Dear Club Officer,  

Usually when we say “We Serve” we mean we meet the needs of our communities and the world.

But have you ever considered that one of the greatest needs that exists in our communities is the need to serve?  It’s true.  Especially in hard times generous, open-hearted people turn their empathy and good intentions into action and results.

I think it comes down to this: people need to be relevant.  People need to make a difference in the world.  As with many needs in our communities a Lions Club is the perfect vehicle to meet this universal need among our neighbors and friends. 

But your club can only meet this need if it is itself relevant to the community and to your membership.  Does your club seek out the most pressing needs in your community?  Does it craft innovative ways to make the world a better place?  Are your members willing to try something new?  Do they have the heart and dedication to take on big projects?  Does your club meet your member’s needs to be involved in their community?

In my travels as international president I have seen some astounding examples of Lions creating innovative answers to the biggest, most urgent needs of their communities and the world.  In fact, I would call them miracles, but they are miracles brought about by everyday people. 

The miracle in Germany is that hundreds of children from around the world, many injured terribly by war and violence in their homelands, have a place to go and heal.  They live at the Peace Village in Oberhausen while receiving medical treatment they could not possibly receive at home.  Many, for the first time, are spending months in a peaceful, safe environment. 

The Peace Village serves many and addresses a global need, but many miracles take place one at a time.  In Africa, I met a 26 year old woman whose sight had been restored by a corneal transplant.  She cried tears of joy because she could see her children clearly for the first time.  Lions performed this miracle. 

And in North America, Lions – Lions just like you – partnered with local doctors and dentists to work a miracle.  They provided medical and dental services for more than 1,500 people who could not afford it.  The event may well have saved the lives of some in dire need of care, but it also helped create a happy future.  After receiving attention from a dentist, one young woman looked in the mirror and exclaimed, “Now I can smile at my wedding!” 

As you seek to meet your membership goals this year you should, of course, work with your district leaders and the membership development experts for your area.  But keep in mind that the most powerful recruiting and retention tool your club can have is a strong program of effective and relevant service projects.  Relevance leads to recognition.  Recognition leads to respect.   

When your club is recognized and respected as a meaningful and satisfying way for individuals to channel their energies into community service, your invitations to new members will fall on fertile ground.   

As Lions of the 21^st century I believe we must strive to be relevant in all ways, including operations and communications.  As part of our effort to leverage the power of technology and new media, Lions Club International has established a presence on Facebook, the social networking Web site that serves more than 150 million people worldwide.  Please become a “fan” of the Lions Club page by visiting (www.facebook.com/pages/Lions-Clubs-International/27922222491  ).  You will be able to view videos and photos, keep up with international events and read messages from other Lions around the world. 

(To be sure that you are at the official Lions Club International Facebook page, please copy the Web address from this newsletter and paste it into your browser, then bookmark the page.) 

LCI also is greatly improving its Web site to make it easier to use and more informative. You will be able to find what you need much faster. It will be easier to find a resource, file a report or get the latest news.  

In closing, in these difficult times, I urge you – meet the need to serve.  Give your neighbors what they need.  They deserve it. Your community and the world requires it. And your club will benefit greatly from it. 

Sincerely, 

President Al

The International Association of Lions Clubs 

 

New Lions Clubs International Web Site to Debut in March

As part of a major branding initiative, Lions Clubs International is launching a new Web site. The new Web site will explain who Lions are and what we do.  Make it easier to find information – and complete tasks – quickly. And tell the Lions’ story clearly and dramatically in pictures and in words. The new site will have familiar sections, including About Lions, The Foundation and News and Events. There will also be new sections, including: 

·         Our Impact will include stories and photos that show how Lions make a difference. Plus, “Tips and Tools” for Lions projects.  

·         Member Center will provide operational information that Lions need to do service projects. And manage clubs and districts.

·         Online Community will allow you to connect with other Lions on MySpace and Facebook. And share your stories and photos. 

To learn more about the new Lions Clubs International Web site, please read the March 2009 edition of LION Magazine.

  

Click here for the Lions Clubs International privacy policy:

http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/pdfs/lionsclubs_privacy_policy.pdf

Lions Clubs International, 300 W. 22^nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842 USA