My summer began like most university students in North America. I was planning to work through the summer break at my first internship and was excited to finally get a paycheck!
But fate has a way of intervening in the best laid plans. When I found out I had been appointed to co-serve with Eleonora Fresia from Italy in the inaugural Leo-Lion Board Liaison position, I had to quit my internship. The invitation to serve on the Lions board was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.
My first board meeting and new directors’ orientation
Six weeks after quitting my internship, I walked across the stage during the third plenary session of the Lions International Convention in Las Vegas as International President Gudrun Yngvadottir announced the appointment of Eleonora and me as the Leo-Lion Board Liaisons. Hearing 15,000 Lions and Leos cheer for the Leo Club Program was so inspirational and motivated me to continue to work hard to positively impact the organization.
Following the final plenary session, I attended the post-convention board meeting where outgoing international directors were recognized and thanked for their service, and incoming international directors were welcomed to the board. This gave me the opportunity to network with past and present board members and their spouses. I loved hearing about their Lion experiences and felt welcomed to the board.
The next day was dedicated to meeting my colleagues from the Membership Development Committee. We will be serving together on this committee to increase membership and improve member experience. We will also be exploring new membership opportunities that appeal more to young people. Later that day, board members dined and danced the night away to the music of Abba. I had a great time and can’t wait to work with these Lions in the future.
Immediately following the board meeting, I attended the new directors’ orientation at Lions headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois. It was two days of productive sessions that helped us understand all the news, programs and opportunities within the Lions and Leo clubs. It was also nice to liaise with the Young Lions and Leo Department staff, discuss the recent changes within the Leo Club Program and plan the next year.
Next stop: USA/Canada Leo Leadership Forum
A few weeks after the new directors’ orientation, I traveled to New York to attend the USA/Canada Leo Leadership Forum from August 1-5, 2018. The forum’s program included numerous workshops and seminars, a trip to Lower Manhattan, a service project with a veterans’ group and a presentation from UNICEF. During the forum, Lions staff member Melissa Nadeau and I hosted an Alpha Leo focus group. This was the first Alpha Leo focus group conducted to discuss issues that are important to Alpha Leos, and I am happy to report that it was very successful.
We received valuable feedback from the Leos that will be used to build out a potential membership package proposal for young people. This will also help the Young Lions and Leos Department redirect their resources to the important areas that Leos outlined. Despite the poor weather in New York, it was great to network with and hear from our American, Canadian and Caribbean Leos.
The journey continued to the Latin America and Caribbean Leo Forum
Two days after returning home from New York, I traveled to the Latin America and Caribbean Leo Forum (ELAC) in Montevideo, Uruguay. I could not be happier to have attended this event. The Uruguayan Leos and forum organizers extended their hospitality and hosted an organized and fun conference.
Highlights included dance parties, a tour of Montevideo and a service project funded by an LCIF Leo grant. Emily Burnett, Young Lions and Leos Department Manager, and I also hosted two focus groups—one for the Alpha Leos and the other for Omega Leos. Both groups provided critical feedback about the Leo and Lion relationship in each country and member benefits that appeal to young people. The forum was well attended and helped promote the Leo Club Program across Latin America.
Next Lion steps
My first few months on the Lions International Board of Directors was truly a unique experience. In the months to come, I look forward to continuing the dialogue with Leos and Young Lions, attending upcoming board meetings and Leo area forums, and getting back to serving my local community. Thank you to International President Gudrun Yngvadottir and her husband, Past International Director Jon Thorsteinsson for being so welcoming to Eleonora and me on the board of directors. I am also thankful to my fellow board members, Lions International staff, Leo forum organizers and Leos for their gracious help and support.
Let’s not be afraid to push our boundaries and sail into unchartered waters. We must—and we will—change to be more inclusive of Leos, young Lions and young prospective members within our organization. Young people are leading the positive change that impacts their local communities. So, let’s start new Leo and Lions clubs, welcome Leos transitioning to membership into our clubs, and continue to foster the spirit of “We Serve.” Because where there’s a need, there’s a Lion and a Leo!
Learn about the pathways for Leos to become Lions!
Kyle Boutilier is a Leo-Lion and serves as a Leo-Lion Board Liaison for Lions Clubs International’s Board of Directors.
