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."

 

What Building a Legacy Might Look Like

September 05, 2024  /  Jennifer Brewster

“Sometimes you gotta create what you want to become a part of”- Geri Weizman

Sticking with my theme for the year, I want to talk about what Building a Legacy might look like in your community.  Besides taking care of our current members and clubs, I think we can all agree that as an organization we need to grow and this means doing more to bring in more members of all ages. 

For those Lions that aren’t familiar with some of the programs at the international level,  Mission 1.5 is a four-year initiative by Lions Clubs International to reach 1.5 million members worldwide by July 1, 2027. We currently sit at around 1.35 million.  The goal is to better serve communities, make the world a better place, and grow the organization. The mission is based on the idea that more Lions means more service can be done, making the world a better place for all of us.

I know it can be hard to bring new members into a club and sometimes it comes down to this:  where the heck do we start?  Things to consider: what sort of legacy do you want to leave in your community?  What needs are there in your club?  Building on those two things, consider targeted recruitment.  Want to build relationships with public servants like fire, police and local government?   Consider partnering with them for a highly visible service project or expressing your gratitude by honoring them with a thank you event.  Does your club need help with fundraising and finances?  Invite someone working in banking, finance or sales to be a guest speaker to talk about what they do for a living and recruit from there.  Is your club struggling with public relations?  Invite someone from the local media like radio, television or publishing to be a guest speaker to talk about their industry.  Show them what your club is doing and invite them to participate or partner with you on a project or fundraiser.  Want to beautify your community but need help?  Reach out to local tradespeople, agriculturalists, FFA chapters and 4-H clubs to build those relationships.  Do you have a favorite cashier at the local store? Invite them to a meeting or a project.  Is the cost of dues preventing great people from joining?  Consider scholarships from your admin fund or creative ways to spread out dues payments. Lions should also consider reaching out to their local veterans to talk about how Lions serve their community and it is another way they can continue to serve. Folks don’t know what they don’t know, so do what you can to reach out into your community and share your Lions story.

One last thing to consider: as we leave behind our summer activities, consider planning a club open house or community membership drive, reaching out to those you engaged with over the summer.  Be creative!  Use social media!  But most of all, have fun.

“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