“February Newsletter”

Hi everyone. Back in November, I wrote about Projects Oregon and the $20,000 Public Relations Grant the Multiple District had been awarded from Lions Clubs International. Of course, there is always a little hitch in the process. Only $10,000 was received and we will not get the rest until we have spent the entire $20,000. So we are in the throes of working that out (does anyone want to loan the committee $10,000?). Hopefully, we can get the Council to approve a loan to the committee.

In the same article, I wrote about Judith Grosenick and her idea of "Little Service Projects" that all Lions can do. Sometimes, a little service project is calling a friend to say hi or helping a neighbor rake their leaves. As it turns out, the committee has adopted that idea of service along with an event that happens each year. There is a group (www. randomactsofkindness.org) that sponsors an annual Kindness Week in February. The committee would like Lions of MD 36 to promote, recognize and celebrate the idea of Random Acts of Kindness (RAK).

Many Lions around the state have discussed for years which is more important: membership or service. As everyone knows, they go hand in hand. I believe we need members to do service and we need the offer of service to bring in new Lion members. Random Acts of Kindness is trying to do both. We are not asking the people of Oregon to join Lions (at least not directly), but to celebrate with Lions the simple act of helping another person. Beyond the very basic idea that helping one another is good for Lions, all Oregonians and the world, the project offers visibility to Lions and what we stand for - Service.

You may be wondering what this thingy is in the corner. It is a QR code or Quick Response code that will be included on many of the materials that will be sent to the clubs to promote RAK. A code like this allows someone with a smart phone (I guess everyone else's phone is a dumb phone) to scan the code which will take them to a web page or Facebook page. PCC Dave Rich has developed a Facebook page that will support the idea of RAK by Lions and how everyone can help. The QR code is an up to-date shortcut for the computer-literate public to stay informed about the project. Additionally, it will list and explain the other Oregon Projects as they develop; making it an indirect promotion of the many things Lions are involved with. If someone does not know what Lions do, how can they decide if it is for them?

In the coming weeks, your club will receive supporting materials that explain the opportunity for each club to join with other Lions throughout the Multiple District in celebrating Random Acts of Kindness.

Okay, one more thing that I have on my mind. All of us talk about the great things that Lions do and how we all are involved with the community; and that is true. But, I do not think we talk enough about how great our club is and the many friendships that have developed because we are Lions. I have so many friends all over Oregon that it is almost unbelievable. Friends and friendships are important. We need to tell potential members (which is everyone who is not a Lion) how belonging to a club creates new friends. At the same time, we need to make sure our clubs are a warm, friendly and supportive place that all can enjoy. Why would anyone join or belong to a club that did not make you smile?

Go out and make a great day!