Specialty Club Program
The Specialty Clubs Program was designed to create clubs in which members share a common interest or passion. Specialty clubs are a unique expression of the diversity of Lions International, uniting people around the globe around hobbies, causes, professions, or anything else that brings a group together.
What are specialty clubs
Specialty clubs are one of the fastest-growing ways in which Lions serve their communities and the world. Joining or starting a specialty club allows you to turn your passion into successful service projects that bring together like-minded Lions under a common interest — all while strengthening our organization and expanding our spirit of volunteerism. There’s no limit to what your specialty club can be.
Specialty club workshops
Hosting a Specialty Clubs Workshop is a great way to help your district charter new clubs and support membership goals. Workshops feature materials and resources provided by Lions International to help you successfully facilitate a specialty club workshop. You can also receive financial support that is reimbursed to you for hosting a workshop.
Specialty Club Workshop Application
Download and complete the Specialty Club Workshop application to request to facilitate a workshop.
Specialty Club Sign-in Sheet
Use the sign-in sheet to track attendance for your workshop. All attendees must sign in.
Specialty Club Workshop Final Results and Expense Claim
Report results and expenses incurred from the pre-approved workshop with this form.
Charter a specialty club
Specialty clubs follow the same chartering process as other Lions clubs, but they allow you to identify a special category for your club.
Specialty Club PowerPoint
Use this during a Specialty Club Workshop to teach attendees how to start a specialty club, along with the history, benefits and potential impact of Specialty Clubs.
Start a New Club Webpage
Find all the application forms, materials and resources needed to charter a new club.
Why specialty clubs work
See how specialty clubs are serving
Check out our YouTube page to see specialty clubs in action and find inspiration for your specialty club’s focus.
Frequently asked questions
Find the answers you need to some frequent specialty club questions.
- What are the requirements for starting a specialty club?
Specialty clubs are chartered in the same way as traditional Lions clubs. All new club approvals and policy-based organizational requirements must be met. During the application process, a club can choose a specialty category if they want to be identified as a specialty club.
- What types of specialties can a specialty club have?
A specialty club can focus its specialty on any common interest shared by club members. Some specialty examples include, but are not limited to:
- Cause-specific:
- Childhood cancer
- Diabetes
- Disaster relief
- Environment
- Humanitarian
- Hunger
- Vision
- Youth
- Cultural
- Life stage/experience such as:
- Academic focus
- Profession
- Retiree
- Partnerships with organizations such as Special Olympics (Lions Champions Clubs)
- Partnerships with other not-for-profit organizations (Lions Join Together Clubs)
- Sports or hobbies
- Check out the Specialty Clubs Program flyer to find more ideas about different causes, interests and more your club can specialize in.
- Cause-specific:
- How do I select or change my club's specialty?
You can select your club’s specialty when completing and submitting a new club application. If you want to change or remove your club’s specialty, your club officers may do so online in the Lion Portal.
- What costs are associated with starting and being a member of a specialty club?
The Membership Dues and Fees Chart will help you figure out your charter and membership costs. Note that Lions International also provides liability insurance coverage to all Lions clubs, including specialty clubs.
- Can a club branch become a specialty club?
Yes, you can convert your club branch to a self-standing specialty club.
There are three things to consider:
- where the club will be located,
- the unique characteristics of the members and
- what the special service focus of the club will be.
- What awards and recognitions are associated with specialty clubs?
- Membership Awards
- Learn more about Extension Awards given to Lions in recognition of their work to support membership growth.
- Club Excellence Award
- See how clubs can be recognized for excelling in the areas of membership, service, leadership and organizational excellence, and marketing.
- Membership Awards
Contact us
If you have questions about the Specialty Clubs Program or need additional information or resources, contact us at specialtyclubs@lionsclubs.org.
