The Lions' motto is, "We Serve". Our association was founded in Chicago,Illinois in 1917. Lions Clubs International has grown to be the world's largest service organization with more than 1.3 million members belonging to approximately 46,795 local clubs in 193 countries and geographical areas. Lions Clubs International headquarters is located in Oak Brook, Illinois and is governed by a board of directors, which are elected annually at our International Convention. In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions at their convention in Cedar Point, Ohio and challenged them to become "Knights of the Blind in the Crusade against Darkness." Since that challenge, service to the blind and visually impaired is one of the association's most significant activities. Lions come from many countries and speak different languages and profess many religious and political beliefs: however, they all subscribe to common objectives and ethical principles.