LET US PRIORITIZE THE SEARCH FOR OUR SUCCESSORS, ACTIVELY LISTEN TO THEM AND PROVIDE MENTORSHIP

     I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming Lions year and the opportunity to connect with Lions in MD36E.  I am excited to learn from each of you about the successful strategies you employ to benefit both your club members and the community.  It has been rightly said that wherever a Lions club exists, friendships are formed.  As a former District Governor, my purpose here is not to dictate or prescribe methods.  Rather, I am here to support you in identifying and implementing the most effective path for your club.

     It is crucial for us to consider who will lead our clubs in the future.  Will our clubs cease to exist simply because there is no one willing to step up as a leader?  We must remember that we are all replaceable.  Although our successors may not execute tasks in the exact same way as we do, they can still accomplish them, perhaps even more effectively.  Our primary responsibility as Lion leaders should be to identify and mentor our replacements, ensuring that when the time comes, they are prepared and confident to assume leadership roles and successfully carry out their responsibilities.  This principle applies to every position within the Lion club, from committee chairpersons to district governors.

     This year, let us prioritize the search for our successors, actively listen to their ideas, and provide mentorship.  By doing so, we can elevate our clubs and district to reach its highest potential.

Warm regards, Steve Brewster District Governor MD36-E

GOOD DONE ANYWHERE IS GOOD DONE EVERYWHERE!

Dear Lions,

     As my term as District Governor draws to a close, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside you. It's hard to believe that this is the final article I'll be submitting in this role. When I took on the position for the second time, I couldn't have imagined the incredible journey that lay ahead. While much has changed since my first term in 2014, one thing remains constant - the unwavering dedication of Lions like you.

     It's been heartening to witness clubs come back to life despite the challenges imposed by Covid. I've seen firsthand how Lions across District E have continued to make a profound impact in their communities. I've also had the pleasure of forging new friendships and rekindling old ones. Through my interactions with Lions, I've observed leaders emerge, and I've encouraged them to take advantage of the vast opportunities available to them through Lions Clubs International.

     Over the years, I've become increasingly involved in our District, and I've relished being able to work with clubs at the grassroots level while emphasizing the importance of considering the bigger picture. As I step down, I urge each club in the District to take stock of their members and identify potential leaders who can step up and take on a district office. It may require a significant time and financial commitment, but the experience is invaluable. Until you take on a leadership role in Lions, there is so much you don't know. However, once you embark on this journey, you'll discover a wealth of resources available at every level - from District to Multiple District to LCI. You'll have access to mentors, training, and backup, as well as a vast network of like-minded individuals committed to serving their communities.

     As Lions, we're united in our belief that good done anywhere is good done everywhere. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact wherever we are. I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider taking on a leadership role in Lions. It's a decision you won't regret, and one that will enrich your life in countless ways.

With gratitude and admiration,

DG Gail Black – 36E

Remember to Share your Club's Service with LCI

Greetings to all,

     As I was reviewing the activities reports from the clubs in District E, for some reason, I did not find activities reported that I know about.  Not sure of course, but my thinking is that the Governors of District O, R, & G, are finding the same thing to be true in their districts.  All of our clubs throughout the state need to be reporting all of its activities to share around the world.  LCI needs to know that we here in Oregon are working as a team for President Brian’s theme “Together We Can” and “Together We Are” serving the needs of our communities.

     Our membership in District E for this year at the end of March shows we have gained 63 members and lost 68 members.  But in my review of our statistics, I also discovered that some clubs that I know for certain have inducted new members have not reported so.  Again, I urge all club secretaries to get their MMR’s in and report these new members.  Our goal this year is to have a plus in membership, so once again, I ask that all members ramp up their efforts to gain new members. Long time members are the lifeblood of our clubs, but new members bring in new ideas.  We all know that we need more members to truly accomplish the goals we set forth as Lions, so let’s keep asking our friends and neighbors to be a part of a project in our community and once you have them hooked on serving, ask them to join.  It really does work!!!

