Ways We Can Be Of Service To Our Community And Change The World

     Spring is here and it’s a time for renewal.  Let’s use our club elections to reinvigorate our clubs.  Leaders that have been in these positions forever tend to get set in their ways of doing the same things over and over with nothing new sparking interest in your clubs.  New officers bring new ideas and new ways of doing things.

     Take a look at what you are doing.  Is it the same thing year after year?  Does it still reflect your communities’ needs?  Over time the needs of a community change and we need to change with them or our clubs die. We need to be doing things that attract new members. Looking toward the future LCI has given us a list of global causes. They are Childhood Cancer, Diabetes, Disaster relief, Environment, Humanitarian, Hunger, Vision and Youth. On their web page LCI provides suggestions of ways we can be of service to our community and change the world.

We Can Only Build Stronger Communities By Learning From Each Other

     The District 36-E convention is fast approaching:  March 22-23 in Bandon, Oregon. We encourage all Lions to register and attend.  It is a time for Lions to renew friendships and find new friends within our Lions’ community.  We as Lions can get together and network with each other, compare notes, learn from other clubs how they succeed.

     We will have ID Marie Cunning to give us an update on what is happening at Lions Clubs International.  She will also answer our Questions and give us guidance on how we can improve our own clubs and help them build stronger communities.

     We can only build stronger communities by learning from each other.  We change the world through our actions within our local communities.  We change the world by working with our larger community, we are Lions from all over the world with one common goal:  To improve the world, we live in.   We are changing the world!

Respectfully,

Stephen Brewster

District Governor MD36E

MD36E Convention on March 22-23 and the MD36 Convention on May 17-18, both in Bandon

     It’s convention time again.  You might wonder why do I want to attend a Lions Convention?  I only care about what is going on in my local club. I don’t care about what Lions outside of my town are doing. It is easy to get into the mindset that we are doing great by ourselves. We don’t need anyone else.

     Lions conventions are a great place to network with other clubs and to exchange ideas. To possibly learn new and better ways to serve your communities.  They may have ideas on how to make your meetings more enjoyable. You may learn how other clubs attract new members.  It is a good place to expand your network of friends beyond your local club.

     Conventions are also a great place to meet your international leaders, to communicate your concerns and learn what Lions International has to offer you and  your club. These people are leaders that started just like you as a member of a club somewhere, sitting in the back row of a meeting just learning how to be a Lion and how to best serve their communities.

     I encourage all of you to sign up and attend one or two of the upcoming conventions to expand your horizons. We have the MD36E convention on March 22-23 and the MD36 convention on May 17-18, both in Bandon. Join me at both conventions for great fellowship and a great learning experience.

Stephen Brewster, District Governor MD36E

IT'S TIME TO SET GOALS FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR CLUBS!

     January is the time to set New Year’s resolutions and the time to set goals for the future of your clubs.  As district officers, it is incumbent upon us to establish and articulate goals for our district, charting a course for their achievement. Our focus is on fostering growth within the district and enhancing the overall quality of Lions Clubs within our district.

     Clubs in our district are encouraged to define their unique goals, encompassing objectives such as membership expansion, heightened community visibility, and proactive engagement in addressing local needs.  To meet these goals, we need to determine the needs of the community and how these needs can be met by our club.  Identifying prospective Lions to join our ranks is equally crucial, necessitating thoughtful approaches to attract and integrate them into our clubs.

     Lions International offers valuable programs designed to assist clubs in assessing their strengths and weaknesses.  They can also provide insights on effective member recruitment strategies. Additionally, our dedicated Lions within the district cabinet stand ready to offer guidance, ensuring your club realizes its full potential. As your District Governor I am also at your disposal and ready to be called upon for support as you strive to elevate your club to new heights.

Steve Brewster, DG MD36-E

LET'S ENGAGE OTHERS TO HELP WITH OUR CAUSES

     How do we keep and attract new members?  We do this by Serving our communities in multiple ways.  We have 8 global causes that we have taken up.  These causes attract a wide range of potential and current members with varied interests.  As a club you can do small service projects each month focusing on one cause a month, or several major projects over a longer period of time.

