Lions Clubs of Multiple District 36, Oregon and Northern California

We Serve

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."

 

LET'S MAINTAIN POSITIVITY THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF THIS LION'S YEAR!

     Hello Lions! I hope you had a happy holiday season with family and friends. As we enter 2024, I encourage each Lion to maintain positivity throughout the remainder of the year.  Let's persist in our commitment to membership growth, retention, and impactful community service.  Our District is committed to supporting you in these areas.  By doing so, we not only leave an indelible mark in our communities but also uplift our fellow Lions.

     I would suggest that clubs reflect on goals they have set — Are you progressing as envisioned? Actively fostering growth and retention?  Extending your reach into communities for tangible change? For clubs without goals, it's never too late to set objectives promising success for both your club and our District.  Goals guide us, providing direction and purpose throughout the Lions year. Without them, we lack clarity.

     As the new year begins, many engage in the tradition of making resolutions. Personally, I aspire for good health, to be a better person and Lion, and to help more individuals in need.  I find inspiration in the words of past leaders who embodied values we can integrate into our Lions ethos:

·        The 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

·        The Late Lion Leader Haynes Townsend: "Kindness Matters."

·        Past Lions International President Doug Alexander: "Service From The Heart."

·        Past Lions International President Brian Sheehan: "Together We Can."

·        Our current Lions International President, Lion Dr. Patti Hill: "Changing The World."

As we reevaluate our goals, let's shape our path toward membership growth, retention, and enhanced community service using the lens of these leaders.

     Consider JFK not just as the 35th President but as a Lion. His call could be reframed as: "Ask not what my Lions and community can do for me; ask what I can do for my Lions and community through Kindness and Service from the heart because together we can Change the World."

     Recalling the wisdom of Alabama’s football coach Nick Saban: "What happened yesterday is history, What happens tomorrow is a mystery, What we do today makes a difference." Reflect, Lions. Yesterday is behind us, tomorrow is uncertain, but today holds the power to make a difference in membership, retention, and the lives we touch.

     I extend heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication. Kathy and I wish you the very best for 2024. In the spirit of "Service From The Heart," remember our actions as Lions extend beyond making a difference—we are, indeed, CHANGING THE WORLD.

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