     By now I am sure a large number of members have submitted their registration forms for the Multiple District Convention being held in Seaside on May 18-20.  We have a few more coming this year from District E, and I thank all of you for your commitment to the district and the state.   As for myself, I am looking forward to renewing old friendships, making new friends, and gaining new knowledge from the seminars.

     Helen Keller once said “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”  As Lions We Serve, and the more we Serve the more our lives becomes a daring adventure.

GOOD LUCK HAPPENS WHEN PREPAREDNESS MEETS OPPORTUNITY

     Once again District E had a great convention. We were honored to have Past International Director Justin Faber with us for the convention and were inspired by his keynote address. Unfortunately, we did not have any applicant for the position of District Governor nor for 2VDG for the forthcoming year, but our 2VDG was elected to 1VDG. All regions of our District were given their yard signs that were a result of the PR Grant received this year and now we look forward to seeing how much they can assist in gaining new members for our clubs.  We had some interesting seminars, OLSHF gave us a wonderful review of what is happening with our Sight and Hearing Foundation, and some unique awards were presented.  Fun for all was the Youth Robotic presentation, and donations were made to assist the robotic team who won the chance to compete in the world championships in their travel.

     The NWLLI coming up on April 21-23 is a great opportunity for all Lions, as it is a great training session for future leaders in the organization.  Both the District and Multiple District have leadership training funds available to assist with scholarships for this training.  As a graduate of the NWLLI, I can honestly say that I found it to be stimulating, educational, and a most worthwhile training session.  So if you haven’t yet signed up, go on line, get the application and get it in!!.  You won’t regret doing so.

     By all means don’t forget the Multiple District Convention.  This year we are going to be in Seaside on May 19-20.  Friday night is the individual dinner for each district and we always look forward to meeting our visiting International Director and recognizing special individuals in our district.  The Multiple District Convention is the place where you renew old friendships, gain new, and learn about what is happening all over the state.  You should come away with new ideas, new challenges, and new enthusiasm for accomplishing good things in your own district, your own community and your own club.

     In keeping with St Patrick’s Day- (just past) an Irish saying – “Good luck happens when preparedness meets opportunity” – as Lions we work as a team and are prepared to meet those opportunities as we serve from the heart.

Remember That Every Day You Should Reach Out And Touch Someone

It’s Convention Time!!

     I am certain that everyone has their calendar marked for March 17 and 18 to be sure they don’t miss attending the Annual District E Convention being held at the Community Center in Sutherlin.  So, I just want to touch base with each District E club as to what you are doing in getting ready for the big event.

     First of all sure and get that registration form sent in.  On Friday we will be having two seminars, some fun time to win a nice prize, and a nice casual dinner followed by   casino night.  And maybe on this St. Patrick’s Day you can find a pot of gold at the base of the rainbow.   On Saturday there are:  forums and awards presentations, our Peace Poster Winner, a youth robot demonstration, and don’t forget the luncheon with OLSHF with updates on what is going on and the good things ahead for us. The evening is dedicated to our PDG’s and hearing a great Key note speech from our visiting Past International Director Justin Faber. Then on Sunday morning we take time to hold our 3rd cabinet meeting before heading back home.

     What is the purpose in even holding a district or Multiple District convention?  They can be a bit costly sometimes with the price of gas, meals, and hotel accommodations.     But. . .  This is the time for renewing friendships, learning about what is happening in other communities besides your own, and even learning new things and gaining new ideas to take home to your own club.  This is a time to acknowledge and savor the fact that we are following the principles set out all those years ago as “We Serve”.

     By the way. .  Our PR grant signs to help promote Lionism in your own community have arrived, and are being distributed to each area Zone chair or representative.   A letter describing the purpose and some PR information that can be used by each club is included.  We need to report back to LCI how we are doing, so as you utilize this opportunity, be sure to report back the successes you have.

     Remember that every day you should reach out and touch someone in some way- it is how we as Lions serve from the heart as we work together.

DG Gail

Get Ready for Convention!

Happy Valentine’s Day to all.

