by Jimmy M. Ross
President, The International Association of Lions Clubs

How often have you heard it said that the young people of today represent tomorrow’s future? This, I assure you, is not fiction. The words ring true, for the manner in which our youth grow, learn and mature will eventually enable them to occupy strong and effective leadership positions. Lions have had, and I am positive will continue to have, a positive impact in this area of service. Their commitment to involvement in activities on behalf of young people is solid because they know they are all working together for a better world.

Consider Leo clubs, for example, which, since 1957, have helped secure a brighter, more optimistic future for young people in every community where a club is active. Hundreds of thousands of young men and women have been afforded the opportunity for leadership growth and for understanding the crucial need for voluntary service in their communities. For Lions, the chartering of Leo clubs has resulted in the best ways possible to impress upon youngsters the service mission of Lions clubs and inspire them to maintain their involvement in voluntary service after their Leo days end. Does you club sponsor a Leo club? If it does, you understand its value and the positive effect it has on your community and fellow Lions. If you do not sponsor a Leo club, I urge you to consider sponsoring one this year. Your community, your own club and, of course, the young people themselves will treasure its far-reaching benefits.

Three of our association’s youth programs have a direct impact on promoting global good will and harmony. International Youth Exchange and Youth Camps help young participants appreciate the values of others and the wisdom of practicing mutual respect and understanding when meeting and working with people of different historical, political, religious and cultural backgrounds.

The Lions International Peace Poster Contest has been one of the most popular of all our youth activities. In the past few years, more than 350,000 young people, 11 to 13-years-of-age, have participated annually by giving artistic renderings to their feelings for peace and in giving visual substance to the very first Object of Lions Clubs International: To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world. Both Youth Exchange and the Peace Poster contest signal a Lions club’s dedication to a better, more humane world.

Lions Quest is still another highly acclaimed youth program. Since its introduction in 1984, it has expanded to classrooms in 25 countries, helping young people develop strong character and social aptitudes through its three curricula—Skills for Growing in elementary schools, Skills for Adolescence in middle schools and Skills for Action in high school grades. Now totally conducted by LCIF, Lions Quest makes it possible for Lions to work with the educational community and young people in an activity that has a proven track record of success and a vision for the future.

As you know, one of our newest activities for youth is Lions Services for Children. It is designed to help meet the needs of children and young adolescents who have been forced to live in extremely adverse circumstances by providing health and educational services. This is being accomplished on both a local and international basis, and every Lions club in this association is invited to participate in some way.

If your club is not involved in youth activities to the extent you believe it should be, then exercise your own Paradigm Shift in this area. Join with young people to help them recognize the absolute need for community service and for reaching out to others to ensure a safer, healthier, more peaceful tomorrow.