Building On The Foundation Of Previous District Governors

     “What is a legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.” - Lin-Manuel Miranda, playwright

     It is with great excitement and pleasure that I write my first column as your District Governor for 36-O.  For many years I’ve had the opportunity to hold supporting roles in our district and multiple district, having a front row seat to watch as Lions and our clubs have changed over the years.  I often reflect on my own start in Lions, as a branch club member, and following in the footsteps of loved ones that were also Lions. So with that, I have decided that my theme for this year is Building a Legacy.

     Building a legacy is a profound endeavor that often transcends a lifetime. It’s about leaving a lasting impact, whether through accomplishments, contributions, or the positive influence we have on others.  It is striving for excellence in the activities we love and sharing that love and knowledge with those around us.  By sharing, we’re doing impactful work in our communities while also showing kindness and compassion as we serve.  I believe that as Lions, we are constantly influencing our communities and the people we serve, including our fellow members.  A legacy begins with having a purpose, deciding what truly matters to you and what you’d like to see that is left behind long after you’re gone.

     I hope that by building on the foundation of previous District Governors, we can continue to make small changes that will last for many years to come.  Some of my goals for my year as District Governor include the following:

·         Support clubs so that all the clubs in the district have 10 or more members.

·         Restructure and rebuild those clubs we have lost in the last couple of years, reviving their charters to re-start them with 10 or more new members.

·         Work towards starting new clubs in communities and focusing on underrepresented groups for potential specialty clubs.

·         Work with all clubs to learn the new Lions Portal and work towards a high level of reporting service.  We will have numerous training sessions focused on the Portal and supporting our club officers.

·         Work with clubs to strengthen their use of social media and grow their public relations skills so that Lions Clubs are no longer the best kept secret in our communities.

·         I will also work with clubs to encourage their support of LCIF.

     I am looking forward to hitting the ground running once I return from Melbourne. Please reach out to me for support as I am here to serve the Lions in both 36-O and MD36.

The Visceral Bond Of Joy And Comfort We Experience When We Make A Connection

     The Teddy Bear Parade in Oregon City is an event you should put on your calendar for next year.  In fact, this should be an event if you live near Oregon City that should be on your calendar every year.  And if you don’t live near Oregon City it is worth considering putting on a Teddy Bear Parade in your own town. May this year was a rainy year for the parade. But that did not discourage the many determined folks who showed up for the parade and for the participants and horses in the march.

     What we all know to be a nearly avoidable (especially in the rain) activity, it is also one of the events that children can’t miss when they get a chance.  Despite the rain, it was so heartwarming to see kids lined up with their contribution to the Teddy Bear collection, prepared with bears sealed in plastic bags knowing that they are giving to a greater cause:  Comfort to kids in the Hospital who need to be included in the thoughts and prayers of everyone. Now perhaps the reward of candy being thrown at them from the Lions and others is an ulterior motive, but in essence the bond between kids and the paradors is the most palpable of the experience.

     Isn’t this true with all of our service projects?  There is a palpable visceral bond of joy and comfort we experience when we make a connection with those in the community that perhaps have a need that we Lions are trying to meet.  In the Food Banks, in the vision screenings, in the delivery of medical devices, in the Spam and Eggs or Thanksgiving food boxes; each time we act to create community these bonds strengthen our own identities as being a part of someone else’s identity.  

     When we doubt that this strength and identity is just too small to be important I promise you that the day you enter into an office of a Governor or legislator or company CEO and see the little American Flag perched on the desk or shelf, you will remember your Lion identity back to when you gave a flag to a first grader who remembered their identity affirmation in just a short moment with a small gift.

Thank All Of The Leadership From All Of The Clubs

     We are now closing in on the finishing of the Lion Year 2023-2024 and in getting there we are launching into the season of service activities.  Golf tournaments, car shows, fun runs, road cleaning… you name it – it is the season to be outside and to “get-er-done.”  But before we fully get into this summer it is time also to get our leadership for the following year elected, registered and trained.

