Young artists inspired by peace

January 15th was the first day for clubs to purchase Peace Poster kits for the 2013 -14 contest.

It may seem a little early for a contest that ends in November, but by getting a kit or 2 now, you're sure to find a school or youth organization that would like to participate and give them plenty of time to prepare their masterpiece.

And there will be masterpieces!  Just take a look at some of the winners that were produced last year (2011-12).  It's truly amazing what kids from 11-13 years old can do. 

Trisha Co Reyes, Philippines, 13 year old

 

 Aranas, Arizona, USA, 12 years old

Balaj Raisa Lara, Romania, 11 years old

Here in District 39W, we have selected a winner for the 2012-13 contest, which goes on to the Multiple District contest. The winner there is sent to Lions International to compete for one of the top 24 spots.

We congratulate our winner, sponsored by the Caldwell Lions Club.

 

Several 39W entries will be on display at the Midwinter Convention, Feb. 8-10.  Winning posters for 2012-13 for Lions International will be announced in February. 

Lions are dying

I recently attended a meeting at a neighboring club.  The speakers were local Lions, Jonette Flores and Dana Miller from the Nampa Lions Club, talking about how they have five successful  Leo clubs in their area.  The membership in some of these clubs numbers over a hundred. 

In the Leo clubs, an enthusiastic adviser, often a teacher in the school where the club is located, is essential.  Lions sponsor the club, pay some of the costs, and work with the adviser and the Leos.  The Nampa Lions Club is exceptional in that they also provide training for the advisers and also for the Leo officers.

The Leos themselves determine the service projects or fundraisers they want to do, just like in a Lions club. Dana told of one such project from a middle school group.  The Leos decided they wanted to go Christmas caroling at a local nursing home.  They went to the music department in their school, recruited singers and borrowed sheet music, then crafted favors for the residents.

Later that day, I spoke to a long time Lion member who told me, "Lions are dying."

Clubs are getting old, members are dropping out, and Lions Clubs won't be around much longer, he stated.

I beg to differ.

With hundreds of youth interested in serving their communities?   

When these young people are learning to serve, learning leadership skills, and finding their passion right here in our own backyard?

When many Leos go on to be Lions because of the positive experience they've had?

When we, as current Lions, have the opportunity to recruit our successors now through Leos clubs?

If Lions are dying, it's our own fault.

Happy New Year!

It's not the Lions New Year, but a new year on the calendar, so it's still a good time to review...

Where are you with your goals for your Lions club?  What?  Forgot to make goals?  If you did forget, it's not too late; you still have 6 months left in your Lions year.  Let's call them resolutions...and I'll make a few for you...

1.  Resolve to get ___ new members by June 30th.  You fill in the blank with the number that is achievable, yet a bit of a stretch, for your club. 

2.  Invite ___ new people (preferably friends and acquaintances) to your meetings or projects.  If they don't know what you're doing, they probably won't join. (See #1)

3.  Network (that just means visit, nothing formal) with ___ other clubs.  The by-product here, is making new friends.  We can all use those.  The ulterior motive-you'll know who to call if you need some help on a project.

4.  Plan something for your club that is just for fun.  Purely for fun.  Not to raise money, not a new project, not to sit at another meeting.  Just get everyone together and go have some fun.  The bonds you make in friendship will strengthen and energize your club.  (Just don't be cliquey, include everyone.)

OK, there you go!  It's up to you to do the rest. 

The family of Lions

Today Marge Miller was laid to rest.  I had, of course, met Marge, talking with her on several occasions.  But her funeral service revealed so much more to me about this woman, wife of Past International Director Floyd Miller, than I had been aware of.  Of course, those who knew her best already knew of her caring nature, quick wit, and strong faith.  Hearing the stories of Marge's life, so intertwined with Floyd's, made we wish I had known her better.

But today's blog post is not about Marge or Floyd, or their passion about serving others.  I'll leave that to those more qualified to eulogize.  This is about Lions as family.

Last year's International President Tam often spoke and wrote about how we should treat our Lions members as family.  This is something the Lions in Idaho have taken to heart, long before hearing Tam's message. 

The funeral chapel was filled to overflowing; not just with Marge's family and closest friends, but with Lions.  Many of them in yellow vests, they had come from across the state to Twin Falls, to honor Marge as a Lion and humanitarian to to lend support to Floyd.  This was not about a club losing a member, but about a family mourning-and celebrating the life of-one of its own.

It's something I felt almost immediately after joining Lions-I am part of a large family.  Our belief in serving our fellow man and improving lives binds us.  I just know that wherever I may go, whether in my home district of Idaho, or somewhere else in this country or another-I will be treated as family. 

It's a family of which I'm proud to be a member.

Who are you?

On Wednesday my alarm clock went off at 5:00 so that I could attend a 6:00 o'clock meeting - except that the meeting was at 7:00 a.m. You can't trust these smart cell phone alarm clocks. I presented a familiar theme, the District Governor's Contest and during question an answer I explained how to count hours and funds from making and raffling a quilt. Lion Laura Walls can get some serious hours from her quilting efforts.

