by Dr. Ashok Mehta
President
The International Association of Lions Clubs

Activities on behalf of youth continue to be the most popular area of service for Lions clubs worldwide. This year, I am urging Lions to maintain this focus in providing young people with opportunities to develop into contributing, involved citizens of their communities. Our passion to serve through youth programs such as Leo clubs, International Youth Exchange and Youth Camps, Lions-Quest, Scouting, the International Peace Poster Contest, Young Leaders in Service and other initiatives enable us to act in the capacity of trustees of future generations. Indeed, partnering with young people, the hope and promise of tomorrow, exemplifies our Passion To Excel.

It is important that every Lions club sponsor programs that benefit youth. One such venture is our recently launched Lions Services for Children Program. I was pleased to learn that clubs around the world are responding passionately to the needs of children who live in adverse circumstances by providing education and health services. Because so many children today suffer from poverty, illness, disabilities and illiteracy, I am asking that every Lions club conduct at least one service project this year to help disadvantaged children.

Youth-oriented activities are far-reaching, enabling Lions to adopt those which they consider most relevant to their own communities. Our successful Leo club program makes it possible for young people to understand the priceless need for citizens to volunteer their services. All they learn from their Leo membership will, in fact, last a lifetime, ensuring that the spirit of volunteerism will continue to flourish in the community and that there will never be a shortage of leaders who fully understand the passionate need to give of their time and talents on behalf of others.

The Lions International Peace Poster Contest, Youth Exchange and Youth Camps teach the young participants the value of promoting and practicing global good will and harmony. Whether it be joining together on a personal basis to share values or to artistically express visions for peace, they truly cultivate the essence of the very first Object of this association: “To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.” Lions-Quest enables young people to develop positive skills for living, gain self-assurance in their ability to meet the challenges that confront them and avoid the consequences of substance abuse. All this is made possible because Lions choose to exercise their unqualified passion to reach out to youth in the most positive manner possible.

This year, Leo clubs and their sponsoring Lions clubs that complete a joint project and other activities reflecting Leo-Lion collaboration will receive a banner patch featuring the Leo and Lions club logos and the words “Serving Together.”

In April 2005, the International Board of Directors approved “Spotlight on Children” as the International Service Project for Leo clubs. Through it, Leos are encouraged to develop a project for children in adverse circumstances such as providing clothing for children in need, collecting books for children, repairing a playground, visiting children in the hospital, volunteering during a Special Olympics meet, raising funds for UNICEF or other activities. Leo clubs that complete a “Spotlight on Children” project can apply for a banner patch and individual Leos who provide a high level of support for the project are eligible for a certificate of recognition.

Lions, activities for young people demonstrate your commitment to the future of your community and to Lions Clubs International, and bear clear evidence of your Passion To Excel.