     Every club should know or be in the process of establishing their officers for next year.  The Secretaries, new or not, will have to report to Lions International who are the executive boards of you clubs.  In the past the report to fill out has been the PU101.  Not hard or complicated.  With the launch of the new “Portal” website we are hoping that the process will be as easy as it has been In the past and maybe even easier.  Naturally we may be a little bit wary of what the new thing is, this is understandable.  However, it is worth your time to peruse the website ‘Portal’ and get this taken care of.  When all of the new officers have been reported their access to club records becomes available.  I imagine that this report will be able to be filled out and submitted online.

     It is best to have done a little prep before you set out on making the report.  Collect up the names and mailing addresses.  Make sure you have accurate telephone numbers – all, cell, home and business numbers.  Correct (unique) email addresses are a must.  And it is helpful for the directory creator that you include a spouse/partner’s name.  This coming Lion’s year we will have a new MD36 Executive Secretary who is responsible for constructing that Directory.  So being prompt in supplying this information to LCI is so helpful.

     I would like to thank all of the leadership from all of the clubs.  Meeting each of you is and has been such a joy.  I would encourage everyone who has been a leader over the past almost 10 years to take a minute to acknowledge Leah Malcolm for the fantastic work she has done for our MD 36 in compiling the Oregon Lion magazine issues, publishing our Yearly Directory and on and on with her duties.  We have been blessed to have such a professional working in our midst.

Friendship, It Changes Us, Makes Us Better People.

     What is fascinating about meeting so many people in Club visits is the wonderful variety of different views about what it means to be a Lion.  Each person naturally started out with motives that likely have evolved over time.  Some never hold onto the ideals they started out with, yet choose a new path to motivate themselves.  I started out after my third son received another scholarship from the Lions and realized I really shouldn’t be taking their money without giving back. That only lasted as long as it took to make friends, and somehow our collective motivations meld into a new understanding as to what really is our Mission. That evolution of thinking and motive is what kind of inspires me to be a Lion today 15 years later.  Friendship, it changes us, makes us better people.

     Some ways to bring new folks into Lions is to bring in already established friends, people we already have done the work in creating a friendship. But what has to be done as a Club is to create an environment where others in the community have a fun, pleasurable time in doing a community service sponsored, planned and put on by the local Lions Club. We do these things to bring our friends into meet our other friends, but we also do the service projects to invite new people to our community, especially folks who have received our services.

      This brings us to community banquets and auctions.  Business owners, logging companies, factory workers, political leaders, educators -  whatever; all have a stake in the outcomes of the activities that we do. And from time to time, it is a smart event to not only raise money but to also expose our work as Lions to new people and extending a welcoming hand to join us.  In my club we do an annual Golf Tournament.  It’s a fundraiser, sure, but it is a community service to unite old friends, bring together the farmers and the towns people.  And people really like to know that they are giving sight to the visually impaired and hearing to the hearing impaired.  At Gresham Supper the Bowling event brings together business owners, their workers and families to just do something fun.  Community service is really Just Making Friends.  What is your Club doing to get the word out?  Is it time to make some new friends?  Happy Spring.

We Could Use Your Help

     In contemplating what it is I should be doing as the District Governor, as opposed to what I am not doing, I have a tendency to fall back to my insecurities. (Totally not helpful.)  Recently I have been meeting with new members two and three at a time and I start out reminding folks that in the Lions all the terms of officers is simply 1 year.  Which provides us with a limited amount of time to accomplish everything we expect of ourself as long as we expect ourselves to get it done.

     This morning my wife and I went to Safeway and as we were standing to check out, the magazine headlines displayed were calling to me like the sirens of the nautical winds.  One magazine inviting the purchaser into very exclusive secret societies.  I was reminded that we often hear that the Lions are the best kept secret in town despite the many things we do in our local communities.  I tell myself that we are not a secret society.   We are individuals who want to just do good community service, and have fun with friends, thank you very much.  Giving sight to the visually impaired and sound to those whose hearing is challenged.

