Lions Clubs of Multiple District 36, Oregon and Northern California

We Serve

Eugene, OR USA

541-484-0452

Lions of Oregon & Northern California are a part of an international network of 1.4 million men and women in 200 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world. Lions are best known for working to end preventable blindness, the giving of eyeglasses and hearing aids for the needy and local service projects.

 

Mission Statement of Lions Clubs International:

 

"To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation."

 

Kindness Begins With You.

September 05, 2025  /  Jennifer Brewster

Kindness Begins with You. This is my theme, and more; it is what guides most of my life decisions and priorities. I believe it melds with Lions International Global Causes perfectly.  Especially our newest – Mental Health and Well-Being.

I want to quote a recent Facebook post by Ashland Lions newest member, Jeannie.

 “They Asked: ‘Why is it important to be kind?’  I said: ‘Because we walk past hundreds of people every day, and none of them wear a sign that say “I’m grieving.” “I’m exhausted.”  Or “I’m barely holding it together."  But they’re everywhere. Kindness might be the only softness they receive today.”

Keep this in mind as you plan for the first Global Week of Service, October 4-12, Mental Health and Well-Being. It struck me like a brick to the head – especially as I witness the effect that Lions Kindness can have as we feed the hungry, promote disaster relief, provide eyeglasses to a person that cannot see to read letters from their grandchildren. A random act of kindness can relieve a down day. If kindness replaced bullying, much self-harm and suicide could be averted. There are so many options to improve mental health for our neighbors and strangers.  

The Lions International website lists many service ideas for Lions and Leos to develop for this and other causes. Lions Virtual can help you develop Plan of Action for your service projects, fundraisers, and Membership growth and retention. Write press releases. Write letters. Get help with Grants (Don’t Forget the GRANTS!) Try them all out. Explore and Experiment. I’ve been told you can’t break them, but if you think you did – contact member services

Speaking of Service – I will be inviting and encouraging (begging?) District 36E Clubs to assist in contacting pre-schools and service providers to assess pre-school vision screening. Who? (is doing it/or not) Where? (is it available/or not) What?(are the gaps in service) How?(can we incorporate the needs). Why? Because early detection of a visual problem increases likelihood of successful treatment!! And that can change a child’s life.

Of interest for the months of August and September:

  • USA/Canada  Lions Leadership Forum, Atlantic City, NJ, September 18-20.

  • I am scheduling and planning many Club Visits to share ideas and strategies for membership growth and service opportunities, and providing some training for Lions Portal, LionsUSA, LionsVirtual, and Lions International websites.

  • Meeting with the Lions Clubs of Klamath Falls, Merrill and Dorris CA to begin planning for the District 36E Convention, March 28, 2026.

DG Nancy Lynch Patzer

Comment
“Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided? I appeal to you Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind. Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?”
— Helen Keller's Speech at 1925 International Convention Cedar Point, Ohio, USA June 30, 1925