Time is a precious commodity for everyone these days, but especially for younger families where both spouses often work and share responsibilities for raising children. And there are also many parents in families with older children who are now committed to caring for an older parent or grandparent. The changing dynamics of family life, as well as new economic realities, have made it difficult for many families to volunteer their time to traditional civic organizations and service clubs. 

These changes have clearly impacted our association’s ability to attract the next generation of people in their 30s and 40s, who were once a mainstay of our membership recruiting base. Lions Clubs International now has the opportunity to become a leading force in family volunteerism worldwide with the establishment of the Family Dues Structure. Coupled with the introduction of Family-Friendly clubs, this dues structure will position the association as a dynamic, forward-thinking organization focused on answering the needs of young families as well as serving communities worldwide.

How many times have you heard that Lions are the “best kept secret in town” or that “my grandfather is a Lion?” What about hearing “young families are not really interested in joining our club because they are so busy and have so many other options; our club is facing an uncertain future unless we can turn things around?” Now, the association can do something about these trends by adopting a family membership program and dues structure. It will not only help interested clubs in recruiting younger members, but it will also demonstrate to the world that Lions remain the most dynamic and relevant service club in town.

The time for reaching out to more families is now. Research shows that fundamental changes in the make-up of families around the world are such that young families with parents in their 30s and 40s prefer to volunteer together and are moving toward more flexible community service options that welcome the whole family to participate. Volunteering together allows families to share precious time with each other and to also pass down values about giving and service from one generation to the next. As they grow up, children in families that had a tradition of volunteering naturally tend to continue that practice into their adult years. By including families, we are helping those young families establish the tradition of volunteering and planting the seeds of future Lions club membership with their offspring.

At the 2006 International Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, delegates will have the opportunity to vote on the Family Dues Amendment. This proposal is essential to ensuring that Lions clubs continues its legacy of serving those in need in the coming decades ahead. The following questions and answers section highlights many of the proposed benefits for the association and covers the operational aspect of the family membership dues initiative if approved.

Frequently Asked Questions
Please take time to read over the following questions and answers for a better understanding of the proposed Family Membership Dues Amendment.

What are the benefits of a Family Dues Structure?
Instituting a Family Dues Structure will support membership growth especially in regions where club membership is aging. The family membership initiative will appeal to a population group not represented to its fullest potential in our association. And by doing more to include children and adolescents in our club activities, we are creating a tradition of volunteerism and life-long affiliation to Lions that will help ensure our future growth and vitality. Additionally, reaching out to families can add a new energy and vitality to existing clubs as well as allow for more new club development.

How does the Family Dues Structure work?
The first family member, either being a current or newly inducted member, shall pay full annual dues (US$39) and any applicable entrance fee. Up to four more subsequent qualifying family members over the age of majority shall pay one-half of the standard annual dues (US$19.50) and no association entrance fees. For newly chartered clubs, the first family member shall pay the full charter fee (US$30) and full annual dues. Subsequent qualifying members shall pay half the annual dues (US$19.50) and no additional charter entrance fees.

Who qualifies for the family dues structure?
For the purpose of the Family Dues Structure, “family” includes all members living in the same household related by birth, marriage and other legal means, including such common family relations as parents, children, spouses, aunts/uncles, cousins, grandparents and in-laws of spouses.

For the purpose of dues assessment and membership eligibility, family membership shall be limited to no more than five qualifying members per household above the legal age of majority. Membership in the same Lions club is required. For adolescents between 18 and 26, residency in the same household is not required if attending higher education or serving in their country’s military service.

Why not apply the new dues rate to family members belonging to different clubs? 
First, a primary reason for offering a special dues rate is that it costs less for the association to service families belonging to the same club. Under the proposed program, family members would receive only one LION Magazine, one new member kit, and they would receive consolidated mailings for awards and other items. These cost savings are less when family members belong to different clubs. Second, in terms of responding to the new family dynamics cited above, families increasingly prefer to volunteer together.

Would the family dues rate apply to existing members who qualify?
Yes, any families currently belonging to the same club and meeting the other requirement would be eligible for the family dues rate. Club secretaries will be responsible for completing an online family membership form when updating and submitting their monthly membership reports.

Does every club have to start recruiting families?
Of course not. Because membership in any Lions club is by invitation, clubs can decide the composition of their membership as they always have. In a recent survey of nearly 3,000 Lions worldwide, more than four out of every five Lions believed that a family membership program was an ideal strategy for membership growth and diversity, even if it was not considered ideal for their club.

If family members already volunteer, do they have to be members to continue to volunteer at events?
No. Family members are welcome to volunteer as non-members as they always have. The new family initiative provides an option for those who want to enjoy the pride and privileges of being an active member. The program is ideal for clubs that feel there are additional services needed in their community and that families are an untapped source of volunteers in their community.

Will there be any special programs for families?
Initially, if individual clubs choose to adopt a family-friendly model, they can focus on the many youth programs already offered by Lions Clubs International as well as engage in other service activities appealing to families. As the family membership program evolves, plans involve developing programs that will attract families to Lions clubs, such as family vacation volunteer exchanges with Lions in other communities and countries.

What sort of voting rights do family members get?
Dues paying family members who are above the age of majority would each have a full vote on club matters and would each be counted as individual delegates toward delegate voting formulas for district and international convention votes.

Does the age one can become a Lion change?
No. Per the association’s constitution, formal membership is limited to individuals who are above the age of majority. Therefore, adolescents and minor children shall not be entitled to formal membership and not be added to the membership roster. In such cases, clubs are encouraged to sponsor Leo clubs for these younger family members.

When will the Family Dues Structure be implemented?
If approved at the international convention, the program will be operational by January 1, 2007. This would allow adequate time for adjusting membership forms and administrative processes and to coincide with the bi-annual billing cycle.

For more information, please e-mail memberprog@lionsclubs.org.