     February is a month with many events – Groundhog day, Super Bowl, Valentine’s day, Presidents day, and even Ash Wednesday.  But, as Lions, we are focusing on the start of the District Conventions.  The month of February we see District O and R conventions and in the month of March District E and G will holds theirs. (The registration form for District E’s was in January’s issue of the Oregon Lion magazine.) 

     A ”Convention Call” containing the registration, meal menu, hotel information, a form for names for the necrology, and how to be a good delegate for your club are all included in the packet, and it has been sent to each club in District E.  Be sure to get your registrations sent in ASAP. This is such a great time to renew old friendships and make new ones.  A time to hear about the activities of other clubs, and share your own memories of activities you have participated in that have made a difference in the life of someone in your community.   

     As you get ready for convention, remember there are the contest entries to prepare- the club newsletter, the brochure, the scrapbook, the Website, the facebook page and a report on a social and cultural event the club has done in the community.

     Also, don’t forget that there is a Club Membership award given out to the club that has attained the largest NET membership gain since July 1 of this year and the award to the member who has sponsored the most new members since July 1.   It is not too late to act, and to win either one of these Awards- you know how-- Ask, and then Ask again, and then Ask again.  It can be very effective and who knows how many new members can be inducted in the month of February!

     As we go forward in this year 2023, please remember that we can’t expect others to believe in us, unless we first believe in ourselves.  As Lions “We Serve” from the heart because we do believe in ourselves and what we stand for - Keep Serving my fellow Lions.

Time To Start Making Your Plans

Happy New Year Fellow Lions,

     As we start this New Year, we need to dig within and find what we want to happen in our life this year.  We need to set goals, for goals are what gives us direction in our lives.  As Lions we need determine what we would like to attain this year.  What we want to accomplish, what problems do we want to see solved.  The New Year brings us 365 blank pages in the book of our life to be written.

     It brings us new challenges and new opportunities, and our Lions Clubs will be challenged to provide more service to those in need.  As we engage in more service projects, we need more members.  So, don’t forget to ask a friend or neighbor to join you in one of your service projects.  We will unfortunately lose members to death, but that should be the only reason for losing a member.  If a club is losing members for any other reason, then we need to ensure that new projects are instituted that will encourage and utilize those members who may be getting bored or losing interest.  Yes, not only gaining new members, but retention of current members is a very big part of keeping up our numbers.  Give both the new and the old members the opportunity to see and feel what it’s like to be involved, and the fun and camaraderie provided by the Lions while doing service to the community.

     It is time to start making your plans for the various upcoming conventions. Though it is still early, for our District E Convention, all of a sudden it will be here.  So be sure to “Save the Date” and join us in Sutherlin on March 17-18 for the District E convention. Many may also want to join the other districts for their conventions:  District R is February 4, and District O is February 25. Most importantly don’t forget to get your applications in ASAP for the NWLLI being held in Sutherlin on April 21-23, 2023.

     As you serve from the Heart in this year 2023, remember- The new year lies before you, like a spotless tract of snow.  Be careful how you tread on it, for every mark will show.

There Is A Wealth Of Information That Can Be Gained By Attending Any Lions Meeting

     May the joy of this season be with you and yours, may the air of Christmas lift your spirit; may the sun brighten your destiny; and may the moon of the season glow with God’s favor in everything on which you lay your hands.

     As I recently prepared for the 2nd District E cabinet meeting, I was approached by a Lions member to ask if he could come to the meeting.  The reason for the query was that he had been told by another person that they thought that the only way a member could attend was by being a member of the district cabinet, or having a special invitation to do so. I assured him that he was welcome, that ALL Lions meetings, are open to ALL Lions members.  There is a wealth of information that can be gained by attending any Lions meeting, and especially a cabinet meeting, so I do urge members to attend whenever possible.

     Where has the time gone?  It seems like just yesterday the four District Governors were in Ontario Canada and yet here we are half way through our year already.  I have completed 17 visitations in the District and have found all of the clubs to be doing projects of meaning in their communities.   Lions are making themselves visible throughout the year, but never more so than during the holiday season.  Numerous fund raisers abound with sales of candy, wreaths, etc.  Projects for the communities involve setting up Christmas lights in parks and special areas of town, providing wood for warmth and comfort, assisting in some way with food baskets for those in need, assisting with clothe a child programs, insuring needy families have gifts for the children, and many other activities.  The joy of brightening other peoples’ lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives, becomes the magic of Christmas as “We Serve”.

