Note: The Initiation Ceremony is an impressive occasion in which the new member is given membership to Lions Clubs International and welcomed into the fellowship of his Club.

The initiation of a new member should always be conducted before the full membership of the club. The sponsoring members are seated with their candidates. If possible, assign them a special table, centrally-located with space available, so that the candidates and the sponsors can stand without crowding the ceremony.

During the ceremony the sponsors and candidates should rise and remain standing.

Inducting Officer

"We are about to begin the initiation ceremony which will welcome..new members to our club, and I sincerely request the attention and silence of the membership during the ceremony. Please withhold any applause or demonstration until it is completed. I will call the names of the new members and their sponsors. As the names are called, will the sponsors and candidates rise and remain standing?"

(When the Inducting Officer calls the names, the candidates and sponsors rise and remain standing)

"Gentlemen, on behalf of the Officers and members of the Lions Club of.., I express our pleasure at your presence at this meeting. You have been invited to become members and we all are happy and proud that you have accepted membership to our club and Lions International."

"Membership in a Lions Club is a privilege. You are about to join the worlds largest and most active service club organization; a brotherhood of service minded men in..clubs in.countries or geographical locations of the free world. This invitation is an honour, which is greater because you did not seek it, for, your sponsors presented your names, the Membership Committee recommended you and the Board of Directors approved you.

"You are aware of the Ethics and Objects of our Association and of the work which Lionism is doing. I must impress upon each of you that the privilege of Lions membership also entails a group of men banded together to do things which you and I cannot do as individuals, a medium through which men of good will can serve their fellowmen. The motto of our Association and of our own club is "We Serve".and as you progress in Lionism you will discover the great satisfaction that comes from sharing in our effort.

" You have seen how Lions clubs serve their communities and their neighbours who are blind, sick, stricken and handicapped. This humanitarian work would not be possible unless men were willing to give their time and effort. Any member will tell you that this requires work..work to which you will be assigned and which we will expect you to do. Lionism is a cooperative effort in which every member shares the load so that the load of the less fortunate people will not be so heavy.

"The rewards of membership are great. You will enjoy the fellowship of the finest men in our town. You will be warmed by the thanks of people you help; you will be thanked by the people of the community you serve. You will have the pleasure of working with other men and through committee service, of directing their efforts. You will see the problems of the community and, as a Lion, be asked to assume leadership in their solutions. Above all, you will find in your Lions Club a medium through which you.as good citizens and good neighbourscan express to others..can express to others the good will which is in your hearts.

"Each of you knows what Lionism is trying to do in the service of mankind.

Each of you know what is expected of you in the service of Lionism. I now ask you..Do each of you desire to become a member of the Lions Club of .?"

(Pause for answer from each candidate).

"Since you have expressed a desire to affiliate with this club, and with Lions Clubs International, I now ask that you repeat after me:

"I, (Your name).in the presence of the members of the Lions Clubtake this solemn obligation to abide by the Constitution and Bye-Laws of the club and International Association.to attend all meeting regularlyto support and further the interest of the Club..in all its undertakings.to contribute my fair share towards the financial support of the ClubI further declare.that I will assist in maintainingbuildingand strengthening the membership of the Clubthat I will help the Clubby actively serving on committees and in other capacities.where my efforts are needed..and that I will practice the principles of the Code of Ethics.and the Objects of Lions Clubs International.

"You are now members of the Lions Club of ..Your sponsors will place upon your lapels the Lions Emblem which signifies this membership.

(Sponsors place the lapel buttons on the new members lapels)

"Brother Lions, wear that emblem constantly, with pride. Let me congratulate you and welcome you into the greatest of all services club organizations.Lions Clubs International. On behalf of the Club I now present you with this New Member Kit; it contains your official Certificate of Membership and more material which will help you get off to a good start in your life as a Lion. And now, from all Lions in this room who are proud and happy to have you as members of the Lions Club of ..I want to hear ..for these new Lions in our den..a great, big, Lions Roar!

Now I will ask the sponsors to repeat after me the obligation of a sponsor.

"I (your name) having sponsored (new members name)as a member of the Lions Clubdo hereby agree..to see that he is properly indoctrinatedin the activities and functions..of the Club and LionismI further pledge myself..to the best of my ability.to see to it..that he attends all club functions..and that he becomes a good Lion.

(Lighting of candles by the new members; end of the ceremony)