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."

 

The Future of Lions Is in Your Hands

February 23, 2021  /  Guest User

Lion Magazine - February 2021

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     Lions, have you reached terminal empathy? So far 2021 doesn’t feel any different from 2020, but with vaccines (COVID and flu) coming out there is hope for a new normal.  In the meantime, I encourage everyone to wear their masks, wash their hands, socially distance, etc.

     I want to recognize some of the accomplishments of a few clubs that have been active despite COVID.

·         Baker City Lions: Re-rocked and de-brushed a city parkway, lighted the Lions shelter in the city park for Christmas, rang the bell for the Salvation Army, and successfully applied for a $5K grant.

·         The Dalles Lions: Obtained over $32K in grants for Sirosis Park, S&H, and diabetes, conduct club meeting via Zoom with 25-30 regular attendance, food drive for ELFF (Everyone Loves a Fire Fighter,) rang the Salvation Army bell, helped at the Reverse Starlight Parade, and worked to help start a new Lions club in Nigeria

·         Pendleton Lions: Held successful can and bottle drive, See’s Candy sale to benefit Blue Mtn. Community College, held regular Zoom club meetings with 15-20 attendees, rang bell for Salvation Army, donated trees to city park, and much more

·         Elgin Lions: Christmas Light Parade with community tree lighting and caroling, highway cleanup, and vision screening of Imbler School students

·         Halfway Lions: Held a highly successful community pie bake and sale event; the pie was so good one person reported getting up in the middle of the night to have another piece

·         Sisters: Lions have been invited to participate in developing the Sisters 20-year Comprehensive Plan, maintaining the school’s greenhouse, Sight & Hearing of course, and scholarships

·         Hermiston: Sold Mo’s Clam Chowder, poinsettias, provided vision assistance

·         La Pine: Can and bottle drive, delivered 5 trailers of relief materials to wildfire survivors, helped with COVID compliance at three grocery stores, and supported many community Christmas programs.

     A new year also brings into focus the Lions election cycle for officers.  We have a major problem in our Districts: there is little change in our officer positions, some individuals have held the same position for years. Not that current leaders aren’t doing a good job, but by staying in position year after year they are denying other Lions the opportunity to learn and experience leadership. This also means that clubs also don’t have the opportunity to change and grow as well. The overall effect is stagnation – and a decline in the vibrant activism and service for which Lions have traditionally been known. We urgently need club presidents to find and recruit their replacements, and to move up to become Zone Chairs and other district level positions, even 1st and 2nd Vice District Governors.  This year many district positions were not filled because Lions with the necessary prior experience were not stepping up. Club and leadership stagnation lead to a lack of interest in Lions and no new members joining, or members leaving and a resultant decline in Lions. Imagine your community without a Lions club. Is that what you want? So put your Nominations Committee to work to identify Lions who are potential leaders this year and in the future; work to help them prepare, and support and encourage them in their office. The future of Lions is in your hands.

“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