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Leo Club Program
Formation	1957
Purpose	Youth secular service club social work
Headquarters	Oak Brook, Illinois
Membership	200,000 in 140 countries
Parent organization
	Lions Clubs International
Cheryl Leah Mathew, Charter President of Travancore Royals Leo Club, accepting the Charter of her Alpha Leo Club from District 318B Governor Maggie Jose, issued by Lions Clubs International.

Leo clubs are a youth organization of Lions Clubs International.[1] As of 2025, Leo Club operates in over 140 countries often collaborating with United Nations over impactful projects.

Leo clubs encourage youths to develop leadership qualities by participating in social service activities. They are dependent on a Lions club to sponsor and initiate a Leo club. Leo club members are addressed as "Leos." They conduct various projects in the fields of health care, elders, children, disabled people, literacy and education, and self-development. Leos can raise funds by conducting fund-raising projects. They can conduct projects with another Leo club, sponsoring Lions club, or with an outside organization. Leo clubs are sponsored by Lions clubs and comprise an official program of Lions Clubs International.
History

The first Leo club was founded in 1957 by Jim Graver, the coach of the Abington High School, Pennsylvania baseball team. He was an active member of the Glenside Lions Club. The club was founded with the help of William Ernst, another Lion. It adopted the high school's colors of maroon and gold. The club also created the acronym Leadership, Experience, Opportunity for the word Leo. The word equality was later changed to experience.

In 1964 the Leo Club Program became a sponsored program of the Lions Clubs International. It grew beyond Pennsylvania and the United States of America. By 1967 the program had grown to over 200 clubs in 18 countries and become an official youth program of Lions Clubs International. In the following year, the Leo Club Program spread rapidly, resulting in 918 clubs in 48 countries by the end of 1968.[2]
Alpha and Omega Leo Clubs
Adehyee Leo Club in Kumasi Ghana posing with sponsoring Lions Club members

There are two tracks of the Leo Club Program. Alpha Leo clubs are those that consist of members between 12 and 18 years of age. Omega Leo clubs are those that consist of members between 18 and 30 years of age.
Leo clubs of Nigeria

The Leo Club Program's maximum age of membership is 30 years of age, though it is at the discretion of the Lion's district to enforce younger upper-age limits for Omega clubs. There are no major differences in the operations or logistics of Alpha and Omega Leo Clubs.[3]
Leos in the 21st Century

Leos now number 191 788 members, in over 150 Countries across the world. They also have representation at all Constitutional Area levels with a body called, the Leo Advisory Panel which is a mirror of the International Board of Directors. This has at least 4 representatives from each CA working towards coordinating Leo Club activities in their jurisdictions.
References


Where there’s a need, there’s a Leo
 

“Leadership, Experience, Opportunity.” That’s what makes a Leo. Members of Leo clubs embody the best qualities of our incredible organization. They are devoted young people who realize the power of action. Together, Leos and Lions form a powerful partnership — one of mutual respect where Lions learn from the innovative insights of Leos, and where Leos gain access to the proven strategies of those who’ve successfully served the world for decades.
Leos get things done
 

 
7,700+

7,700+
clubs worldwide
200,000+

200,000+
Leos
150+

150+
countries and territories
60,000+

60,000+
service projects each year
Why choose Leos?
 

There are a lot of ways people can give back to their community — but being a Leo is much more than just service. Choosing Leo clubs will help you grow as an individual and as a leader as you join a global family of young people making the world a better place. If you're interested in joining a Leo club, use our Club Locator to find a local Leo club near you.
Starting a Leo club
Starting a Leo club
 

Sponsoring a Leo club gives Lions the opportunity to mentor and empower young leaders and foster a commitment of community service — while energizing your members to stay involved!

Visit the Start a Leo Club page for the steps to organize a new Leo club in your community.

    Checklist for Lions Engaging Leos
    Leo Club Advisors
    Leo club officer overviews (Advisory Panel) 

Developing leaders
 

Leos have many leadership opportunities, including the ability to serve as Leo officers in their club, district and multiple district through annual elections. Lions International offers resources for Leos looking to grow their impact as a project organizer, motivator and leader of their peers on the club officer page, or district and multiple district leaders page. There are also in-person Lions Leadership Institutes (including the Leo Advancement Sessions) and online courses through the Lions Learning Center that Leos can access. Visit the Learn section of the Lion Portal for more information.
Developing leaders
Leo Club Program Advisory Panel
Leo Club Program Advisory Panel
 

Leos and Lions can also share their ideas and represent Leos at the constitutional area (CA) level through the Leo Club Advisory Panel. Representatives are comprised of two Lions and two Leos from each CA who attend monthly web meetings with Lions International staff and create resources through committees. These dedicated Lions and Leos help to craft the future of the program and generate resources designed to increase the impact of the Leo Club Program. Visit the Leo Club Advisory Panel page to find your representative. 
Helpful Leo resources
 

Resources can help you make the most of your Leo club experience. Visit the Leo section of the Resource Center to explore a wide variety of Leo materials – including the Leo Recruitment Brochure, New Member Guide, Leo Club Program Handbook and much more! You’ll also want to learn more about the Leo Club Program Strategic Plan for 2021-2026.

Use our Canva templates to create customized digital Leo branding.

