Information for Disaster Relief Chairperson

Disaster Relief chairpersons serve at the district and multiple district levels and support Lions and Leos engaged or interested in disaster relief and preparedness service activities. They empower clubs to organize, providing the leadership, inspiration and best practices needed for effective service and stakeholder engagement.

Disaster Relief chairpersons may collaborate with Lion leadership throughout the organization, including with the Global Service Team (GST) members and other Global Action Team (GAT) members.

Term and appointment

Three-year appointment (recommended), with option for reappointment.
District Disaster Relief chairperson appointed by the district governor.
Multiple district Disaster Relief chairperson appointed by the council chairperson.

Responsibilities

Provides guidance and motivation for clubs to participate in disaster relief service in their communities.
Directs how to partner with local disaster relief organizations and stakeholders to plan and execute service projects, including understanding how Lions and Leos can assist without hindering the work of professionals during crises.
Networks with community groups to maximize service impact.
Shares stories of service projects to inspire others.

Recommended qualifications

Passionate about supporting Lions and Leos.
Strong networking skills and stakeholder engagement experience.
Community organizing experience a plus.
Knowledge of disaster relief best practices a plus.
Existing relationships with stakeholders involved in disaster relief a plus.
Ability to bring diverse groups together to accomplish shared goals.
Strong project management and public speaking skills.
Ability to use technology (email, Microsoft Office, Lion Portal, Lions International webpage, social media).

Learn

Become the topic expert for your district/multiple district by learning about disaster relief and preparedness.

Connect with your local disaster relief stakeholders and explore the existing systems, protocols and needs within your community.
Explore local government responses to disaster relief to consider how Lions and Leos in your areas can best serve.
Build your knowledge and strengthen your expertise by learning from leading global and local disaster relief organizations.
Visit the Lions International Disaster Relief webpage to learn how Lions and Leos are serving in disaster relief, get inspired by their stories and access information on how to apply for a Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) disaster relief grant.

Discover

Bring your knowledge to the local level by exploring how disaster relief and preparedness are directly impacting your district/multiple district.

Conduct a Community Needs Assessment.
Determine what natural disasters are impacting your area. Learn more about them and the relevant environmental factors.
Consider what unique services Lions and Leos can provide to meet specific community needs.

Plan

Based upon what you have learned and discovered, submit a plan of action to the district governor/council chairperson for consideration. In this process you may wish to:

Network with GAT leaders to gain insight on services already being provided.
Discuss your service plan with your GST coordinator and other leaders, including programmatic chairpersons, to gather feedback. They may already be coordinating a disaster relief project where your efforts could add value or strengthen the overall response. Collaborating early ensures alignment, avoids duplication and maximizes impact for communities in crisis.

Act

Inspiring Lions and Leo clubs in your district/multiple districts to serve and report their service in the Lion Portal will be critical to the success of your plan.

Guide clubs in your district/multiple districts through the “Learn, Discover, Act, Celebrate” Service Journey and Service Toolkit.
Build awareness of the need, goals and service plan by offering a disaster relief focused seminar and hands-on service activity during district/multiple district convention.
Formalize partnerships with other organizations to enhance local impact.
Promote funding opportunities offered through LCIF that might support disaster relief projects.
Organize a district/multiple district donation to LCIF for disaster relief to increase global impact.

Celebrate

Encourage clubs to thoroughly report their disaster relief projects in the Lion Portal.
Keep the district governor/council chairperson and GST coordinator informed. Discuss and evaluate progress of the action plan and goals.
Share your achievements and service projects by submitting to the LION Magazine, the Lions Blog and contacting the Service Activities Division.
Celebrate progress and success by recognizing all participating clubs, including applying for the Kindness Matters Service Award.

Contact us

Lions International
Phone: 630-571-5466
[email protected]