SALINE COUNTY, Ark. — A new group of lions are coming in with a roar in Saline County.
Okay, not actual lions, but The Lions Club international organization formed a new group in Benton, and it’s quite unique.
Twenty women with a passion to serve met at Benton’s First United Methodist Church Friday for the Saline County Professional Women's Lions Club’s first meeting.
“I work in a men’s world. I’ve worked in a men’s world all my life,”said Lions Club member Claudia Griffen to the group of women. “I get the pain of some of you and how hard you have to work to do your job.”
The club’s mission is to fight for gender equality.
"I was one of the first women invited into the club many years ago,” said Kimberly Schleider, the newly appointed president of the Saline County club.
Griffin saw a need for a new club in the area after noticing women in Saline County were working hard to serve their communities.
The international organization was founded in 1917, but the Lions Club didn't admit women until the 1980's.
And, according to Griffin, men still dominate civic clubs in the south.
"This purpose is to try to attract more women,” said Griffin.
The club is working to bridge the gap between the number of men and women in the organization.
In Arkansas, only 40.5% of members are women, the goal is to hit the 50/50 mark.
"This is a great opportunity to bring many women in at the same time,” said Schleider. “Eventually, we may not be solely all female; however, this is a great start to this club.”
The club hasn't decided what projects they'll invest their time and money into, but once they do, members are positive they’ll be a perfect fit for the community.
The next meeting will be held Monday, July 8.
If you are interested in becoming a part of the group, you can contact Nell Rockett at nrockett@att.net or at 870-722-4633.