Lions Clubs of Multiple District 36, Oregon and Northern California

We Serve

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."

 

Dear Lions, Leos, and Friends,

Welcome to a brand-new Lions year! As we begin our journey together, I am honored and excited to serve as your District Governor. This new year brings fresh opportunities to strengthen our clubs, expand our impact, and continue changing lives through service.

Lions have always been known for answering the call when communities need help. Whether we are supporting vision programs, fighting hunger, assisting disaster relief efforts, promoting environmental sustainability, helping youth succeed, or addressing diabetes awareness, our service remains the foundation of everything we do. Service is not only what we do—it is who we are!

As we look ahead, one of our greatest opportunities is membership growth. The most effective way to attract new members is through meaningful, visible service. When people see Lions making a difference in their neighborhoods, they want to be part of that mission. Every service project becomes an invitation for others to join us. Every volunteer activity creates a chance to share the Lions story. Every life touched becomes a testament to the power of service.

This year, I encourage every club to think boldly about growth. Invite friends, family members, coworkers, and community leaders to participate in service projects. Give potential members the opportunity to experience the satisfaction that comes from serving others. When people serve alongside Lions, they often discover that they have found a place where they can belong, lead, and make a lasting impact.

In addition to growing existing clubs, let us focus on starting new clubs throughout the Districts. New clubs allow us to reach communities that may not currently be served and create opportunities for more people to experience the joy of Lionism. Whether through Leos clubs, specialty clubs, branch clubs or traditional clubs, we can expand our reach and multiply our impact.

Together, we have the opportunity to build a stronger district, welcome new members, and create new pathways for service. Most importantly, we have the privilege of improving lives and strengthening communities every day. Let’s give back to the communities where we live and work.

Thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your commitment to serving others. As we celebrate this new Lions year, let us work together with enthusiasm, compassion, and purpose. Let us grow through service, inspire future leaders, and continue building a legacy that will endure for generations.

Here’s to a successful year of service, fellowship, growth, and celebration. Together, we are not only serving today—we are Leaving a Lions Legacy.

Yours in Service,

Lion Karen Norton
District 36R Governor 2026–2027

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