Rebuilding and Reactivating Clubs

Step 1:

Review the Club Health Assessment for club status (status quo and cancelled clubs), membership loss and account balance over 90 days. Clubs should make sure the roster is up to date and drop members who have left the club so they do not incur additional expenses.

Step 2:

Determine strategy

• If the club is small but in good standing, consider Club Rebuilding. Enlist the support of a Guiding Lion or encourage the zone chairperson to mentor the club in recruiting new members, training officers and providing meaningful community service.  For clubs needing assistance, please fill out the Club Rebuilding Application and obtain the appropriate signatures.
• If the club is in status quo, the district should work with the club to bring them to good standing. See the Club Health Assessment for the reason the club was placed on status quo. When ready fill out the Club Reactivation Form.  For clubs in status quo for Financial Suspension to be returned to Good Standing, their outstanding balance must be paid. This can be found in the Lion Portal or by contacting the A/R & Club Account Services Department at [email protected].
• If the club has been cancelled:
  • Disbanded: Districts have 12 months from the date of cancellation to reactive the club. A minimum of 10 members is required and any outstanding balance with Lions International must be paid. See the Club Reactivation Form for more information.  
  • Financial Suspension: For clubs to be returned to Good Standing, their outstanding balance must be paid. This can be found the Lion Portal or by contacting the A/R and Club Account Services Department at [email protected]. If reactivated, the club must pay the balance in full along with approval form the district governor. See the Financial Suspension Reactivation Form for this purpose.

The Club Rebuilding Learning Path is an online tool available to all Lions clubs, currently offered in English only. This resource provides eight courses to help clubs grow, thrive and rebuild through teamwork, goal setting, strategic planning and improving overall club health.

To accommodate each club’s unique members and goals, the course offers a flexible framework. Contact [email protected] to participate.

Step 3:

Encourage the zone chairperson and if needed assign a Guiding Lion to assist the club. Guiding Lion Assignment Form. Visit the Guiding Lion webpage for more information.

Club Excellence Awards

The Club Excellence Award honors clubs and Lion leaders who demonstrate outstanding leadership, membership growth, impactful service and humanitarian contributions. To learn more, visit the Excellence Award webpage. 

Certified Guiding Lion Award

As part of the Club Rebuilding Program, a Guiding Lion is assigned to the club who acts as a mentor.  The Guiding Lion assists the areas in which they may need help.  

Upon the completion of the two-year term, Guiding Lions may qualify for the Guiding Lion Award. Requirements for the Guiding Lion to qualify for the award are listed below broken out by the club and the Guiding Lion:

Club requirements:

• Is in good standing with Lions International.
• Had a net membership growth and a minimum of 20 members at the close of the Guiding Lion’s two-year term.
• Reported new service and fundraising projects and was encouraged to donate to LCIF.
• Participated in district activities (including zone meetings).
• Club officers confirm the Guiding Lion supported the club’s development (sign the final report form). 

Guiding Lion requirements:    

• Submitted Quarterly Reports to Lions International and the district governor for two years.
• Completed the Certified Guiding Lion Course prior to the end of their two year assignment.
• Attended a majority of the club’s general and board meetings.
• Submitted their Final Report to Lions International and their district governor.