Spring sprung, conventions done, institute coming, Oh, My!
Here we are in March already and as my dad always used to say “Spring has sprung, the grass is riz, I know where some flowers is,” and although that may not be true everywhere, especially in the Northwest part of our state, we do know that convention season is more than half over. As you read this I will most likely be making the trek to the District G convention in Baker City. I cannot remember the last time we had a meeting of any sort in Baker City and I applaud DG Kathy Oliver for doing so. We seldom get out of the cycle that has District G conventions in Pendleton, Hood River and The Dalles.
I was lucky and fortunate enough to attend both District R and District O conventions in February. Hooray for in-person. District R started the parade with the first in-person convention we have had in the multiple district in almost two years and it was so satisfying to once again shake a hand of an old friend or embrace a longtime colleague. I don’t know how we survived without it.
Another positive note on the board is that it now appears that we have 1VDGs in every District and I would like to acknowledge these individuals for being willing to step up and take on leadership roles. Thank you Kerith Vance-O; David O’Kelley-R; Jerry Gomez-E; and Cheri Jackson-G.
This brings me to the subject of leadership. We need leaders to carry the Lions banner into the future. One of the most rewarding opportunities for our future leaders is our very own Northwest Lions Leadership Institute (“NWLLI”). This leadership training is held here in MD36 and this year is set to take place in Myrtle Creek on April 8 – 10. The staff at this institute are your fellow Lion leaders. I have to tell a story about this institute.
As most of you know I have a BA in Speech Communications and I have consulted and instructed before at leadership seminars. For several years the leaders in my club kept trying to get me to attend NWLLI and I kept telling them the same thing. I don’t need it. I can already teach the class.
Well when I became 2nd VDG I finally gave in, mainly because my mentors told me it was one of the requirements for a DG, which it is not, but it is highly recommended. I attended the institute and I am here to tell you it is and was one of the most rewarding experiences of not only my Lions journey but my life. I learned so much about myself and established friendships that will last a lifetime. I enjoyed my time so much that I decided I wanted to give back to this training and I started on a quest to become an instructor by attending and graduating from Faculty Development Institute and also earning my Doctorate from Lions University and now I am lucky enough to be able to instruct at NWLLI and hopefully can make the experience enjoyable for future Lions leaders.
Those who attend will have the opportunity for growth in Lionism and personal development. Attendees receive hands-on training in Diversity, Lions Fundamentals, Local Issues and Opportunities, Motivating Club Members, Personal Mission Statement, Public Speaking, Setting and Reaching Club Goals, Time Management and Working in Teams.
If you are interested in attending please give PCC Gail Black, PCC Vince Bishop, your DG or myself a call and we can get you started on the path to a rewarding experience.
The cost for the institute is $300 and that is all inclusive for the instruction, meals and hotel stay. Some districts do offer scholarships so check with your DG. Space is limited and not all applicants can be accepted so please call today.
Finally, I want to once again offer kudos to District R Governor Lynn Coon and his team as he continues to move forward through this Lions year with a positive in membership. I think we can all learn from his example that honesty and passion do make a difference and Lions do change lives every day.
See you at the G convention in Baker City and the E convention in Klamath Falls.