The recruitment of new faces into our club and club leadership in this day and age seems nearly impossible.  Bringing up younger generations of members and leaders in models of leadership not anchored in the Baby Boomers conception of belonging.   But what is the new conception? 

     I suggest that we are only going to be successful in future years when we see ourselves and only work in terms of teams.  That no one is expected or tasked with the role of pulling together anything except with and through a team.  The cohesiveness of our clubs is created as we find temporary homes in teams focused on accomplishment.  It is possible.  As we go into the season of electing new club officers the sell should be “would you be interested in coming onto the team to help us do ………?”  We could use your help.

Convention on March 1-2 at the Church on the Hill in McMinnville

Planning a party

     I am better at going to a party than I am at planning a party. Trying to figure out the details and put them in order is really a stretch for my little mind. Give me an invitation I‘ll show up. Give me a task I’ll do my best.

     For the past few months, I have been working with the Convention Planning Committee with a great and knowledgeable, experienced crew.  We are going to have a convention!  This will be on March 1-2 at the Church on the Hill in McMinnville. The intricacies about this event could only be done well with a committee. Convention planning requires a finesse and my dear hammer doesn’t make finesse quite like the math does.  PCC Joyce Anderson, PDG Bert Diamond and PCC Sharon Rollins have graciously shared their experience and expertise.  2VDG Brian Sauer with a patient and cool determination has done the amazing background and leg work throughout McMinnville. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and everyone will have a chance to visit this beautiful town and all it has to offer. If you are a “foodie”, a music lover or a shopping expert you will find McMinnville a wonderful place to be.

     Tom Hammond, Jim Vincent and Raema Manning just do their jobs as if it was second nature. And the McMinnville Club’s knowledge of the town and the businesses there are just superb.  It is no wonder the Lions name is so well known throughout the community.  This is going to be a good time and I hope every one of our clubs will be represented to share with each other what the priorities are for next year and what District-O is doing right.

     Our speakers including OLSHF, International Director Lee Vriese, and Local ‘hometown boy done good’ Nick Kristof; will, I hope inspire us all to continue to do what we do best – Being Knights for the visually and hearing impaired.  Encourage each other to come, especially the newest members.  Our efforts this year, I hope, will have positioned us to see a good deal of growth with the new cabinet that you will be electing. And our new members will be so critically important in the continued rebuilding of District 36-O.

     See you In McMinnville.

HAPPY 2024! A FITTING TIME TO REFLECT ON DISTRICT O'S NOTEWORTHY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

    As the year draws to a close, it's a fitting time to reflect on the noteworthy achievements within our District and the diverse initiatives we've undertaken.

     During a recent Wilsonville meeting, I learned that OLSHF has surpassed an impressive milestone in eye screenings for children, conducting just under 120,000 screenings through approximately 560 setups since the school year's inception. OLSHF truly stands out as the shining gem among all Lions Clubs in Oregon and Northern California.

     In talking with Brian Sauer, District-O's 2nd VDGE, I learned that the King City Lions had reached out to the McMinnville Lions to help them hone their Medical Device Lending Service to be more efficient. A collaboration that potentially could become something that expands the "brand" of Lions in the Northwest for not just being the eyeglasses folks but the place to go when medical devices seem to be unattainable.

     Joy comes through simple things being taken care of by genuine kindness.  I see that ten different clubs have added new benches to their parks and public spaces. Perhaps it’s time to present a branding stamp to Trex to put an identifier -  "This bench was earned through the recycling efforts of the Lions."

     Though District O has lost two clubs this year, there have been two "at risk" clubs who have collectively voted to redouble their efforts to stay open and add new members.  Our Portland Metro Club is alive and thrilled at the prospect of working with the District to learn what it takes to do membership recruitment (and potentially fostering some new connections with other Korean Language Clubs from Vancouver BC to San Diego.

     District-O has already hosted two "cluster meetings" and a "Cluster Holiday party," each having a commitment to meet again to delve into the work of adding new members in a variety of "market communities."

