Tennessee became a part of the International Association of Lions Clubs in 1918.  The tremendous growth of clubs and membership throughout the state brought about reorganization into two districts, and was identified as Multiple District 12 by the International Association of Lions Clubs.  The clubs and membership growth continued and a few years later Multiple District 12 reorganized into four districts, identified as Multiple District 12, L, I, O and N. 

District 12-I, (this district) was, and is, situated pretty much in the center of the state; continues to grow and provide a tremendous service to the community, the District and the International Association.

District 12-I stands proud to be a part of the world’s largest service organization; providing many services to those in need in the community and the world.  In addition, the District has provided two directors to serve on the International Board, a President of the International Association, and many leaders at the District level.  

Since 1917, the association of Lions clubs has provided millions of people with the opportunity to give something back to their communities.

Known for working to end preventable blindness and, where possible, restore lost vision, Lions participate in a vast variety of projects important to their communities. These projects range from cleaning up local parks to providing supplies to victims of natural disasters.

The International Association of Lions Clubs began as the dream of Chicago businessman Melvin Jones. He believed that local business clubs should expand their horizons from purely professional concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world at large.

Jones' own group, the Business Circle of Chicago, agreed. After contacting similar groups around the country, an organizational meeting was held on June 7, 1917, at the LaSalle Hotel in Chicago. The new group took the name of one of the groups invited, the "Association of Lions Clubs," and a national convention was held in Dallas in October of that year. A constitution, by-laws, objects and code of ethics were approved.

Just three years after its formation, the organization became international when the first club in Canada was established in 1920. Major international expansion continued as clubs were established, particularly throughout Europe, Asia and Africa during the 1950s and 60s.