     Helen Keller said “The only real blind person at Christmas-time is he who has not Christmas in his heart.”  And so as Tiny Tim said in Dickens “A Christmas Carol” God Bless us Everyone!

Membership-Membership-Membership

     In real estate there is the saying “Location-Location-Location.”  In Lions our saying is “Membership-Membership-Membership.”  In 2014 when I was District Governor for the first time, District E started that year with 960 members and 41 clubs.   In 2019, when I was Cabinet Secretary, we started with 630 members and 31 clubs.  We started 2022 with 585 members and 30 clubs, and, as of the report of September 30th we have 604 members and we are losing one more club to make us 29 clubs strong.

     My goal is to end this year with a plus in membership.  But to do so I need the help of all the members of all the clubs in continuing to ASK friends, acquaintances, family and fellow workers to join this great organization.  I know that as a team working together we can do this.  I look forward to my next article showing a gain in membership in our District.

     As we head into the Thanksgiving season, I marvel at all the things our Lions are doing in their communities.   I know that all the activities that we do show our “service from the heart”.   It has been apparent as I have traveled that even though many of our clubs do not participate at the state and/or LCI level, they are all very active in their respective communities.  From visiting a club of some 50 members to a club of just 4 members no one is sitting on their laurels, they are indeed back in action.  From working with youth for a volleyball tournament, to backpacks for kids to ensure their families have food over the weekends, to preparing for Christmas trees for shut-ins, or gifts for families in need, and so much more.

     As “We Serve”  we do indeed do it from our hearts.  Remember there are three kinds of people:  Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who say, 'what happened?'   As Lions we are the ones who make things happen.   So GO team- Lets continue to Make things happen!

Keep on Serving From the Heart!

As I am visiting the clubs in District E what a great feeling of Lionism pours into me. Although each club is so different, and although each club has their own agenda of what service in their community means, there is no doubt of their dedication as they show “Service from the Heart”.

As the month of October begins, also so does membership month. Our past International presidents have said in the past “Just Ask” and have also said “Ask 1”. No matter how you go about it, asking is the key. The worst that can happen is that you will receive a No answer, while the best that can happen is a Yes answer. In some cases, the person has never been asked before, in many other cases they may have been asked, but the time was just not right. Don’t give up on a person who says they are too busy - at some time they will become less busy, and there you are, once again asking them to join this great Lions organization of which you are a part. Remember to just keep on asking.

Also please remember that October is Vision Awareness month, and though I know that eyeglass collection is year-round in all of our clubs, I urge each club to set aside a day or a week in October to make a concentrated effort in their community for collection of used eyeglasses. You might consider Thursday October 12th as a day to set aside as that is World Sight day.

Now, as schools have started up again so has the concentrated effort by OLSHF in doing the screening processes at all of the schools. This year “our” foundation is anticipating 200,000 screenings, and as I have visited with the clubs here in District E, I have heard of schedules being set up, and volunteers getting ready to assist. With our team efforts we can reach that goal. What kind of impact does screening have on the children? Well, if a child needs glasses, the impact is something that no price can be put on.

Go team Go! Keep on serving from the heart!

Revitalize The Team Spirit Of The Club

“You don't have to be great at something to start, but you have to start to be great at something.” Zig Zieglar

     District E held its first cabinet meeting in Klamath Falls on August 20 with a disappointingly small number of cabinet members present.  As I visit the clubs in District E, I find that all are ready, willing, and able to get started once again in the aftermath of the Covid Pandemic, with service to our communities. I urge all of our Lions to revitalize the team spirit of the club and start making themselves visible in their clubs and their communities.  Our International President Brian Sheehan’s theme this year is “Together We Can” with the focus on teamwork.   A necessary part of the team effort is focusing on training and leadership within our clubs.  This will instinctively lead to more “Service from the Heart”, my theme for the year.

