Lions Clubs of Multiple District 36, Oregon and Northern California

We Serve

Eugene, OR USA

541-484-0452

Lions of Oregon & Northern California are a part of an international network of 1.4 million men and women in 200 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world. Lions are best known for working to end preventable blindness, the giving of eyeglasses and hearing aids for the needy and local service projects.

 

Mission Statement of Lions Clubs International:

 

"To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation."

 

How can a club meet the challenge of change?

October 17, 2020  /  Guest User

     I move that we reboot 2020 and start over again at 01/01/2020. Do I have a second? How about an Amen?

DG John Taylor.png

     Who would not like a do-over for this year? But there have been some very positive things happening because of COVID. For starters, the availability of PPE, masks, and cleaning supplies is getting better all the time. There are some neat and innovative masks available; I have three with Lions faces on them. Lions are learning how to continue to serve our communities albeit under trying circumstances, discovering new projects and new skills; meeting in new ways, and confronting and dealing with (gasp!) change!

     For many of us, we and our clubs have run for years on inertia and tradition. Ask yourself when your club last started a new project or fundraiser or when did you last elect a new slate of club officers? If you cannot remember the “whens,” then it is time to do something to refresh your club. The old traditional activities are fine, but honestly, do they seem more like work or fun? How about dull and routine or exciting and engaging? Are they helping to recruit new members or scaring them away? Do they attract the same level of public engagement they used to or is interest and attendance dropping off? Is your club dynamic or static? Is the public taking your club for granted?

     How can a club meet the challenge of change? Check the resources on MyLCI: https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/resources-for-members/resource-center

     NAMI (North American Membership Initiative) PDG Gary Mose and I are putting together training to be presented at Cabinet, Zone, and club meetings. NAMI is the LCI campaign to reverse years of declining Lions membership. The latest Lion Magazine has a great article about NAMI. Be sure you read it.

     Reporting via MyLion. I look at LCI reports of 36G club activities and, believe it or not, it appears that some clubs are doing little, even before COVID. The problem is not inactivity; it is not following the old adage “the job’s not done until the paperwork is done.” Lions do the paperwork online on MyLion. LCI depends on these numbers to apply for grants from big foundations, organizations that want proof that the money they give to Lions is being well managed and spent. Please do your part and report all activities, projects, fundraisers, Lion, and volunteer hours worked and the number of people served. It is critical information and it is often missing. Report your club’s foundation work too if you have a 501(c)(3).

     Stay healthy, wear a mask, wash your hands, and respect others.

John Taylor, 36-G District Governor

“Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided? I appeal to you Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind. Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?”
— Helen Keller's Speech at 1925 International Convention Cedar Point, Ohio, USA June 30, 1925