     People are more likely to join you If they relate to your community service.  Many people only see us out there when we are fundraising.  We need to show them what we are doing for our communities and engage others to help with our causes.

     Only by seeking out our community needs and working to fulfill those needs will we be able to attract and retain members.

Stephen Brewster

District Governor MD36E

We Must Demonstrate Our Commitment To Providing Meaningful Services

     Frequently, I hear concerns about clubs losing members or becoming inactive in their pursuits.  Why would anyone want to be part of a club that isn't actively contributing?  As Lions, we champion five global causes, each with a range of projects that clubs, regardless of size, can engage in.  We have the flexibility to select projects and organize fundraisers that align with our capacities and resources.  Lions Clubs International equips us with innovative suggestions and resources to think beyond conventional approaches.

     Do we, as Lions, aspire to leave a lasting impact on our communities?  To attract the younger generation, we must demonstrate our commitment to providing meaningful services.  It's imperative that we promote and publicize what we do, showcasing the remarkable contributions of Lions.  Surprisingly, many clubs are not sharing (and reporting) their accomplishments with fellow Lions or with Lions Clubs International.  The broader community remains unaware of our efforts.

     It's time we stand up and declare, "We are Lions, We Serve, and We will Change the world."  The transformation may not happen in one monumental stride, but through a series of small, significant steps.  Consider when we conduct vision screenings; by identifying one child with vision issues, we alter their world, unlocking new possibilities. In doing so, we've already changed the world.

     Let's collectively commit to expanding our clubs and welcoming new members.  This will ensure that we carry forward our legacy of service to our communities.  Together, we can change the world.

Warm regards,

Steve Brewster, District Governor, MD36-E

Changing the World: A Blueprint for Long-lasting Impact.

     To embark on the journey of changing the world, we must first embark on a journey of self-transformation. Each of us holds a unique role within our clubs, and though our time here may be limited, the legacy of our clubs need not be. Do we allow our clubs to fade away with our departure, or do we invest in nurturing successors? Is our position within the club shrouded in secrecy, or are we actively mentoring others to step into our shoes? Let's envision a club that stands strong a century from now, continuing to serve and inspire change in our communities and beyond.

     Lions Club International equips us with an array of invaluable resources to create the best possible club. These tools are tailored to foster membership growth and streamline our leadership responsibilities. Within our clubs, there are officer roles that remain untapped or neglected. A wealth of online resources await us, ready to simplify our tasks—all we need to do is seize them.

     At the district level, seasoned officers stand ready to extend their expertise, either individually or in groups, to guide you through your leadership journey. This united front is known as the Global Action Team, comprising your District Governor, Global Leadership Team, Global Membership Team, and The Global Service Team. Together, we're committed to lightening your load.

     Allow me to introduce the underutilized club-level officer positions that promise to enhance your experience:

·        The Club Service Officer, tasked with overseeing and coordinating service initiatives.

·        The Membership Chairman, responsible for spearheading membership events and aiding in club growth and retention.

·        The Marketing Chairman, dedicated to publicizing your club's activities and ensuring your communities stay well-informed about your service and endeavors.

·        The Club Administrator, equipped with comprehensive access to club reporting and prepared to step in for the secretary and president in administrative capacities if necessary.

     Remember, your district leadership is not only at your disposal but is eager to support you. We are your partners in progress, always here to offer guidance and assistance whenever you need it."

Extend A Helping Hand To Other Organizations

     Our international Presidents Theme is “Change the World.”  We as Lions can do this by our service to our communities. We can accomplish this through our club projects, by being there when our community needs us, by collaborating with our neighboring clubs, our District and our international organization and by forging relationships with other organizations in our area.

     Most clubs in our District are small.  We cannot accomplish meeting all the needs of our communities by our self.  This reality necessitates a collaborative approach, wherein we extend a helping hand to other organizations, donning our emblematic club vest and actively participating in their endeavors.  By engaging with diverse groups, our club’s prominence is amplified, thus drawing more like-minded individuals into our fold.

     Another thing we can do is to help neighboring clubs with their projects and fundraisers.  Asking for help with yours. Only by working together can we change the world one act at a time.

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.