The goal is to Working Together at a Local and Grassroots Level to Grow Our Service Through Membership Growth.
“The service organization that masters AI is the one that will last forever” - Lion Daniel Marney Elkins
The 36-O Convention had the pleasure of hosting Lion Daniel Marney Elkins, an international leader in teaching Lions how to use Artificial Intelligence. If you would like to watch his presentation, you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJchx_I_INg
He has sponsored several hundred new Lions and is working to help form LionsUSA, an independent group from the United States that is dedicated to recapturing the fun, pride, and unity that define our organization. The goal is to work together at a local and grassroots level to grow our service through membership growth. The group is on Facebook if you would like to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lionsusa
One of the ideas the group is promoting is the service carnival - a fun, interactive community event organized by clubs, nonprofits, or schools that combines the festive atmosphere of a carnival with opportunities to serve the community and raise awareness about local issues.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Stellar Service Carnival
1. Dream It: Define Your Purpose
What’s the goal? Fundraising? Awareness? Recruitment? A mix?
Tie it to your mission — vision care booths, food drives, etc.
Get creative: “Carnival for a Cause,” “Servicepalooza,” “Fun & Philanthropy Fest.”
2. Team Up: Form a Planning Committee
Assign roles: logistics, volunteers, marketing, vendors, sponsorships.
Recruit Lions, Leos, local groups, and even that retired guy with a bounce house.
3. Pick a Date & Place
Ideal: a public park, school lot, or community center.
Check permits early, like, yesterday.
Have a rain plan unless you’re cool with soggy funnel cakes.
4. Bring the Buzz: Activities with a Purpose
Mix carnival fun with service impact:
Dunk-a-Lion: $1 a throw, proceeds to vision screening.
Face painting by Leos (tips go to Backpack Buddies).
Donation booths: canned food, eyeglasses, books.
Mini health fair: vision & hearing tests, BP checks.
"Try-a-Service": stations where people can try out mini-service projects.
5. Add Food, Prizes, and Flash
Partner with local vendors or food trucks (who donate a % back).
Prize raffle (thank your local businesses with awkwardly enthusiastic appreciation posts).
Music, games, crafts, and a mascot if you’ve got one.
6. Spread the Word Like Confetti
Posters, flyers, and social media blitz.
Get schools, libraries, and coffee shops involved.
Local news and radio love a good community story.
Incentivize shares with “free popcorn for RSVPing.”
7. Keep It Organized (aka Herding Cats)
Volunteers need training, maps, and donuts.
Make a layout plan. Like a real one. Not just vibes.
Have a command post with first aid, water, and maybe a stress llama.
8. Follow Up with Flair
Post photos, thank sponsors, and highlight impact: “200 cans collected! 50 kids got glasses!”
Send handwritten thank-yous. Retro, classy, and weirdly effective.
Ask attendees to join the club or at least come back next time.