MARCH 2019 ISSUE
SOARING BEYOND THE HORIZON AS “WE SERVE”
Last month in my article, I talked about leadership and spoke about Northwest Lions Leadership Institute and its value to all Lions as a way to learn and grow. As we approach the date of the institute of April 26-28, I urge anyone who has not had the opportunity to attend to consider doing so. The cost is very reasonable at $290 and includes registration, meals, materials and lodging and, in addition, each district has some training funds available to assist you. To get an application please contact PCC Vince Bishop or CC Gail Black.
This month I would like to focus on Our International President’s New Voices Initiative. The write up states: ”The New Voices Initiative was created to amplify the stories of those working to support women in our clubs and districts. As we celebrate our first female International President, New Voices supports stronger gender equality in Lions leadership.” So, whether you are currently in a leadership role or have not yet decided to pursue that, there are a number of webinars which speak to the subject and are available for your review through the LCI website and will help you to gain more insight. The last one in February was: The Other Perspective: Men Empowering Women in Leadership. Coming up on March 21 (which you can register for) is Why We Need the Women’s Initiative. Then please don’t forget The Women's Symposium 2019 is scheduled for May 9, 2019 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at the Riverbend Annex, 123 International Way, Springfield, OR 97477.
Do you remember way back when there was a Virginia Slims cigarette commercial on TV that said, “You’ve Come a long way Baby”? Well, yes indeed we have come a long way. Women always have had a part in Lionism by virtue of the Lioness clubs but not as a member of a Lions club. Then in 1987 at the International Convention in Saipan, Taiwan, the Lions lifted the 70-year old ban to exclude women as members. Of the 5,100 delegates who voted, 77% voted in favor of an amendment to the constitution removing the stipulation that members be male. And yes, we have come a long way since then-but we do still a ways to go.
We in the United States do have better women representation in our clubs than overseas, but we certainly are not up to a 50-50% rate as yet. The 12- 31, 2018, records from LCI show that District O has 39.96% women, District R - 38.42%, District E - 35.02%, and District G – 38.59%. Our district governors are working diligently to increase the women representation in our clubs as they continue to “Look Beyond the Horizon”.