May we all reach a star or two this year!

I hope that this issue finds all of our Lions in MD-36 well and working to make our communities better places to work, live and play in. These are challenging times where we must take the opportunity to change due to COVID 19 and other factors. Perhaps no longer can we always meet face-to-face, but instead will need to look at some hybrid programs to accomplish things we’ve taken for granted. My own club has not met face- to-face since early March, but we have discovered that Zoom meetings actually work – especially if one has an agenda from which to work. Of course, service planning and activities may need to broaden our options but, with imagination, we can get things done and become more relevant and valuable to our members and friends.

Lions Clubs International has embarked on targeted programs for member recruitment and retention. Clubs, zones, districts and multiple districts in LCI Constitutional Area 1 – US and North America in general have embraced NAMI – the North American Membership Initiative, with the goals of stopping our member losses and increasing membership. We have already investigated any number of programs that LCI has available, from the using the Healthy Club survey, interviewing members in person who have dropped, changing leadership of our clubs periodically as well as other systems any club can request, review and initiate at the local level. Each of our districts has a “NAMI Champion” with PDG and GAT Membership Chair Judith Poage as our MD Champ! Clubs are encouraged to get involved in the program for growth by encouraging each member to seek new members – after all, more members mean we can serve more and do a better job. At one time in the not too distant past, the Hood River Clubs and zone were truly designated as a group ‘that can’ – that works well together, supports each other and involves themselves in activities, programs and service projects, leading to a real sense of belonging. I often wonder where that feeling went? Did we get so busy in individual club activities we lost sight of the zone? Can we get it back? I know we can with the help of each club working together, with like-minded non-Lions and becoming more visible in our towns and cities.

The PDGA (Past District Governors Association) members in District O are having monthly meetings – both in-person as well as via social media—and Inviting IDs to address the gathering, hosting a picnic at Dan Wolf’s home and social distancing while enjoying food and camaraderie adds to the atmosphere of getting together and discussing Lions goals, and what can be done to assist the District Governor in their success. Remember that PDGs have had the experience of area leadership and can be of great assistance to current Governors, to clubs and zones. Ask them for ideas, for help and assistance as they are here to serve you in your need.

The MD-36 Directory should be in your hands by the time you read this issue of the Oregon Lion. Presidents and other Lions will have their copy – perhaps you can borrow it and see all the information it contains. I have always found it useful, if for no other reason than to find someone’s address, phone number or when and where a club is meeting. As Lions we often think we are alone in our endeavors, that things may have been tried before and were wanting, but always remember that if it doesn’t work – it does not mean it was wrong – perhaps just not the right time. So – if you fall – get back up, with a smile and try again. Success is based on work, togetherness, and aiming for the sky! May we all reach a star or two this year.

Enhancing Friendships

July/August 2020

What a way to finish a Lions year and start a new one – canceling both the District E and G conventions as well as the MD 36 Convention at the state level, the Lions Clubs International Convention in Singapore and who knows how many local, Zone and Cabinet meetings? How many service projects have been cast aside or postponed? COVID-19 has created havoc worldwide and forced us into a ‘new way of doing business’.  Instead of meeting in person, now it’s via some sort of electronic media, often by either Zoom or Go to Meeting! This method at least forces us to maintain safe distances from each other. I want the old and accepted method to return as soon as possible, as electronic media does not capture the true ambiance of being together in person!

However, we have to adjust to the here and now creating new methods to solve old opportunities and to recognize that with ingenuity there can be new successful solutions. The need for Lions Service has increased while our numbers have continued to dwindle. The human animal does their best to make the environment change to what is desired, however this time it is WE who have to adjust to Mother Nature’s whims.

There is much good that has been started throughout MD 36 which can continue, either with slight adjustments or perhaps via rethinking and new applications of time and effort. Things like Lions Quest are still available, the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundations is revamping school screening to ensure our students get the best visual evaluations possible and the myriad service programs at more local levels will be completed with the imagination of creative Lions worldwide! I ask that you give like you have never given before – dedicate anew your efforts to make our communities better places of live work and play, make a difference in the lives of the needy and reap those rewards of being the best you can be.

My motto for the year is Enhancing Friendships, meaning that we must reach out to others, perhaps even to those we have not thought about being necessarily our friends. Working with other community-oriented groups like Rotary or Kiwanis, seeing how we can access Chambers of Commerce, even working with the Faith Communities will help get Lions principles into the communities as a whole. Volunteering where we can be of assistance, both in the present as well as when COVID-19 lessens social distancing, helps us be the true voice for the communities in which we live. Always remember that service projects need not mean we are fundraising, but working for those impacted by homelessness, physical injury or malady, even illnesses we can’t imagine. It’s up to us to make this planet better for all of us! Make this the year of Lionistic ideals, of progress for the least that the best may thrive!

Let’s start the year off right, make it memorable, fun and let us share in the bounty that is before us. Lions all, for each other to enhance us each to the fullest.  ‘Til next month, your faithful servant CC Paul.