Candlelight Ceremony:

I would like each of the new members to place their left hand on the right shoulder of their sponsor and follow their sponsor to the front of the room.

_________________, you have done something the sightless do every day of their lives. We have asked you to spend a few moments in darkness because this symbolizes the life of the blind. It is a reminder of the battle of the almost 1.4 million members throughout the world to save sight.

Lions International was founded in 1917, 85 years ago, and today it is the world’s largest service organization. The reason we have become the largest has a lot to do with the blindfold you are now wearing.

Originally there was no particular course for Lions to adopt and support- but some 9 years after Lionism was founded- - a blind and deaf woman, by the name of Helen Keller, asked permission to speak before our International Convention. She asked the Lions to pick up her crusade and adopt sight conversation as a major project of Lions International. She did not realize the eventual impact of her plea when she asked: "Gentlemen, would you be my knights of the blind- - we have many problems to overcome and we cannot solve them alone- - we need help."

Years later, after Helen Keller went on to become one of the most famous women in American history, she came back to the Lions International Convention with tears in her eyes and said: "Thank you, my knights of the blind. Little did I realize 25 years ago when I asked you to take up my cause, that I would find Lions not only in America, but in China, Africa, and all of the free countries of the world- all working for one goal- to eradicate the dreaded disease of blindness."

At this time, I am going to ask you to remove your blindfold(s). Hopefully you will never, in your lifetime, have to spend any moments beyond those you just had- in darkness!!

There are no secrets in Lionism. Our symbols, our goals, our purpose, are open for all to see, and we take pride in explaining them to you:

First our name: although symbolized by the noblest of beasts, our name in fact states our major concerns: Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation’s Safety.

Secondly, our emblem: which I ask your sponsor to allow you to hold as I explain its significance. The large letter "L" stands for Law-Liberty-Love and Life. The letter "L" is placed within a circle, representing the unity of each individual member, each local club, with Lions International and all Lions throughout the world. The letter "L" and the circle of unity are set against a background of purple, signifying loyalty- - loyalty to country, to friends, to one’s self and to integrity of mind and heart.

Surrounding the purple circle is an exterior of gold signifying sincerity of purpose, liberality in judgement, purity in life, and generosity in mind and heart. Last but not least, in the exterior of gold, you will find the heads of two Lions. One looks back, reflecting on our many past accomplishments. The other looks forward, indicating our constant readiness to seize the future, and make it our own.

Most importantly, there is the motto of Lionism, two short simple words which really say it all: WE SERVE. And we do serve internationally, through our well-known and highly successful efforts in aiding those with vision problems. Locally, through countless projects- large and small, to benefit our community as a whole, and to aid those individuals who are in distress. And we as Lions and Lioness’, also serve as individuals, quietly without fanfare, each day of our lives, by evincing those qualities which make us Lions and Lioness’ - - honesty, integrity, concern for our fellow man, our community and our world.

Option #1

I would like to ask you at this time: Do you still desire to be a member of the ___________________Lions Club? ________________, then each of you please take a candle and light it from the International flame, as an indication of your membership in this Lions club. This is the light we hope you will shed on all those who need and look for your help. At this time, I now ask your sponsor to present you with your new member kit and to pin on you the emblem of your organization. Wear it proudly, as you are now officially a member of the _________________Lions Club and Lions International.

Option #2

I would like to ask you at this time: Do you still desire to be a member of the _________________Lions Club? At this time I now ask your sponsor to present you with your new member kit and to pin on you the emblem of your organization. Wear it proudly, as you are now officially a member of the ___________________ Lions Club and Lions International.