This year’s presidential awards
2025-2026 Lion Year
Forum Recognition
Reaching recruitment targets is key to growth and success. And you can earn special recognition at your international forum when you do.
July 17, 2025 – July 7, 2026
VDG Challenge (Hong Kong)
Great leaders don’t wait to take action. Vice district governors who support growth before even taking office can earn convention honors in Hong Kong.
July 17, 2025 – July 7, 2026
Outstanding Districts
Meeting membership targets is excellent work. Exceeding membership targets ensures an even stronger future for Lions.
July 17, 2025 – July 7, 2026
Top Districts
Be a top performing district in your constitutional area and around the world and earn a trip to Hong Kong and the recognition you deserve.
This year’s awards criteria
We always accomplish more when we work together. And this year’s awards are designed to recognize the unique strengths and talents of each district team in every constitutional area.
Please keep in mind that each Lion is only eligible to receive one President’s Award or one President’s Leadership Award in a Lion year. If a recipient is not eligible for their award, they may nominate another Lion who significantly contributed to the achievement.
Forum Recognition
Achieve the percentage of your District Level recruitment target (charter members AND new members) noted below by your area forum. The recruitment target is established by your new member target plus 20 charter members for each new club in your new club target. A minimum of one new club must be established to be eligible.
Qualifying criteria
District Level
- USA/Canada and ANZI – 20% of recruitment target
- Europa – 30% of recruitment target
- Africa and OSEAL – 40% of recruitment target
- FOLAC – 50% of recruitment target
- ISAME – 70% of recruitment target
District governors, district global membership teams (GMT) and district global extension teams (GET) will each be recognized at the forum with a special plaque. In addition, council chairpersons, MD GMTs, MD GETs and area leaders will be recognized if at least 50% of their districts in their multiple district or area qualify.
VDG Challenge (Hong Kong)
Vice district governors who establish new clubs prior to beginning their terms will earn recognition for their outstanding leadership during a plenary session at our 2026 convention in Hong Kong.
Qualifying criteria
- 2025-2026 – 1VDG: Personally extend two clubs during your VDG years. Please note: The candidate must be named as an “extension award nominee” on the award application.
- 2025-2026 – 2VDG: Personally extend one club during 2VDG year. Please note: The candidate must be named as an “extension award nominee” on the award application.
Want some inspiration? Meet the 2025 VDG Challenge winners from our convention in Orlando.
Outstanding Districts
Show your dedication to membership growth by exceeding your district’s recruitment target and be recognized as an outstanding district during a plenary session at convention in Hong Kong.
Qualifying criteria
- Achieve 150% of your recruiting target (new members plus charter members, with each new club representing 20 members recruited), with a minimum of one club being formed.
Top Districts
District governors can earn complimentary convention travel and registration for exceptional membership growth in their districts. In addition to convention recognition during a plenary session in Hong Kong, winners will receive free economy class airfare, hotel and registration for both the district governor and 1 adult companion.
Qualifying criteria
- Be a top net gain achiever in each constitutional area, plus the next 17 districts globally.
- Zone chairs of qualifying districts will earn a Presidential Certificate of Appreciation.
View the travel and reimbursement guidelines for the Top Districts award.
MISSION 1.5
Resources for growth
Explore our MISSION 1.5 page for resources, ideas and strategies to help you grow your club, district or multiple district. Plus, every Lion has the opportunity to earn exclusive MISSION 1.5 awards as we work to grow our clubs and our impact.