     Oh, and let’s not forget the Portland Oaks Bottoms Club, which recently returned from a successful vision mission to Mexico where they distributed 400+ eyeglasses and screened 1,000 kids and adults.  Furthermore, in January, some Milwaukee Lions will be flying to Peru to bring them a new Spot Screener to replace the old one that essentially wore out.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN CLUBS

     I visited my mother the other day and came across some pictures of some of the many Fourth of July parties she has had over the years.  I recognized many of the friends and the kids who no longer are kids. I saw myself without any grey in my beard. I even saw myself as I once was without a beard. And then I had to get going to make it to our first Lions “Cluster” meeting in Vernonia.

     We are in a time when our clubs are ageing out. And in the frustrations of getting smaller and not being able to do the things we have been proud to have been a part of, because of who we are now.  Yet invariably we still see ourselves personally with the vigor of pictures past, perhaps without the grey hairs.  When folks were gathering at our first cluster meeting a voice of recognition rang out saying “we haven’t had a visitation for so long! I miss when we had visitations.”  Some of the older folks can remember the importance of friendship between clubs as one of the most pleasant parts of being a Lion.  In a way the idea of Cluster Meetings is to revive that sense of joyful friendship in gathering with others Lions who are not the regulars we meet with in our own club.  Sharing in the right now. Sharing new ideas. Sharing in the vision of what we can do if we pull together and sharing because we can relate with other’s pensions to serve our communities.

     We have to provide an environment for the newer members of our community to exercise their natural compassion of serving our common communities in new and modern ways. We have to envision what that is and create plans among members of our own clubs and the Lions from different clubs and community environments. Strengthening ourselves as Lions is not a solo exercise. Envisioning what we can do in organizing for new members is like looking at pictures from days past shoulder to shoulder with each other and at the same time looking at ourselves as we are right now and being realistic not to get the visions mixed up.

     We can and will find ways to do this. Even if we just have a day in the park with young families running around to talk about and share the power of Lionism that they too can be a part of.

Compassion Is The First Organ Of The Human Spirit

     Being District Governor generates something inside of me that is so enlivening.  I get a sense of pride and inspiration from the creativity and dedication of members and clubs, and to say “I am a Lion” is empowering. It is a privilege to be welcomed into this variety of clubs who are finding new members, trying new service projects, working to let everyone participate with ideas and discussions.

     Recently I went to the Gresham Supper Club’s annual ‘9 pin 10 high’ bowling event in Gresham.  I was amazed at how many happy people were bowling their hearts away having a chance to hang out with their friends, families and Lions and perhaps a chance to cash in on a 50/50 drawing.  I had to go to one of my own club members, a bowler, to explain this 9 pin game to me.  Through his big grin I learned how fun this game is telling me that he has rolled 9 different 300 scores (the highest bowling score) playing 9 pin. Sponsors bought lanes and brought their families or office staff to just to hang together.  It was an inspiration of giving service to the community to just have an opportunity for fun together.

     Community service, I believe, is a by-product of compassion in the hearts of those who cannot keep compassion inside or private. Like the Lion in St. Helens who could not sit still when the park next door had no lifeguard to keep an eye on the kids swimming in the river.  So she took it on herself to collect up as many used life jackets to be available to borrow when using the beach. Or the countless benches of recycled plastics that dot the landscapes of parks and city halls just so someone can take a load off, take a break, and just watch the world go round. Or the Milwaukee club buying a spot screener to bring to Peru for a Lions Club there to screen their kids for vision issues just like we do for our kids here.

     I once heard the Dali Llama said at a panel discussion of religious leaders that compassion is the first organ of the human spirit.  It sets us apart and is the power of recognizing that whatever differences we have, we are all in this life together. Whenever I get to join a meeting of Lions I feel like I am entering into a lion’s den of compassion expressing itself through the like-minded collection of Lions.  The Lions provide an opportunity, an outlet, for anyone to express the compassion in their hearts in tangible ways that comes through community service.

