What is a Lions Network?
A Lions Network is more than a district’s list of Lions and their business professions — it’s a forum where Lions from different clubs can come together to share ideas and serve. It’s a new way to bring together Lions and people from different communities who have a shared passion or background. It’s not a separate club or meant to distance members from their clubs. In fact, joining a network will make Lions more likely to remain in their clubs. Learn more about what Lions Networks are — and aren’t — in the Lions Network Overview guide.
Benefits
From more satisfied members and growth in overall membership to new, enriching service and collaboration opportunities, there are so many benefits from starting a Lions Network. Explore some of them here or review the Lions Networks Overview guide in the section above for a more in-depth look at how you could benefit.
- Expanded capacity for service
- Opportunities to collaborate between clubs
- Raise the profile of Lions in your district
- More appealing membership
- Increased member satisfaction
- Closer ties to community leaders
Types of Lions Networks
There are so many ways to build a great Lions Network. Here are just a few examples of the types of Lions Networks that can lead to success.
Coalition
Connects Lions across a district to solve complex issues, like substance abuse or youth mental health.
Business/professional
Provides a place where Lions who are business professionals or entrepreneurs can meet to share opportunities and collaborate across industries.
Cultural chamber
Offers an opportunity to bring together people with roots in one country but living in another.
Affinity group
Brings together people from different clubs who enjoy participating in a shared activity.
How to start a network
Once you have a feel for what Lions Networks are and the types of networks that can work for you and your Lions, you can start forming your network. Follow the steps below to get started.
Step 1: Identify
Survey Lions to see what matters to them and identify opportunities to form a network.
Step 2: Appoint
Find a Lion passionate about your network’s focus and appoint them as the organizer.
Step 3: Gather
Bring together Lions and non-Lions to build interest in the network.
Step 4: Meet
Host an organizational meeting to decide how and where the network will be run.
Step 5: Publicize
Promote your service projects on social media and talk to family and friends to encourage non-Lions to join you.
Share your plans
Are you involved in an existing network or curious how a Lions Network could benefit your club? Complete the form to tell us about your network or to share your interest in starting one.
Existing network form – If you're already involved in a Lions Network, fill out this form to share information about your network.
Network interest form – If you're interested in starting your own network, complete this form for help getting started.
Frequently asked questions
- Do network members have to transfer from their clubs?
No, a Lions Network is not a separate club. It’s a group that meets outside of its members’ clubs.
- Can a network collect dues to cover expenses?
Yes, a Lions Network can require members to pay dues to cover expenses. As with a club, income and expenses must be accounted for appropriately.
- Are network titles recognized by Lions International?
No. Board policy does not recognize network titles.
- Who can be in a network?
Anyone who is a Lion is welcome to join a Lions network. Networks may collaborate with community partners or allow guests, but a Lions Network should be a benefit of being a Lion.
- Do networks need to be registered with Lions International?
No. Networks are informal groups that exist in a district.
- How often should a network meet?
A network should meet at least once a month to plan events and stay connected. Care should be taken to not have overly burdensome time commitments that interfere with members’ club activities.
