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."

 

So Many Resources at Your Fingertips

September 08, 2021  /  Guest User

September 2021 - Lions Magazine

Step up and lead.

cc bob 2021.jpg

     We as Lions over the last several years have got caught up in a growing concern of loss of members. This is a legitimate problem throughout North America. Clubs have been losing members at an alarming rate and district losing clubs and the snowball effect continues except in the opposite direction, uphill.

     Which brings me to the substance of this rant, loss of leadership. As we lose members we are also losing the pool of leaders that have been percolating.

     I know as I made my rounds as District Governor in 2017-18 I identified several promising leaders in the clubs within my district and then just two years later when I made the trek again in my second stint a lot of these individuals were gone or not interested in moving up in district leadership.  I know that this scenario is not unique to District 36E, just take a look at our committees in each of the four districts and at the cabinets in a couple of our districts.

     It hearkens to the old saying that good people are hard to find but I think the good people are there they are just a little gun shy about stepping up because of some of the horror stories and myths they had been told.  So for those of you that are out there and would like to take advantage of the leadership opportunities that Lions offer go ahead and step up and lead.  There is a network of individuals who are willing to assist you in any capacity that is needed.  There are so many resources at your fingertips from the assistance of the LCI website to your district governor and Global Action Team.

     This year’s group of District Governors made a concerted effort to bring new faces into leadership roles wherever they could and this philosophy has been embraced as several of the multiple district committees have new chair persons.  Some have hit the ground running and are enthused about their role and you will see the trickle-down effect of this as we progress through this Lions year.

     Another big thing on our leadership plate is the return of Northwest Lions Leadership Institute. The exact date has not been nailed down as of this writing but will be by the time you read this but it is going to be in April of 2022.  For those of you who have had the opportunity to attend this leadership training you know what I am talking about when I say it is one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences that you will have in your Lions journey.  For those of you who haven’t have the pleasure of attending one get in contact with your club secretary or the cabinet secretary or even your district governor and tell them you want to attend.  This will not only provide you with leadership training that you will use in Lions but it will provide you with enrichment in your personal life.

     Finally, if you have been thinking about taking on a leadership role at the club level let someone know you have this desire to do more. Tell your club president or secretary.  If you have a passion to serve in any specific area that the district committees address let your district governor know or if there is an area not covered by one of the committees, take the initiative and step up and lead by creating.

There are many different ways to lead and be a leader all you have to do is step up and through the enthusiasm that new leaders bring we will continue to restore the Prides of this multiple district.

And as always I thank each of you for your service to Lions.

     Council Chair Bob Chaney

“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