     I am personally grateful to be a part.

The Core Theme Of Lions Throughout The World…WE SERVE!

     The surprise of my morning as I was dreading doing battle with writers’ block was a fantastic article about cutting edge technology research at the University of Oregon. I always have known that despite the foibles of Oregon’s cultural melting pot that in many ways Oregon is an amazing place for creativity and contributions to the betterment of the human condition. From the establishment of the Oregon Eye Bank (Lions), to the establishment of the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation, to the creation of Casey eye institute the “pioneer spirit” of Oregon continues to plow on and Lions have been intimately embedded in that history and spirit.

     This article talked about the research going on to create an implantable prosthesis into the eye to serve the function of damaged and diseased retinas.  Should this research come to fruition millions of people who suffer Macular Degeneration or Retinitis Pigmentosa could find restoration of the vision they lost replaced with a life restoring technology.

     The impediments to be overcome has to do with how nature protects itself from foreign material.  The point that the writer explains is that nature is a force that is fractal in its patterns and structures.  Fractal is the repetitious geometrical structures repeated over all scales of measurements.  And it reminded me of what we are doing as an organizational structure.  Just as in our body we constantly are trying to repeat the patterns and structures which makes our missions possible.  It seems that our clubs could be patterned after our districts, which is in turn patterned after our international organization. But that is exactly opposite from what our overall organization is patterned on.

     Our pattern starts at the club level – what can we do to serve the community?  The district follows the lead of the clubs - what can a non-club overarching organization do to serve and support the clubs’ intents on serving their communities? Then comes the Lions International – How can the organization support and propagate the core theme of Lions throughout the world…WE SERVE!

     As we endeavor to rebuild our District it’s the clubs’ intentions that the District is responsive to.  We will continue to work together to make your service to your communities successful and satisfying to everyone who takes on the name Lion and roars out……..WE SERVE!  And in doing so we are pioneers in changing the world.

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/09/13/university-oregon-scientists-bionic-eye-retinal-implant-technology/

We Must Be Prepared To Welcome New People To Lions

     I am not like my wife. This is probably a good thing. Because that means that she is not like me, which is really a good thing. Essentially Shelley is a planner and is most comfortable in making sure there is a plan for the morning, the day, the week and beyond. I find her lists of things that must happen, lists of places that must be included in plans. Sometimes I imagine I see lists of things that should be listed. Now I’m not complaining, her accomplishments are incredible and so well put together. I open with this because  I find myself admiring the clubs I have visited that are practiced in setting out goals, even goals that span long periods of time, years even.

     The Clubs that seem to have officers that not only are in place in current time but know who the officers will be in the next year and maybe even the year after that. Whether intended to or not these clubs have plans, maybe not enumerated detailed plans but overarching confidence that the club is going somewhere.

     Certainly, there are struggles to find, approach, and convince folks to fill the roles. There is however less of a struggle when the future leader has been a part, even only if as an “inside” observer, of the conversations as to what the outline is of what should happen and what is not possible. The power of this is not that a club has everything figured out, rather it’s that no single person has to figure it all out.  The President can have confidence that he/she doesn’t have to know it all nor do it all, making agreeing to be an officer not such a turn off.

     In the days when we have seen the diminishment of our clubs and membership it seems we can turn to desperation. Instead, we can do as my wife Shelley does and make a list. 1) Does your club have a mission statement? 1a) has it been updated lately? 2) Has the club recently had a meeting that addresses the question “Where do we want to be in five years?” Or maybe “By the end of this Year what do we want to accomplish?” 3)  Make a Calendar for this year and next.

     In other words, make a plan. Approach members to be a part of executing that plan, not to have to create their own plan (which is overwhelming and a disincentive to be a leader.)

     There are already clubs that are seeing growth since the pandemic. The public has been realigning themselves in what they value, and signs are that interest in community involvement is part of their values.  We must be prepared to welcome new people to Lions. Now is the time to make a plan. And have fun bringing it to fruition.