     As Lions we research what our communities needs are, and do something about those needs.  We do not sit around and do nothing, instead we take advantage of the opportunities around us to fulfill the needs in our community, then we make a start.  Sometimes we can do it as a single Lions club working as a team, while other times we team up with other organizations in the community to achieve even greater results.

     As we look at our four districts this year, we see the need for upcoming leaders to fill the roles of Vice District Governors, as well as other key positions.  We need these leaders to keep things moving, and leaders need training.  There is a multitude of training programs available for every officer and cabinet position within our Lions organization.  With that in mind, we have tentatively scheduled Northwest Lions Leadership Institute (NWLLI) for April 21-23, 2023.  This 3-day training session offers seminars that will develop and enhance leadership skills.  I am asking all clubs in every district to look at the personnel in their club.  Every club has potential leaders, so take this opportunity to seek out these Lions and have them attend this institute.

DG Gail- “Service from the Heart”

Finding Leaders For The District

     In 2014-15 as District Governor of MD36-E, I was honored and thrilled to have the “one time” experience of being the DG.  Well, here it is 2022-23 and here I am again the DG of MD36-E.  For anyone unaware of how this situation came about, the DGE Jan Slusser, and 1VDG Jerry Gomez, both resigned their positions due to health reasons. At the District E convention, Lion Paul Novak was elected to 2VDG, but we were now minus a DGE and a 1VDG.  It became necessary to put someone into the position, and unfortunately an eligible candidate could not be found.  Thus came the procedure of appointing a PDG into the position, and because of new changes in the Constitution and Bylaws this became a challenge as well.  End result was that because I was willing to step forward, I received that honor.

     Now you would think this would be an easy task considering I had “been there, done that” before, but I can assure you that is not the case.  And even though I traveled with PDG Carolee Blatter during her year in 2019, since my time in office 8 years ago, there have been many, many changes.  And having the appointment confirmed just 3 short weeks before international convention, as well as having missed some very important district trainings, it has been quite the effort to fill the cabinet positions, take the necessary on-line training, set up the district goals, get ready for the additional training taking place in Montreal Canada, and get an itinerary set up for a visitation to each and every club in the district.  But things are progressing right along. My thanks to those of you whom I have contacted that have agreed to take a cabinet position.  My visitation schedule has been set up based on information submitted by each club this year to LCI.  I will be sending out a proposed visitation schedule soon, and contacting you to verify the planned visitation date.

     There ae some fairly big hurdles to jump this year, but I feel our biggest one is in finding leaders for the district.  I know that in every club there are potential leaders.  As a district, we just need to find a way to let them bring forth their abilities and step up into leadership positions.  Many of our problems, I know, stem from the pandemic over the past 2 years which has wrought many changes to our clubs and our communities. Now we must start looking forward and creating our new normal.  Amongst the things I look forward to this year will be better attendance at our cabinet meetings, better communication between clubs and the District Governor, and some good training.  More than anything else as we go into this year together, I want us to enjoy every moment of it with fun and fellowship as We Serve.

Reestablish Our Garden And Make It A Thing Of Beauty

     Spring is here. As I look out on our garden, I see some green, some brown and a lot of the garden in disarray.  I ask what we need to do to turn this garden into a green Vibrant, organized productive garden.   We need to till the soil, add nutrients, revitalize our older plants, plant new plants, nurture them and help them grow into strong productive parts of the garden.

     Our Lions Clubs are like a garden, if we depend only on the old established members, we soon become old and nonproductive, we need to till the soil (rotate the leaders on a regular basis).   We need to add nutrients, (Reimagine how we do things, and who does them).  Our older members need to be revitalized; we need to find things they can do to further the mission of the club.  We need to plant new plants, (New younger members) these new members are the future of our garden.  We need to nurture them by listening to them, providing opportunities for leadership, and making them feel like a productive member of the club.

     If we can do this our Garden will grow and produce members that will carry on a proud tradition of lionism long after we are gone.