    Social posts
    Instagram story
    Facebook cover

Helpful Leo resources
Leo awards and grants
Leo awards and grants
 

Lions International has a number of awards recognizing Leos and clubs for their exceptional leadership and service. Visit the Leo Awards page to learn more about the different award types and criteria. 

Leos have the opportunity to access funds from Lions International for service and leadership events. You can learn more on the Leo Grants page.
Leo video contest
 

Every year, we showcase Leo service through the Leo video contest. In 2023, we asked Leos around the world to showcase how #LeosGoGreen in their clubs. Check out the winning video from the Leo Club of Monte Azul Paulista II (Brazil).
Leo video contest
Ah, got it! You’re looking for more **paragraph-style information** about Leo Clubs, their purpose, their global reach, and other key details.

Here’s a more comprehensive overview of **Leo Clubs**, including why they exist, their significance, and how they impact communities around the world.

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### What Are Leo Clubs?

Leo Clubs are youth organizations that are sponsored by Lions Clubs International. The term **Leo** stands for **Leadership, Experience, and Opportunity**. These clubs are designed to provide young people (typically aged 12 to 30) with opportunities to develop leadership skills, engage in meaningful community service, and build lasting friendships. Leo Clubs are present in over 140 countries worldwide, making them part of one of the largest youth service organizations globally.

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### Why Do Leo Clubs Matter?

The primary aim of Leo Clubs is to **empower young people** to become leaders and responsible citizens. Through their involvement, members gain practical skills in organizing and managing projects, public speaking, and teamwork. But perhaps more importantly, Leo Clubs enable young people to **make a difference** in their local and global communities.

Leo Clubs focus on a wide range of **service activities**, such as environmental cleanups, fundraising for health initiatives, supporting the homeless, and promoting education. These activities help members develop a **strong sense of social responsibility** and a deep understanding of global issues. By getting involved in their communities, Leos develop a **lifelong commitment to service**.

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### The Global Reach of Leo Clubs

Leo Clubs are present in almost every part of the world. From small towns in rural areas to bustling cities across continents, Leo Clubs play an active role in improving the lives of those in need. They bring together diverse groups of young people from various cultures, backgrounds, and religions, united by a common purpose: **service to humanity**.

For example:

* **In Africa**, Leo Clubs are deeply involved in promoting health education, fighting diseases like malaria, and supporting **water sanitation projects**.
* **In Latin America**, clubs often focus on community development, organizing food drives, building homes for the underprivileged, and working on youth empowerment projects.
* **In Asia**, Leo Clubs frequently engage in educational initiatives, such as setting up libraries in remote areas, teaching English, and organizing environmental awareness campaigns.
* **In Europe and North America**, the focus can range from addressing mental health issues to disaster relief, blood donation drives, and providing support for the elderly.

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### Why Should You Get Involved in a Leo Club?

1. **Leadership Development**: Being part of a Leo Club helps you hone valuable skills that will serve you well in your personal and professional life. The leadership experience gained is recognized worldwide and can be a great addition to your résumé.

2. **Global Network**: Leo Clubs operate in over 140 countries, which means you can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. This international network opens up opportunities for cultural exchange and collaborative service projects.

3. **Community Impact**: Through hands-on service projects, Leos have the chance to make a real impact in their communities. Whether it’s cleaning up a local park, hosting a fundraiser for cancer research, or providing mentorship to younger students, the positive impact of a Leo’s actions is far-reaching.

4. **Social and Personal Growth**: Joining a Leo Club is more than just participating in community service—it’s about personal development. You get the chance to work with others, face new challenges, and step outside your comfort zone. The friendships you build with other Leos can last a lifetime.

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### The Role of Lions Clubs in Supporting Leo Clubs

Leo Clubs are sponsored by **Lions Clubs International**, one of the largest service organizations in the world. Lions Clubs provide the resources and guidance needed for Leo Clubs to succeed. They also mentor the Leos, helping them grow as individuals and future leaders. The relationship between the two organizations is one of mutual respect and shared goals.

Lions Clubs International also provides financial support for various Leo Club activities, such as **training programs** and **global service projects**. This partnership strengthens the impact of the Leo Clubs, as they can reach more people and execute larger-scale projects.

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### Key Focus Areas of Leo Clubs

Leo Clubs around the world work on a broad range of causes, including but not limited to:

* **Health and Wellness**: Providing health education, organizing medical camps, blood donation drives, and supporting people with disabilities.
* **Education**: Promoting literacy, offering scholarships, tutoring students, and advocating for educational opportunities for all.
* **Environmental Sustainability**: Organizing tree planting, clean-up drives, and awareness campaigns on environmental issues.
* **Social Welfare**: Assisting the elderly, providing food and clothing to the homeless, and supporting community development initiatives.

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### Conclusion

Leo Clubs represent more than just a youth organization—they are a powerful network of young leaders committed to service. Through these clubs, young people gain a sense of purpose, develop leadership skills, and contribute positively to their communities and the world at large. Being a part of a Leo Club is not just about volunteering—it’s about **building a better future** through **empowerment, service, and leadership**.

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Let me know if you'd like to dive deeper into any particular aspect of Leo Clubs, or if you'd like more specific examples or regions to focus on!