. It requires a core group of dedicated individuals who not only commit to service but also understand the administrative and financial obligations that come with chartering. Sustaining membership is equally crucial. Too often, members join with enthusiasm for the grandiosity of induction night-glamorous, high-energy events that celebrate new leaders and members. However, a glaring issue in some Filipino Lions Clubs in Chicagoland is that some members fail to fulfill their financial obligations prior to installation, or worse, abandon the organization shortly after the pageantry fades. True Lionism is not about winning an ornate medal or being recognized at a gala; it is about showing up consistently for the cause, year after year.
The Misconception of Service: Humility Versus Hidden Agendas Involvement in a humanitarian organization should stem from a genuine desire to serve. Yet, some individuals view their participation through a distorted lens. However, within the Filipino community in Chicago, the meaning of being a Lion has often been misconstrued. While many members uphold the true spirit of volunteerism, others join for reasons that have little to do with service. These reasons, deeply rooted in Filipino cultural tendencies such as the following misinterpreted notions:
1. “My friend pursued me to join.”
“Pakikisama” (harmony and camaraderie) is a strong cultural value in Filipino society. Many individuals join the Lions Club not because of a passion for service but simply because a friend or relative convinced them. While there’s nothing wrong with joining through an invitation, it becomes problematic when members remain inactive, contributing nothing to the club’s initiatives. A service organization thrives on commitment, not social obligations.
2. “I need it for tax deductions.”
Some individuals exploit their membership to claim charitable tax deductions without actively participating in charitable work. While donations are valuable, the Lions Club is not a tax loophole. Service should be driven by a genuine desire to help, not by financial incentives. True generosity comes from the heart, not from an accountant’s advice.
3. “I want to expand my connections for my business.”
Networking is a natural part of any organization, but when business interests take precedence over service, the Lions Club turns into a business club rather than a service organization. Some members join solely to gain clients, market their services, or enhance their business reputation. While connections can be a byproduct of membership, they should never be the primary motivation.
4. “I want to establish my clout and validate myself to the community.”
Filipino culture places a high value on social status and reputation. Many individuals see membership in the Lions Club as a way to boost their personal prestige, rather than as an opportunity to serve. True leadership in the Lions Club is not about self-validation but about inspiring others through selfless action.
5. “I chartered it, it’s mine forever. I am entitled to the ownershipnof the organization.”
The concept of “utang na loob” (a deep sense of gratitude or indebtedness) often leads to entitlement in Filipino organizations. Some individuals who establish a Lions Club charter believe they “own” it indefinitely,nrefusing to pass leadership to new generations. This mindset stifles growth, discourages innovation, and contradicts the principle of teamwork and shared leadership.
6. “You’re JUST a member
to me. Nope, you cannot create a new charter.”
Hierarchy and seniority play a big role in Filipino culture. Some long-time members treat newcomers as inferiors, refusing to allow them to grow within the organization or start their own chapters. This territorial mindset suppresses fresh ideas and discourages new leaders from stepping up. The Lions Club thrives on inclusivity and leadership development, not exclusivity and gatekeeping.
7. “I will transfer to another Lions Club because I did not get the position I wanted, or my idea was not implemented.”
Filipinos take pride in leadership roles, often equating them with personal success. When a member feels unappreciated or overlooked for a leadership position, they may switch to another club or form their own, rather than working through conflicts or collaborating with others. This practice weakens the organization, creating fragmented, self-serving groups instead of a united force for service.
8. “I will do fundraising to cover the cost of my vacation in the Philippines.”
One of the most alarming distortions of the Lions Club’s purpose is using fundraisers for personal gain. Some individuals organize events under the guise of charity but allocate the proceeds for their personal expenses, such as travel. This not only violates ethical standards but also damages the credibility of the entire organization, eroding trust within the community.
The True Mission of the Lions Club
The Lion’s Club is built on selflessness, service, and unity. Its core mission is to serve the blind, the hungry, the underprivileged, and those in need—without expecting anything in return. Leadership within the Lions is not about personal gain but about guiding and inspiring others to be better. It is about making a difference in communities, not making a name for oneself.
“Self-serving ideology does not resonate with the true meaning of being a Lion.”
Being a Lion means embracing humility, generosity, and a genuine passion for helping others. Those who join with self-interest in mind may hold the title, but they lack the heart of a true Lion. The strength of the Lions Club lies in its collective service, and only through sincere commitment can its members truly live up to the motto: “We Serve.”
Accountability: The Pillar of Sustainability

For a Lions Club to thrive and maintain its integrity, leaders must prioritize financial transparency. State and federal reporting is not just a formality, it is an obligation. Major donors declare their contributions to their accountants, which in turn puts the organization’s financial records under potential scrutiny by the IRS. Failure to comply with proper reporting not only jeopardizes the credibility of the club but also endangers its future. Lions Club International provides ample guidelines and resources to educate its members on these responsibilities.
However, the reinforcement of sanctions for non-compliance remains an area that demands stricter implementation. Leaders must not wait for repercussions before taking action; they must enforce financial discipline from within to ensure the club remains in good standing.
The True Meaning of Lionism: Service Done Right
At its core, the Lions Club is about service to mankind. When done right, it is a powerful force for good—one that changes lives, strengthens communities, and upholds the dignity of humanity. The true spirit of Lionism does not lie in the grandeur of installation nights or the titles conferred upon members. It lies in the quiet, tireless work of volunteers who expect nothing in return but the fulfillment that comes from serving others.
To those who wear the emblem of the Lion, let this be a call to action: Serve not for recognition,
but for the lives you can touch. Lead not for status, but for the impact you can create. And above all, uphold the honor of Lionism by ensuring transparency, accountability, and genuine commitment to its noble mission.
A Lasting Legacy of Service
True volunteerism comes from the heart, untainted by personal agendas. It is a force that transcends time, leaving an indelible mark on history. As Novelist John Grisham wrote in one of his books – Time and Tide, so aptly quoted, “Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our life sublime, and departing, leave behind us footprints in the sands of time.” Let the footprints we leave as Lions be those of unwavering service, integrity, and compassion—etched not in the fleeting glamour of events, but in the hearts and lives of those we have uplifted.