     As I look back on this last year, I see a lot of our district clubs struggling to be part of their communities, even the clubs that appear to be recovering, are struggling.  We need to struggle to reestablish our garden and make it a thing of beauty.

Stephen Brewster

District Governor MD36-E

New Ideas And New Perspectives

     Where is your replacement?  It’s time for all of us to be replaced in our job.  A new Lion’s year is beginning.  Have we mentored our replacements to do our job?  Our legacy is not how well we did our job, but how well we mentored the people following us.

     It is sad when I look at the reports of new club officers for the 22-23 year, they are not new, they are the same ones we keep re electing every year.  By Electing New people into these positions, we bring in new ideas and new perspectives on ways to accomplish our club goals.  Most of these Jobs are not hard if we use the resources that we have available.  We need to get over the idea that only I can do this.

     I propose we all take someone under our wing and mentor them to do our job in Lions so when something happens there is some one who steps in, knows what to do and your projects get done and everyone takes a bow for a job well done.

     Can you imagine a club where everyone in the club had a different responsibility every year?  You wouldn’t have Lions getting burnt out and frustrated, leaving the club. You would have Lions willing to take leadership positions because they would know that they would not be in this position forever.

     As the old saying goes, everyone is replaceable. They may do the job better or not as well, but they will get the job done.  So let’s leave a legacy and leave our clubs a better place.

Steve Brewster, DG 36-E

Be Open To Reinventing The Way We Serve Our Communities

     It is election time again.  We walk into our meetings and say we need volunteers to fill our club offices.  Someone raises their hand and says our current officers are doing a good job, let’s just reelect them, problem solved.  Problem not solved; problem created.  Now, we have stagnated at the club level.  We have presidents and secretaries in their offices for over 5 years with some who have served for life.  No one else in the club has developed leadership skills.  We have taken the easy route and our clubs die from lack of interest.  We need the constant flow of new energy.

     Problem #2.  We need Zone Chairs to help clubs continue to operate and coordinate their efforts.  To be a Zone Chair you must have served as a club officer.  These people don’t want to move up because they are busy at the club level and don’t think they have time in their lives to take on extra responsibilities.  We now have zone chairs that are not interested in moving up in leadership or have already served in leadership positions. We are now stagnant at this level of leadership.

     Problem #3.  To be a 1st VDG or a 2nd VDG requires that you must have served as a Zone Chair.  We are now short of Qualified Lions to Fill these positions.  We are now stagnant at the top.  We have no one moving into these positions.  Currently, the position of District Governor is Stagnate.

     None of these positions by themselves are hard or time-consuming when that is the only position you hold.  It’s when you try to be responsible and take on a lot of positions that you get overwhelmed and don’t do as good of a job as you are capable of.

     To solve these problems, we need to start at the bottom and fix the problem there.  We need to become proactive, move our members into leadership positions, move new members into director positions and give them a voice in club operation.  Old members and new members need to listen to each other and be open to reinventing the way we serve our communities.  One thing the past 2 years has taught us is that there are other ways to serve and to operate as clubs.  Let’s not take the easy route and waste away to nonexistence.  Let’s be more inclusive and move people into leadership positions.  Let’s not be the one who blocks the way for the future.  We as leaders are the ones who need to reinvigorate our clubs and move our members ahead to greater service.

     Stephen Brewster, District Governor MD36E

For Our Clubs To Grow We Must Reinvent Ourselves

     Change is in the air.  I see Lions Clubs Reentering and returning to service in their communities.  Not all of them are returning to “Normal.”  They are creating a new normal.  They are reimagining the way they serve their communities.

     We are no longer a group of businessmen serving our communities, we are a diverse group of individuals with a common goal of service.  What do Lions’ clubs do? We raise money, then we invest that money into our communities to fund causes to improve the well-being of all our communities.

     For our clubs to grow we must reinvent ourselves, look at new ways of doing things.  New ways of serving our communities that reflect our community values.  As Lion leaders we must find new ways to lead.  Change starts from the bottom at the club level. We as Lion leaders are here to support our clubs, to give aid while they define their club their way, their club.