Rebuilding 36-O for the Future

Let me share a little about myself. I dedicated my career to the construction industry, specializing as a carpenter. For many years, I was involved in the formation of concrete structures during the early stages of my professional life. It was fascinating to discover that, back then, home foundations didn’t necessarily include footings. It wasn’t until the late 1960s and 70s that footings became standard components of foundations. Consequently, my current house, built in 1929, only has a concrete foundation wall without the wider base that distributes the weight of the house, commonly known as a “spread footing.” Without this additional support, foundations tend to sink over time, much like a knife through butter. I often reflect on these lessons when contemplating Lions Clubs.

I’ve had the privilege of visiting numerous clubs within district 36-O, both large and small. One aspect that caught my attention is the absence of a formal new member orientation in most clubs when they successfully attract new members. Perhaps this crucial element has been overlooked or assumed that newcomers will naturally acclimate to the club’s ways as they go along. Unfortunately, the absence of this fundamental practice weakens the impact of our clubs within the community. Highlighting what we do to our members, understanding what Lions do in our communities and what the possibilities are – not sharing this weakens the power of clubs in the community.

During the District O convention, the foundation for my term as District Governor was established. The top priority identified for the upcoming year was New Member Orientation. This bears a striking resemblance to a footing in a foundation. Especially during challenging times, such as the recent pandemic years, without this structure in place to distribute the weight, we witnessed severe consequences. Several clubs experienced membership losses or even had to close. With these losses, the momentum and camaraderie necessary to identify and carry out meaningful service projects waned. Although the structure is there, for some reason(s), it is sinking under the weight of these losses. The thinner our membership becomes, the more susceptible we are to further decline.

Hence, my theme for the coming year is “Rebuilding 36-O for the Future.” You will witness a strong focus on developing New Member Orientation programs and reaching out to the public, aiming to establish Lions as a recognizable and welcoming organization. I eagerly anticipate working alongside each and every one of you to build the essential foundations that will allow us to thrive in our service well into the future. One message you will consistently hear from me is that the most impactful community service each club can offer is to ensure the existence of a Lions Club in your community 25 years from now.

Together, we can make this happen.

THERE IS PLENTY TO CELEBRATE!

     It is the final month of the 2022-23 Lion year and there is plenty to celebrate.

     The Tillamook Lions are official and excited to get to know the other Lions of District O.  McMinnville's new Leo club is up and active.  Tillamook is planning a new Leo's club for the new year.  Membership growth is making some progress and we should end the year well and be ready to work for more growth next year.

     There are a lot of fundraisers and service projects happening as the weather warms up.  Please share on your social media when you have an event or another club has an event.  We can support each other's efforts in promotion to our friends and contacts who may live in another club's area.  It was great to see Lions from Lake Oswego and Carlton Yamhill join the Oregon City Lions Teddy Bear parade.  In June, McMinnville is hosting a fun new LCIF fundraiser.  August is the 60th Anniversary of the Hull Foundation and they are looking for lots of Lion volunteers and participants for their daylong celebration with vendors, carnival games and more.  Wilsonville has their cruise in August 12th and can use support in manning a Lions Club information booth to promote Lionism and membership in their community.

     Congratulations to all of the clubs who are actively serving in their communities and to those clubs who are reconnecting with their club members and communities with new projects.  I look forward to seeing you as "We Serve" in the rest of this year and into the future.

Let's Continue Building

     What a month it has been!  We have a new Lions Club in Tillamook that is preparing to celebrate their charter.  Keep watch for information on how you can help them celebrate.  Leos are growing with a new group in McMinnville and another in the works in Tillamook.  It is exciting to see brand new excited Leos and Lions joining District O.

     Around the District, several clubs are inducting new members and others are working on plans for spring and summer community events to get the word out about their club and provide service at the same time.  We all know that while sometimes getting a new member is as easy as just asking, other times it takes a team of Lions working together to create a planned event and put a membership search into action.  Myself and 1VDG Ed Glad are interested in building a team of Lions who are passionate about membership and have the interest and energy to assist their own and other clubs in membership growth.  If that sounds like you, please let us know.

