“You are the association’s essential link between the Lions of the world. Our magazines are the primary vehicles through which members learn of the goals of Lions Clubs International and understand what other clubs are accomplishing in their communities.”

In making these observations at the conference of editors representing the language editions of THE LION Magazine, May 3-5, 2005, in Brussels, Belgium, Clement F. Kusiak, 2004-2005 international president, welcomed the participants and challenged them to further enhance their professional expertise in serving their readership. Thirty-three editors were in attendance at Le Meridian Hotel in the nation’s capital city to review their responsibilities and discuss how they could, individually and on a cooperative basis, help Lions to still more successfully focus on the programs of the association and recognize their leadership status in their respective communities. In addition to President Kusiak, the editors were joined by 2003-2004 International  President Dr. Tae-Sup Lee; Second Vice President Jimmy M. Ross; International Director Howard Lee, chairperson of the Public Relations Committee of the International Board of Directors; and Past International Director Prem Lahoty.

Following introductory remarks, the participants examined how to standardize the appearance of basic features of each edition, such as placing the association’s emblem on the cover, masthead and mission statement. Dr. Lee, then serving as chairperson of the LCIF Executive Committee, spoke of the need for each edition to promote the forthcoming Campaign SightFirst II, subsequently launched at the international convention in Hong Kong. Afterwards, he joined in a panel discussion with Vice President Ross and Director Lee on the impact the campaign will have on the ability of Lions Clubs International to conquer preventable and reversible blindness and how the magazines will be instrumental in helping to determine the success the association will experience in reaching the US$150 million goal, and the “stretch” target of another $50 million.

The importance of the International News Exchange was underscored as a means to provide all editions with articles and information that will enable their readers to understand the direction the association is taking in such major objectives as club and membership growth, LCIF, youth activities and each year’s International Program. It was emphasized that a number of articles originating at International Headquarters are board directed for all editions to publish, thus providing Lions worldwide with identical material.

How do the editors gather news of the activities of Lions clubs? Methods ranged from newsletters and reports submitted by clubs and districts to individual Web sites. Everyone in attendance agreed on the crucial need for each edition to be in contact with their readers in order to receive information and photos. The editors were also urged to visit the Lions Clubs International Web site on a regular basis for current details of association programs and objectives.

A highlight of the conference was a power point presentation by Seyhan Altintas, editor of the Turkish language edition, illustrating how Lions around the world answered pressing needs following the devastating earthquake in that nation. Turkish Lions lead teams to rebuild schools and entire villages. Japanese Lions funded a new community center and Lions across Europe donated clothing, blankets, hygiene material and other necessities immediately following the tragedy. Danish Lions constructed a health center and Lions of Germany built and equipped a primary school and a science and computer center. Turkish Lions, with a grant from LCIF, also sponsored a dialysis center, which is today the largest in Europe. In all, in excess of $2,100,000 was donated by Lions.

“It was a tremendous effort to rebuild homes and communities,” said Altintas, “and demonstrated what Lions can do when they join together to reach a common objective.” The Lions of Turkey recently expressed their appreciation in a very concrete manner when they dispatched rescue teams to areas devastated by last December’s tsunami disaster.

The conference concluded with an introduction to incoming International President Ashok Mehta’s program and the meaning of his theme, “Passion To Excel.” As the common link between Lions in 194 countries and geographical areas, the editors were assured that each of their magazines were making a positive impact in helping Lions achieve their mission of service.