Enhancing Lions and Possibility Thinking
As I sit here in relative safety from fire or wind, I feel it is time to reflect on a number of things. Several years ago, with the Columbia River Gorge fire I was placed on a Level 2 Evac Notice – gather your stuff, put it all into your most trusty vehicle and wait for further instructions and, if Level 3 comes, get the heck out of there to a safe place! This conflagration for many of our friends and neighbors is different – more fires, more populated areas, lots of wind and, I would imagine, even some human caused fires. Almost seems the whole state is on fire west of the Cascade Summit from north to south. Let us as Lions not only observe what is happening, but help or donate and assist those in need. I pray for few losses of life, but hold my breath that little human damage occurs. Our state will look different once this is over. So, as they say, let the healing begin. Forested areas can be replanted and lost homes rebuilt. Those suffering losses will need our empathy, help and understanding. Time will heal the ugly burn scars, but the human toll and needs will be great and long lasting. May we as Lions be up to the task, ensuring our communities are a better place to live, work and play.
LCIF, our International Foundation, has a number of grants available to assist disaster areas. Immediate $10,000 grants are available and additional monies can be used with a match program to help local communities impacted by disasters. Districts O, R and E are eligible now to take advantage – after all, “Where There is a Need, There is a Lion”. May we also as individuals and clubs step up and help!
Every year there is the mantra from Lions Clubs International to increase our numbers as well as ensure the retention of loyal Lions. All too often we take for granted that Lions will continue to stay without question. We need to change that paradigm, as often what we as clubs have to offer no longer interests or satisfies the needs. Whenever a Lion drops membership have you actually found out why?? A myriad of reasons can be given, but essentially all too often clubs do not respond to the times or desires of membership. Are your activities fulfilling and satisfying – or merely doing it as “we’ve done it the same way for years”. Do we as leaders involve members in the decision-making process consistently? Do we as clubs change leadership on a regular basis – including chairmanships of different activities and fundraisers?
Lions Clubs International has a plethora of programs that will assist clubs in almost every way. However, we need to encourage our members to use what is available as well as to share the new ideas and skills we may amass when we take the opportunity to learn from others. Even though the Corona Virus has all too often interrupted our lives and activities, there are ways that we can still progress. My own club has decided to “blow out 2020” with a New Year’s Eve Fireworks extravaganza. I guess we feel that even with COVID-19, we want to serve our community and move it forward! Snow and rain will not stop us and we are now in the planning stage after receiving permission from the Port to proceed!
Enhancing Lions and Possibility Thinking have been my mottoes of late, the ideas of we can, we must and we serve are all akin to what Lions can accomplish when pulling together. So – continue to recycle those eye glasses and hearing aids, screen for vision and hearing in school and community events and really make your places of living places anyone would be happy to live in. Think of those less privileged and work to improve their lives, whether they are your neighbors, relatives or from a foreign country. Continue that sense of volunteerism that we are known for, as it warms our hearts and minds when we see the appreciation it brings! Until next month – stay safe and work your Lions Heart to its fullest.