     In the next six weeks, our clubs have a lot on their plates as they pick next year's officers and update their membership information in MyLCI.  Please remember to check all current members emails and other info so that we are all ready for the new system Lions Club International is creating for next Lion year.  Time to look at any members who need to be dropped, and then hopefully add all your new members so that we can end this year with a positive membership growth in District O.

     I hope to see you at State Convention and at your KTP Day events this Spring!

WE NEED TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

     Here we are in April and ready to elect our club officers.  It is also time when our next District Governor, Lion Ed Glad, is working to finish building his leadership team for 2023-24.  This includes Zone Chairs who want to build collaboration with their local clubs, as well as Lions with particular interest areas who want to participate in the District O Cabinet.  Are you interested in creating momentum and interest around environmental, hunger, vision, family and women's issues?  Do you have a passion for Leos, guide dogs, the peace poster contest or even Robert's Rules of Order?  Do you want to see change and be part of making it happen?  Maybe you've held a position for a while and are ready to give your skills to another role. If you are, we need you and want to work with you to serve the Lions Clubs of District O and their communities.

     Often new Lions and younger Lions have incredible skills and ideas that the rest of us need to grow from around 800 Lions in our District up to 1000 Lions and Leos or more!  They may not know how a club officer or district officer position works or what kind of time is involved.  They may want to take a fresh look at a club tradition to keep it strong and current.  If that is you or someone you know, please reach out to myself or Lion Ed.  andycat3@comcast.net, eglad57@gmail.com  There is a way for you to contribute and bring value to your fellow Lions and community that will fit.  Believe me, we understand commitments to family, work, and other social groups and service projects and value your time and your effort enough to make it work.

     To build stronger clubs, larger networks, and engage in meaningful service to those around us, we need to think outside the box!  Check out this Lions International video and others on their website to learn more.  https://youtu.be/tSXBuTdOtUo

New Leaders, New Voices, New Opportunities

     Hello Lions!  Here we are in Spring already.  Now that the sun will start peeking out, I look forward to hearing and seeing all the club activities and service projects as we all get back out.  Keep the Hull Foundation and Gales Creek in mind for clean up days and other volunteer needs in the gardens and park spaces.  These are two great ways to provide service in the community and a fun way to engage new members and potential members of all ages in your activities.

     Now is the time to identify next year's club officers as well.  The reports for who they will be are due in April.  This is a great chance to give new Lions and Lions who maybe are not as new but have not had a chance to lead yet, an opportunity to try something new and gain new skills.  New leaders also give your club new perspectives on projects and new ideas as well.  Generate some energy and excitement into your club with new leadership.

     There is a Lions Leadership Institute in Sutherlin in April and there will be opportunities for learning about officer positions and leadership skills online and in person this spring through your District leadership team.  Lion 1VDG Ed Glad is our Global Leadership Team leader this year and is also next year's District Governor.  If you or a Lion you know are interested in leading at the district level or in helping build membership in new clubs and current clubs, please reach out to him.

     New leaders, new voices, new opportunities - these lead to growth in our clubs, our district and our multiple district.  Please consider adding your voice to the future of District O.

Now Is The Time To Help

      This February is our District O Convention and I hope to see many of you as we gather to celebrate our successes and take an opportunity to learn more about different service opportunities for our clubs.  1VDG Ed Glad will also lead a small group activity aimed at providing information for the goals and needs of next year’s leadership in our District.  Senator Gordon Smith will be speaking, and we will all have a chance to visit with our amazing International Director Bob Lee and his wife Pam from Hawaii.

     Convention is a great time for newer and seasoned Lions to get to know one another and find out what we are up to as a District.  This spring there will be opportunities to participate in a pediatric cancer walk and a brand new fundraiser for our international foundation!  There are always opportunities to serve with the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation as well as the various camps Lions support here in Oregon such as Gales Creek and the Hull Foundation.  Please watch your email for more information.

