Ethical principles

Lions Clubs International set high ethical standards for its members which are formulated in the following fundamental principles:

I shall promote the esteem of my professional standing in my personal actions and thus ensure that I rightly have the reputation of having achieved something.

I intend to be successful in this and strive towards the appropriate benefit to which I am rightfully entitled. I shall not strive for this aim however at the expense of my self-esteem by seizing an unfair advantage or questionable actions.

I shall not endanger the existence of other persons for the sake of my own advantage. I will remain loyal towards my business partners and faithful to myself. Whenever there is doubt regarding correctness and moral integrity of my attitude or behaviour towards my fellow men I shall scrutinize it self-critically.

I consider friendship as my aim, not as a means to an end. I am aware that true friendship does not exist because of proven services. It demands nothing, however accepts favours in the same spirit in which they were performed.

I shall always remain aware of my duties as a citizen towards my country and society and remain loyal to them in word and deed. Within the realms of possibility I shall support them with personal commitment and financial means in fulfilling their tasks.

I shall help my fellow men by giving those who are unfortunate comfort, those who are weak energy and supporting the needy with financial means. I shall be cautious with criticism and generous with praise. I shall make the effort to build others up and not to hurt them.