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MELVIN JONES

Founder and Secretary-General of Lions Clubs International.


Biography

Melvin Jones was born on January 13, 1879 in Fort Thomas, Arizona, the son of a United States Army captain who commanded a troop of scouts. Later, his father was transferred and the family moved east. As a young man, Melvin Jones made his home in Chicago, Illinois, became associated with an insurance firm and in 1913 formed his own agency.


He soon joined the Business Circle, a businessmen's luncheon group, and was shortly elected secretary. This group was one of many at that time devoted solely to promoting the financial interests of their membership. Because of their limited appeal, they were destined to disappear. Melvin Jones, then a 38-year-old Chicago business leader, had other plans.

"What if these men," Melvin Jones asked, "who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?" Thus, at his invitation, delegates from men's clubs met in Chicago to lay the groundwork for such an organization and on June 7, 1917, Lions Clubs International was born.


Melvin Jones eventually abandoned his insurance agency to devote himself full time to Lions at International Headquarters in Chicago. It was under his dynamic leadership that Lions clubs earned the prestige necessary to attract civic-minded members.


The association's founder was also recognized as a leader by those outside the association. One of his greatest honors was in 1945 when he represented Lions Clubs International as a consultant in San Francisco, California, at the organization of the United Nations.


Melvin Jones, the man whose personal code – "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else" – became a guiding principle for public-spirited people the world over, died June 1, 1961 at 82 years of age.

About: About Us

LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION

BECOME A MELVIN JONES FELLOWS MEMBER

Lecture

THE MJF PROGRAM

Making a Difference

The Melvin Jones Fellowship Program was established in 1973 in honor of Melvin Jones, the founder of Lions Clubs International. Melvin Jones Fellowships are given to individuals in recognition of unrestricted donations of US$1,000 to Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). Such a contribution illustrates a significant commitment to humanitarian service and allows LCIF to perform such miracles as preserving sight, combating disability, promoting health and providing disaster relief. New Melvin Jones Fellows receive an MJF pin, commemorative plaque and a letter from the LCIF Chairperson. If the donor so chooses, he/she may use their donation credit to honor another individual with a Melvin Jones Fellowship.

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MJF APPLICATION

Address Humanitarian Needs

Through our Community Development, we have the potential to make a real and positive change in the community. This is one of our key areas of focus here at Melvin Jones Fellowship - Lions Club Seychelles (District 411A), and a source of much success for our Humanitarian Organization. Get in touch with us today and see how you can lend a helping hand with this program.

1. Download the MJF Application Form

View buttons below (Fill the Form) or ask local Lions leadership to provide the MJF Application Form.

2. Fill out the Application Thoroughly

If the recipient is to be named later, remember to check the box indicating that, and do not fill out the recipient information section. MJF applications using collective donations from multiple donors must be accompanied by written consent from all donors to use their donations for the MJF recognition specified on the application.


3. Submit payment with the application

Acceptable forms of payment include checks, bank deposits and credit cards. Payments can be made in one sum or in installments of a minimum of US$100 over a five-year period. 

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SUPPORT SERVICES

Tackling the Issue

Most of our efforts pertaining to this program involve studying new approaches and developing innovative ways to implement them. We evaluate our success in this field by gathering qualitative and quantitative data, and using that information to measure shifts and changes from our baseline measurements.

Get in Touch

Join us in making a real difference.

About: Programs
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