     Now is the time to help your community and inspire them and your Lions Club with a fun service project as the sun begins to return.  Perhaps this is a chance to gain some new members and help our District reach its membership growth goal.  New leaders may be waiting amongst your club to lead a project or take over as a club officer for next year.  It is not too late to encourage upcoming leaders to attend the Northwest Lions Leadership training in April.

     I look forward to seeing you this Spring as we all get out to support our communities!

February 25th Is Our Convention

     Happy New Year Lions of District O!  We made it to 2023 and I'm hearing about a lot of service projects and even a new group of Leos and Lions for us to celebrate about!

     February 25th is our convention and I hope that many of you will be able to join us live in Portland to say hello and roar for all the service projects.  Service and leadership information and ideas will be presented, and we want your input on the focus of the District O Cabinet for next year.  We also hope you will bring a basket to raffle with our "paws for service" theme.

     It's time to take a moment to briefly look back to see how your club is doing and then make goals for the rest of this year.  How many new members do you want?  Who are your upcoming leaders that you can encourage to new roles?  What service project needs an update or needs to make way for a brand new idea?  Do you have a club member interested in helping lead the District in 2023?

     Keep your eyes and ears peeled for information on leadership training, officer training, a walk for pediatric cancer and a new LCIF fundraiser.  There will also be a chance to congratulate and support our newest Leos and Lions clubs!

     Huddle up with your club members in these last cold days of winter to plan and get ready for a wonderful second half of the Lion year!

Invite Community Members To Participate

     As we come to the halfway mark of our Lion year, so many of our clubs are in the midst of food basket projects, sock drives, warm clothing drives, toy give aways, bell ringing and more.  Thank you for all the service projects and the time you give to help others.

     As we enter the new year, there are a few things to put on your to do lists:

1. Plan to attend District O Convention in SE Portland.  This is a chance to meet Lions from around the district and learn more about Lions service projects and leadership opportunities.

2. Plan club time to talk about new club officers for next year.  Changing leaders gives a chance for new voices, new ideas, and leadership growth.

3. Plan for potential leaders to attend the MD36 Lions Leadership institute in April of 2023.

4. Check with your local schools to plan for activities next year such as flags for first graders, the peace poster contest, starting a Leos club, and learn if you need a background check in place for fall school screenings.

     Lastly, consider a multi club service project and invite community members to participate.  Plan now for an activity in the Spring or Summer that helps your club get to know your community and helps you find new club members.  Explore your area to find out if a potential specialty or branch club can be created.  Clubs made of young families, specific language groups or ethnicities, or even a shared interest such as sight loss, diabetes, or the environment, are growing around the world.

DG Kerith

Ways To Connect And Serve In Your Community

     I am so pleased to see how many of the clubs and Lions of District O are actively serving their community this fall!   One popular place to serve is your local school.  Many Lions used to spend a lot of hours volunteering to help with vision screening.  Lions are still ready to help but there are some things that change the way Lions are able to interact with a school.

     As vision screening methods changed and schools began increasing security features due to shootings and the pandemic, the number of volunteers needed and the method of signing up to help changed.  Most schools do still need and welcome volunteers and other support - however, they likely limit the number of people and require background checks.  Call your school to find out if you need a background check and how long it will last.  This will ensure you are able to sign up to help when it is time for screenings.

     When you call, ask about other ways to volunteer that will connect your club with the school and community.   Do they have a food pantry, clothes closet or need winter clothes like hats, gloves and coats?  As I've been out screening at schools, I've seen needs for paint, yard clean up, new trees.  Have you considered finding a local school that needs a garden or fresh flowers?

     Finally, remember our Lions programs like Quest, Smart and of course the Peace Poster contest for your 11 to 13 year old students.  All great ways to connect and serve in your community.  All of these provide opportunities to serve and to build connections with families, school staff and other community groups.  Together we can!