     At the club level we have created a code of ethics and a set of bylaws to guide us in the direction of our clubs.  We fundraise to support our communities.  If we are not reinvesting those funds into our communities, we will not survive as an organization.

Steve Brewster, District Governor 36-E

Get Back To Respect Of All Lions

     Has your club established procedures for orientating and mentoring new members into your club?  Getting new members and retaining existing members needs to be a priority for club presidents and membership chairs.  We need to create an environment where members, whether new or existing, are made to feel included in all aspects of the club.   

     WE need to get rid of the attitude “We have always done it this way and We have tried that it doesn’t work”.   We need to be willing to listen and consider all options.   We can no longer be the old people clubs, to grow we need to embrace new ideas, new technology, and new ways of doing things.  We need to get back to respect of all Lions.

     Conventions are coming up.  Yes, we are planning an in-person convention this year.   We hope to make this one different and more fun and engaging.   Our Convention will be one day Saturday March 26th with a daytime and evening session.  To include all Lions and meet covid restrictions masks will be required and because of limited venue availability it will not be handicap accessible.  

     For those of you I have not visited I hope to see you soon.

Stephen Brewster, DG-36E

WE SERVE

Include As Many Members As Possible

     As 2021 ends and 2022 begins, it is time to gather our club members into an environment of inclusion and friendship.  We need to start holding regular scheduled meetings in an environment that allows members to feel comfortable and safe.  If your current location does not allow room for proper distancing, look around and find a new location.  Legion clubs, elks clubs, grange buildings, and in some cases, churches have an area you can meet in.

     We need to return to doing our fundraising so we can return to our service projects. We need to rethink the way we do our projects, so we include as many members as possible in a safe and responsible environment.

     We need to come back together in the spirit of service and friendship.  Then we will grow as an organization.

Stephen Brewster, District Governor MD36-E

Updating Your Constitution and Bylaws

     Clubs where are your constitution and bylaws?  Over the past few months, I have become aware that many clubs do not know what their constitutions and bylaws say and even where they are.  These are the documents that guide your club in all your actions and interactions with club members and the public.  It’s time to drag these documents out, dust them off, and take them to your club meetings for review and updates as necessary.

     Lions Clubs International has a lot of resources on their website to aid clubs in updating their constitution and bylaws, the best one is the club president eBook and the club secretary eBook, these documents have links to most of the resources that your officers need in their endeavors to lead their club into the future.

     As clubs we need to be inclusive of new members, open to change, we’ve always done it that way no longer works.  We need to let our communities know what we are doing. We need to keep track of our existing members and keep them involved.  We are about fellowship and community involvement.

     We need to remember the first part of all constitution and bylaws:

     The purposes of this club shall be: (a) To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world. (b) To promote the principles of good government and good citizenship. (c) To take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community. (d) To unite the members in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding. (e) To provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members. (f) To encourage service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavor.

Ready To Give The Gift Of Sight

     As we Lions celebrate one of our 5 global causes Vision Awareness, through our school vision screening programs. It makes me proud to be a Lion when I show up at many of the southern Oregon schools, with group of local Lions who are ready to give the gift of sight to many school kids who might not even know they have a problem seeing.  Most of these young kids do not even know they have a problem, because this is the only thing they know, they think their sight is normal.

     This past week as I was doing a screening at an elementary school in, one of the volunteers from the Bonanza Lions Club related her story of why she became a Lion and has always tried to participate in the vision screening program.  She told me that when she was in school the Lions came and did a vision screening at her school.  Later they made an appointment to see her and her parents. They told her parents they had an appointment with an eye doctor to get her vision tested.  Her older sister told them she would make sure she got to the appointment.  When she returned home with her new glasses, she was amazed at how her home really looked.  Years later when asked to join Lions she gladly joined and continued to further the vision mission of Lions.

     Although Vision Screening has been trying this year, with many challenges, I encourage All Lions to participate in the vision screenings at your local schools.  If your schools do not participate, find out why and encourage them to perform these vital vision screenings.  This is one of the most satisfying projects a club can promote and participate in.

Stephen Brewster DG, MD36-E