May we all reach a star or two this year!

I hope that this issue finds all of our Lions in MD-36 well and working to make our communities better places to work, live and play in. These are challenging times where we must take the opportunity to change due to COVID 19 and other factors. Perhaps no longer can we always meet face-to-face, but instead will need to look at some hybrid programs to accomplish things we’ve taken for granted. My own club has not met face- to-face since early March, but we have discovered that Zoom meetings actually work – especially if one has an agenda from which to work. Of course, service planning and activities may need to broaden our options but, with imagination, we can get things done and become more relevant and valuable to our members and friends.

Lions Clubs International has embarked on targeted programs for member recruitment and retention. Clubs, zones, districts and multiple districts in LCI Constitutional Area 1 – US and North America in general have embraced NAMI – the North American Membership Initiative, with the goals of stopping our member losses and increasing membership. We have already investigated any number of programs that LCI has available, from the using the Healthy Club survey, interviewing members in person who have dropped, changing leadership of our clubs periodically as well as other systems any club can request, review and initiate at the local level. Each of our districts has a “NAMI Champion” with PDG and GAT Membership Chair Judith Poage as our MD Champ! Clubs are encouraged to get involved in the program for growth by encouraging each member to seek new members – after all, more members mean we can serve more and do a better job. At one time in the not too distant past, the Hood River Clubs and zone were truly designated as a group ‘that can’ – that works well together, supports each other and involves themselves in activities, programs and service projects, leading to a real sense of belonging. I often wonder where that feeling went? Did we get so busy in individual club activities we lost sight of the zone? Can we get it back? I know we can with the help of each club working together, with like-minded non-Lions and becoming more visible in our towns and cities.

The PDGA (Past District Governors Association) members in District O are having monthly meetings – both in-person as well as via social media—and Inviting IDs to address the gathering, hosting a picnic at Dan Wolf’s home and social distancing while enjoying food and camaraderie adds to the atmosphere of getting together and discussing Lions goals, and what can be done to assist the District Governor in their success. Remember that PDGs have had the experience of area leadership and can be of great assistance to current Governors, to clubs and zones. Ask them for ideas, for help and assistance as they are here to serve you in your need.

The MD-36 Directory should be in your hands by the time you read this issue of the Oregon Lion. Presidents and other Lions will have their copy – perhaps you can borrow it and see all the information it contains. I have always found it useful, if for no other reason than to find someone’s address, phone number or when and where a club is meeting. As Lions we often think we are alone in our endeavors, that things may have been tried before and were wanting, but always remember that if it doesn’t work – it does not mean it was wrong – perhaps just not the right time. So – if you fall – get back up, with a smile and try again. Success is based on work, togetherness, and aiming for the sky! May we all reach a star or two this year.