Melvin Jones Fellowship Award

The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, created by Lions Clubs International in 1973, honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional service within their local Lions Clubs. The Downtown San Diego Lions Club participates in this tradition by recognizing outstanding members annually.

Named After: Melvin Jones, founder of Lions International

Purpose: To recognize exceptional service within Lions Clubs and support Lions International humanitarian programs

Geographic Scope: Available to Downtown San Diego Lions Club members; program operates globally

What Recipients Receive:

• A distinctive lapel pin (symbol of achievement)
• A handsome plaque recognizing contribution to club and community
• A congratulatory letter from Lions Clubs International acknowledging exceptional service

Funding Connection: Each nomination requires a $1,000 donation from the nominating club. The Downtown San Diego Lions Club traditionally designates contributions to the SightFirst program, which works to combat blindness and provide vision care to individuals in need across the globe.

Nomination Details:

• Each Lions Club has the opportunity to nominate one or more members annually
• Nominees should show evidence of going "above and beyond" in service to the club and community

Global Recognition:

• As of March 2014, there were 361,160 Melvin Jones Fellows recognized worldwide
• Downtown San Diego Lions Club has 27 Melvin Jones Fellows
• Recipients represent core values of Lions International: service, dedication, and community impact

Core Values Recognized:

• Service to the community without personal financial reward
• Efficiency and high ethical standards
• Creating understanding among people of the world
• Active interest in civic, cultural, social and moral welfare
• Bonds of friendship and good fellowship
• Mutual understanding

Contact Information:

• Address: 310 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101
• Website: sandiegolions.org
• Lions Clubs International: lionsclubs.org

Melvin Jones Fellowship Nomination Process

How to Nominate:

1. Identify an outstanding Lions Club member who has demonstrated exceptional service
2. Contact the Downtown San Diego Lions Club for nomination procedures
3. Submit nomination to club leadership
4. Club submits nomination to Lions Clubs International
5. Club makes $1,000 donation to support Lions International programs (typically SightFirst)

Nomination Criteria:

• Member must demonstrate exceptional service to the Lions Club
• Must show leadership and compassion
• Must demonstrate tireless commitment to Lions' humanitarian mission
• Must have gone "above and beyond" in service to club and community

Important Notes:

• Nominations are made annually by individual Lions Clubs
• $1,000 donation required per nomination
• Funds support Lions International programs
• Downtown San Diego Lions Club designates contributions to SightFirst program
• Recipients are recognized globally by Lions Clubs International
• Award includes pin, plaque, and congratulatory letter from Lions Clubs International