MAY 2019 ISSUE

SOARING BEYOND THE HORIZON AS “WE SERVE”

     In our daily lives we set goals.  Maybe we don’t write them down, but they are there in our minds and our hearts.  As young girls we may set that goal to be married and have children, as young men to have our own car.  For all of us maybe a goal is to have a specific career.   We are told as children and on into adulthood that we can do anything we want.  Now under normal circumstances I agree with that, but as was brought to my attention recently, a 250 lb. 6 ft tall man is never going to be jockey if that was his childhood goal.  So, I do agree with advocating common sense along with those dreams and goals.  When we get into the workforce, again we have goals – maybe to be a CEO or CFO or maybe to have tenure, but whatever it is we set that goal. It isn’t written down on paper, but it is there in our mind and our heart.

     When we become Lions, we set goals.  Maybe it is to be an officer or maybe just to be a volunteer.  Did I say JUST be a volunteer?  No indeed - What I mean to say is that as a Lion our goal is to follow the Lions motto and serve our community to the best of our ability.   Now how we do that takes many forms.  Serving as a committee chair, an officer, a committee member, giving money, donating product, setting up a service project are just a few things we can do.  And maybe we have those goals written on paper and maybe we don’t.

     It is always easier to keep sight of our goals when they are written down.  Sometimes it is just a list; other times it is a poster or a sign hung on our office or home wall where we see it every day.  As a leader we are always tasked with writing down those goals, thus making it easier to set up the necessary steps to achieve them.  As we set those goals though, we must remember to make them attainable.  How easy to lose sight of the goal if it is so far-fetched that we realize early on that we will not ever be able to reach it.  This is not to say that the long term goal is not reachable, but perhaps we need to concentrate on smaller goals before going after that big one.

     And as we strive to reach our goals, we need to take to heart our International President’s theme this year and “look beyond the horizon”.  Can we get 10 new Lions members in our club this month- well maybe not, but can we get 1 new member every month for ten months- Why Not!!!  Can we give $100 monthly to LCIF, well maybe our budget does not allow for that, but can we give $10 every month for ten months- Why Not.  Set your goals- be realistic, but look beyond the horizon to what you can accomplish and then let yourself  “Soar to New Heights” as a Lion.

APRIL 2019 ISSUE

SOARING BEYOND THE HORIZON AS “WE SERVE”

TEAMWORK:  Teamwork is the collaborative effort of a team to achieve a common goal or to complete a task in the most effective and efficient way.

     Although LCI and our own common sense tell us that team work is the best way to get things done, this does not always seem to happen.  In talking with the upcoming district governors who just returned from their training in Chicago, it appears that this coming year we will see even more emphasis being place on team work and rightfully so.  As team members we can accomplish much more in our communities, our district and, yes, even our world, than we can as one person alone.

     Our Global Action Team consisting of Global Service Team (GST), Global Membership Team (GMT) and Global Leadership Team (GLT) has been established to help make things happen by all districts working together as a team.  It is really important that we look at the broader view, rather than just our own small community.  We don’t hesitate to serve our local communities, but when it comes to the district and the multiple district, we fall down dramatically.  

     GLT: In every club there are leaders, though sometimes their potential is not readily apparent.  Every club needs to take a good look at all their members and “teammates” and recognize those qualities in that person that makes them a leader. As an officer you are a leader and how far you want to go depends on many factors, such as time, work, family, etc.  However, I have learned over the years that, if something means enough to me, I will find a way to make it happen.   So be a leader and find more leaders, mentor those leaders, and get training for these potential leaders.

     GMT: Membership is getting better in our Multiple District, but still not good. It falls upon each of us to go out and help the GMT to get new members, reinstate lost members and, of course, retain the members we have. 

     GST:  I know it is difficult for the club secretary to always get the word out about the activities that are being done by the local clubs, but it is so important to tell our stories and our accomplishments.  Report the service activities being done in your clubs as that is the gateway for new members and new leaders.  When reviewing the activities from all our clubs, I am astounded at how little we do, when I know how much we do.  So, use that “My Lion” app, use the GST and get that information out to the public.

     Each district has a chair in each of these capacities and we all need to step up our game and support our Global Action Team.  As we work together, we will definitely find that we are indeed “Looking Beyond the Horizon”.

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”.

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FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUE

SOARING BEYOND THE HORIZON AS “WE SERVE”

     This month of February begins the district conventions starting with District R scheduled for February 2, and District O scheduled for Feb 22-23.  What a great time for all Lions members to acknowledge the activities and services of the clubs in their districts.  This is also the time when leadership for the future is brought forth and voted on as the new District Governors and Vice District Governors are nominated and voted on.

     During the year the district governors along with the DG team have been observing and taking note of those Lions in each club with those qualities that denote leadership abilities. Every club has those leaders, though often they are not openly visible.  Sometimes the presenting problem is that a person is still working and feels there is not enough time available. In other cases, the person is unsure of their abilities or may lack a bit of self confidence, even though their cohorts and friends may see their potential and tell the person so.  Other times it perhaps is a financial concern in stepping up.

     Though these are all valid concerns, in the long run the most important thing to be considered is the person’s belief in and dedication to Lionism and what it stands for.  When you believe in what you are doing and love what you are doing, you will find a way to make things work out.  You will always have support from fellow members, from district and multiple district officers and from LCI.  There is always training help and mentors that are ever present.

     And, speaking of training, it must be noted that the Northwest Lions Leadership Institute (NWLLI) is one of the best training programs around.  The institute is scheduled for April 26-28 and is being held at the Quality Inn and Suites in Keizer.  The cost of the institute is a mere $290 for the three days and covers all materials, all meals and lodging.   Each district has funds budgeted for training which you can check into for assistance in attending.  Now is the time to get those applications in.  Everyone is welcome to attend up to the position of district governor. If you want further information of the quality of this institute, just ask anyone who has attended.

     This institute not only has much to offer for Lions leadership, but also in your work place and in your community. All of the presenters at this institute are graduates of the Institute and are anxious to work with each and everyone. The seminars are a great way to learn and grow, while being in the friendly surroundings of fellow Lions and another way to “look beyond the horizon”. To get an application please contact PCC Vince Bishop or CC Gail Black.