In this month's Lions Newswire, read about upcoming events, new programs and available resources.
Important Dates for Lions Activities
All over the world, people know of the miracles of service that Lions clubs provide. Clubs and districts may wish to increase their involvement in service activities to promote sight preservation and diabetes awareness. Here are some important upcoming events in 2008:
Macular Degeneration Information Resource for Lions
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss affecting approximately 25-30 million people worldwide. Lions may wish to participate in “AMD Week,” September 21-27. Visit the AMD Alliance International Web site for more information and materials.
Participate in Lions World Sight Day
Make your plans now for Lions World Sight Day – October 9. Lions are encouraged to take part and hold a sight event during the month of October. President Al Brandel will preside over the international Lions World Sight Day event to be held on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, USA. Lions will screen for diabetes and other diseases over three days. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Lions World Sight Day.
Collect Eyeglasses for Sight Night
This October, volunteers across the U.S. and Canada will gather to collect thousands of eyeglasses during trick-or-treat. Plan to participate in Sight Night and join with Leos, Scouts and other community groups. It is easy to get involved--visit www.sightnight.org for materials to get started with your collection. Sight Night is sponsored by Lions Clubs International and Give the Gift of Sight Foundation.
Visit LCIF Booth, Meet Staff
Stop by the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) booth at the USA/Canada or Europa Forum to learn about Foundation programs, pick up publications and meet LCIF staff. Cash and credit card donations can also be made at the booth.
The 2008 Conference of Lions Camps - September 25 - 28
Lions camps provide children and adults with illness and physical challenges opportunities through education, recreation, socialization and rehabilitation programs. Lions Camp Crescendo (Kentucky, USA) will be hosting the 2008 Conference of Lions Camps from September 25 – 28, 2008. Lions wanting to know more about Lions camps and how Lions can be more involved are welcome to attend. The conference will promote communication among Lions camps and their personnel while striving to achieve and maintain high standards of professional excellence in camping. The conference will be conducted in English and is open to all Lions interested in Lions camps. For more information, visit the Lions Camp Crescendo Web site.
New Lions Sought for Magazine Profiles
THE LION Magazine wants to profile young, interesting and active Lions who have joined an existing club within the last four to eight months. One such Lion will be highlighted each month in the magazine starting in January 2009. Please e-mail a brief description of the impact the Lion has made on the club along with person’s name, club name, location and contact information (phone, e-mail) along with your contact information for consideration.
Lions Clubs International Videos on YouTube
LCI’s videos are now available on YouTube – the premier online destination to watch and share original videos worldwide. Visit www.youtube.com/lionsclubsorg to see the latest videos about our international convention in Bangkok, club service projects featured in LQ and more. While on YouTube, click the Subscribe button to stay up-to-date on the latest Lions Clubs International videos.
New LCIF Exhibit
A new Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) exhibit is available to clubs and districts to reserve for their convention or community fairs to promote the Foundation. The tabletop exhibit provides an overview of LCIF programs. The exhibit is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact LCIF Communications to reserve the exhibit for your event. (Please note the exhibit is currently only available in the United States.)
International Convention Registration
Registration for the international convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA is now available online -- it is convenient and easy to use. You can also use online registration to book a room at your delegation hotel. Your convention registration and hotel reservation are confirmed immediately via e-mail. Check the convention pages online frequently for updated information about convention events and logistics information.
Leo of the Year Awarded
The Leo of the Year Award recipients demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, achieve a superior record as a Leo in implementing successful service projects, make an identifiable contribution to the development and growth of the Leo Club Program, achieve distinction in community or school activities outside of Leo club commitments and demonstrate high ethical standards and personal integrity. Congratulations to all the 2007-08 award recipients.
Attend Lions Day with the United Nations
Lions Day with the United Nations will be held on Friday, March 13, 2009 in New York, USA. The daylong program features UN speakers and a luncheon with UN ambassadors. This will be the last opportunity to tour the historic UN building prior to its renovation. To attend, send your complete registration form and fee to LCI.
Two New Club Programs
Two new hands-on club programs have been introduced for the betterment of the environment and beautification of the community:
- Lions Green Team - Organize a high-visibility environmental project, such as a community clean-up, tree planting or recycling effort.
- Lions Crew at Work - Invite Lions and other community members to help clean, paint or repair a local facility such as a community center, shelter, camp, playground or nature trail.
During these events, Lions are encouraged to post a Lions sign or banner and to wear Lions hats, shirts, jackets to identify the club in the community. Invite the community to join your club’s efforts and contact your local media.
Sponsor the Peace Poster Program
Get involved with the youth in your community by sponsoring the Lions International Peace Poster Contest at your local schools and youth groups. Contact teachers and group leaders today to see about participation in the 2008-09 contest, “Peace Begins With Me.” Contest kits are available now through October 1 for Lions clubs to purchase from Club Supplies. Learn more about the program and view previous grand prize and merit award winning posters.
Miracles Through Service – 2008-09 International Program
Watch the International Program video, “Everyday Heroes,” online. The video brings to life 2008-09 International President Al Brandel’s program “Miracles Through Service,” illustrating the everyday acts of Lions that make them everyday heroes. This inspiring video is an excellent resource to share with your club members. The DVD is available to purchase from Club Supplies in all official languages. For additional information, read the written program.
Bangkok Convention Highlights on DVD
Share highlights from the Lions International Convention in Bangkok, Thailand with Lions, family and friends. This 15-minute DVD features highlights set to music and includes the following bonus features: the Keynote Address, Humanitarian Award Winner's Speech and the International Challenge to Change Awards Ceremony. Preview the DVD online and order a copy from Club Supplies today.
New: Lions Services for Children Symposium Program
Symposiums are an effective way to develop collaborative relationships with governmental agencies, health care organizations, educators and others involved with children’s services. The new children’s symposium program allows for up to US$1,000 expense assistance for a district or multiple district that holds a symposium to address the education and/or health needs of children.
Applications for funding are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for fiscal year 2008-2009. Four symposiums will be selected in each Constitutional Area. To apply for funding, submit the official application to the Health & Children’s Services Department at Lions Clubs International. All reimbursements will be subject to the Rules of Audit developed specifically for this program. Read more about the Lions Services for Children Program.
World Diabetes Day – November 14
Begin planning for World Diabetes Day and other diabetes activities during November, Lions Diabetes Awareness Month. Here are some ways for clubs and districts to get involved and provide awareness of diabetes, a growing world epidemic:
