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."

 

April Showers Are Bringing May Flowers

May 06, 2026  /  Jennifer Brewster

Greetings -hopefully the April Showers are bringing May Flowers. Not only the kind that spiring from the ground, but blooms of inspiration. The MD Convention is approaching – the end of the month. I hope that as many Lions as possible, especially new Lions, can plan to attend.  Check for any zoom availability if attendance is not possible.

There is a lot of information in the Lions world about Service Carnivals – it is a new emphasis on LionsVirtual.org/ServiceToGrow. This baseline is service carnivals utilizing local libraries, as public libraries normally are provided to serve communities in more ways than book.  I started with a type of carnival that would benefit unhoused residents. The system can identify local resources and basic needs that, if addressed with compassion and without judgement, can make a substantial difference in quality of life and mental health, things you might not realize on your own experience.

I recently attended an event that included some issues for the unhoused. One issue that came up is how to fill the time for people that have to shuttle between night accommodations and open daytime areas.  Many are very anxious to contribute to their community with their time and skills. I will work with OHRA, the local resource center, to address the issue, partly by providing or identifying volunteer opportunities that can help individuals fulfill the “work” requirement of 20 hours per week to qualify for “SNAP” benefits, which can include paid work, training, and volunteer work. This will meld with a new local Lions group focused on (combatting) Hunger. (Watch this page!)

The next big thing on the horizon: New Member Orientation / Training.  This is really essential and may not be completed by all clubs. Please send me your club orientation information and how it affects your membership, so we can develop a program that promotes membership participation and retention, as well as encouraging future leadership. A local leadership training program is scheduled in October.  Keep that in mind for our current and near future members.

On the note of Leadership, Please consider volunteering for Council positions for incoming 36E District Governor, Pastor Barb Dehlinger.

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