Founded in 1917, Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with 45,000 clubs and nearly 1.35 million members in 200 countries around the world. Its motto is “We Serve.” The international headquarters is located in Oak Brook, Illinois, United States. Membership is by invitation and attendance at meetings is expected on a monthly or fortnightly basis. Lions are a community-based organization with a hierarchy that can take a member from a club to office at zone, district and international levels. Funds raised by Lions Clubs from the general public are used for charitable purposes, with administration costs kept strictly separate and paid for by members.