Be prepared to be dazzled

I just finished a meeting with our great convention committee.  You need to mark your calendars now May 29-30, 2026. In Springfield. Be prepared to be dazzled by the greatest convention ever in the state of Oregon.  Just a teaser, our international Guest Will be Past International President Douglas Alexander. Other tantalizing Information about our convention to come in months to follow. I encourage you to join our great and diverse lions from throughout Oregon and celebrate our great organization.

We have another great event coming up in October.  Lions International has introduced a program this year Called weeks of service. This is an opportunity for us to join with lions clubs throughout the world to celebrate our service to our communities and the world. The first week of service will be October 4th thru the 12th. This week we will focus on Mental Health and well-being. An estimated 700,000 people a year die by suicide, People who are exposed to adverse Circumstances like poverty, violence, disability, and inequality are at a higher risk of developing a mental health condition.  Depression is the leading cause of disability affecting more than 300 million people. We as Lions need to work together to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being and advocate for positive change.

There are many projects that your club can undertake to raise awareness and advocate for your community.  You can promote Education and awareness, promote removing the stigma of those suffering from menta health issues, you can advocate for increased funding and accessibility to services, promote suicide hot line, donate items to transitional living facilities. These are just a few projects you can do to support mental health and well-being.

While we are doing these projects, we need to bring in prospective members and involve them in the great service that lions can accomplish. The more people the greater the service we can provide.

We need to work together as a team.  The officers of your district and multiple districts are here to serve you, we have the resources to help you accomplish your goals, breathe new life into your club.  By serving your community needs you can change the world with one small act of kindness at a time.

Lions must remember, just because you have done it that way in the past does not mean we cannot find a better way and a more efficient way in the future. Always be on the lookout for new opportunities to serve. Covid gave us gave us new way to get together as groups without traveling long distances. Embrace new technology to draw in people who are busy in life, have new ideas, and are willing to serve in new ways.

Remember Old Ways do not open new doors.