At Wednesday noon my smart phone did not disappoint as the Meridian Noon Club meeting started on time with me in attendance. Their bowling tournament was successful and Lion Del and Sandy Oswald showed again the dedication of Lions as they explained the sales efforts that go into getting the public and other Lions to the event. Another club and another discussion of my District Governor's contest with one very important suggestion by Lion Cheryl Corolewski, their Leo Coordinator. Lion Cheryl suggested that the Leos would embrace my DG Contest and asked to discuss it and how to implement it with her group. The value I get from visiting clubs and the feedback is priceless. More on a contest for Leos later.

Another early morning departure on Friday to visit the Burley Lions Club and to spend the night with Lion Scott Bloxham as they allowed me to assist with the Spud Man Triathlon. The biggest fund raiser by a 39-W Lions club, the Spud Man has been going on since 1986. If anyone ever needs insight in how Lions can work together, in good spirit, selflessness and dedication, then attend or volunteer for the Spud Man. No one complained, everyone worked, and Lions and contestants enjoyed a successful event. Lion Cade Richman was in his first year as coordinator for the event and I heard him comment, "I didn't know there were so many little things to keep track of." Lion Cade identified the little things and took care of them. Great event, Burley Lions.

Visitations help me become familiar with Lions and their activities and fund raisers. It also helps Lions who may not know me to put a face to a name. As I sat next to one Lion this week I was asked, "Who are you?"

I replied "Lion Ashley from the Boise Vista Club! And you are Lion ...?"

DG Ashley

Lions on the hunt

TEAMWORK is how Lions in the wild work together, in prides, to hunt and survive.  My goal this year encourages Lion membership growth, service through project activities and donations, and club social activities, through a series of fun activities to complete the objectives.  For details of the DG contest you can visit the DG Contest on the website.

Form “Prides” of three lions to go on the “Hunt” for guests, new members, worthwhile activities and enjoyable club activities.  Prides will work together, to encourage each other and share ideas to help make Lionism fun and successful.   

 What a fun time to be a Lion.  I look forward to meeting all of you this year.

DG Ashley

In a world of service

International President Wayne Madden set as his theme for 2012-13  “In a World of Service”.

He writes:

In a world of need, there is someone to help.  In a world of suffering, there is someone who cares.  In a world of destruction, there is someone to provide relief.  In a world of illiteracy, there is someone to teach.  And in a world of service, there is one name that stands out among others – Lions Clubs International.  That’s what we do.  That’s what we have always done.  It is our motto, and the reason we exist.

President Madden wants to stress that fact that in the world there are too many people who are illiterate or semi-literate.  He offers some suggestions.  Get involved in the RAP, Reading Action Program.

Some possible project ideas for Lions clubs:

Help an after school reading program

Read to children at local libraries or schools

Work with local literacy experts and agencies to promote reading

Read or record books on tape for the blind and visually impaired

Provide Internet connection for a school or library

What will your club do this year to promote reading? 

DG Ashley

The Korean people: pride,family, service

We often hear that is best to “get away” from our daily life and get a new perspective.  The 95^th Lions International Convention was held is Busan, Korea.  Getting away to a foreign country certainly provides an opportunity to gain a look at the contrast between two dynamic countries and people.   What is sometimes perceived as contrast is just a different perspective of similar values.  Devotion to pride, family, service is the image one takes away from contact with the wonderful Korean people.

The U.S. formed a bond with the people when we came to their aid on June 25, 1950, to turn back the invasion from the north by the Communist North Korean forces.  A trip by Connie and me to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea was met by two individuals who sought us to say that they will always appreciate the fact that the Americans were the first to come to their aid.  Moving! 

Pride is everywhere-evident from the cleanliness of the city, the neat attire and personal appearance of the people and the observation that 90% of the vehicles are Hyundai or Kias all under ten years old.  

Many seem to work at lower wage jobs, but get along because they live with their parents until they are able to save for their own accommodations.  In a city short on land, the Korean people live in high rise condos/apartment buildings, many rising 35 stories with a stand of beautiful new structures that reach over 60 stories.  

Service:  From the minute you disembark your flight, you are greeted by smiling and courteous members of local Korean Lions clubs and local government representatives.  Korea has a vibrant Lions District that provided much financial and volunteer support of the convention and Lions looking to tour the city. 

I’m sure the great baseball philosopher Yogi Berra may have offered the same observation as I came away with, “They’re the same as us, only different."

 DG Ashley

Calling all club secretaries!

We may be doing that-literally! 

Club secretaries-we need your new officers!  They will begin their term in just 2 short weeks.  It takes some time to update the website, the email lists, the e-bulletin list, and the directory with all the changes.  (Even if you don't make a change in officers, you still need to go to the LCI website and enter the officers names-they don't carry over.)

Please!  OK, we won't beg.

Club secretaries can take advantage of a recorded webinar from LCI to learn about the online membership and activity reports.  Treasurers can do the same with the recorded treasurers' webinar.  Included are the FAQs from the live session.  (Secretary FAQs; Treasurer FAQs)

Oh, and if you've had your name added as a secretary or treasurer for 2012-13, starting tomorrow, June 15, you can log in and look around. 

Kuna celebrates 45

Kuna Lions Club's 45th Charter Party was held Saturday evening with a western theme and prizes for everyone!  Lions and guests were decked out in boots and hats, served a hearty meal, and treated to a game of "horse" (bingo) in which everyone was a winner.  New officers were introduced, awards were handed out, Council Chair Laura Wells represented the Multiple District, and everyone went home happy.  What could be better?  Photos, of course!