In this month's Lions Newswire, read about the July LQ, 2008-09 International Program, Contest Results, Membership Programs and more.
Watch the July Edition of LQ
The latest edition of LQ--Lions Quarterly video magazine, begins with a story on the Lions Burn Care Center at the University Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, which provides critical care to patients in the region. It also looks at how Lions in Asia are making "Sight for Kids" a priority; shares a message of peace through the Lions International Peace Poster Contest; and tells a heart-warming fish story that will bring a smile to your face. LQ makes an excellent program during a club meeting and is a resource to share with new and prospective members, as well as local television-access stations. Also, download the LQ podcast and subscribe to it from iTunes. Submit LQ story ideas and photos for consideration to lq@lionsclubs.org. Looking for a past edition of LQ? Visit the LQ archive.
Visit Online Convention
Interested in what took place during Lions International Convention in Bangkok, Thailand? Visit the Online Convention for photos, seminar materials and results (election, award and parade).
Miracles Through Service – 2008-09 International Program
Watch the International Program video, “Everyday Heroes,” online. The video brings to life 2008-09 International President Al Brandel’s program “Miracles Through Service” illustrating the everyday acts of Lions that make them everyday heroes. It is an excellent resource to share with your club members. The DVD is available to purchase from Club Supplies in all official languages. For additional information, read the written program.
International Challenge to Change Awards Presented
The International Challenge to Change Awards were presented during the international convention. View a list of winners and finalists—available from Online Convention.
2008 Environmental Photo Contest Winners Announced
The 2007-08 Lions Environmental Photo Contest at the 91st annual Lions International Convention in Bangkok offered a breathtaking collection of 64 photos taken by Lions from 24 different countries. Registered convention attendees voted for their favorite photos. View this year’s winning photos.
Purchase a 2009 Lions Environmental Photo Contest calendar featuring 25 multiple district photos from the 2008 contest. This multi-lingual, 11" x 17" (27 x 43 cm) is available for US$5 each. To order 2009 calendars, contact programs@lionsclubs.org.
Lions Services for Children News
After a three-year successful pilot, the board of directors adopted the Lions Services for Children Worldwide Symposium Program. Symposiums are an effective way to build awareness of the critical needs of underprivileged children in your area and develop collaborative relationships with other interested organizations. Effective July 1, 2008, this program provides expense assistance to qualifying districts or multiple districts that hold a forum for Lions, educators, health professionals and other community organizations to address the needs of children living in adverse circumstances. The symposium program allows for funding of up to US$1,000 for each of four symposiums per Constitutional Area per fiscal year. Review the program application for more information. Reimbursements will be subject to the program’s Rules of Audit.
Eyeglass Recycling in Your Community
Help your community find your eyeglass collection containers by posting your club’s collection locations on the Lions Clubs International Web site. You may post up to six of your eyeglass collection sites. Postings will appear in the “Club Locator” section. It’s simple: just submit your eyeglass collection locations to the Health & Children’s Services Department. Include the collection locations on your club’s Web site, too.
Lions and Diabetes Awareness
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide today. The primary objective of the Lions Diabetes Awareness Program is to reduce the number of cases of blindness caused by diabetes through diabetes education, early detection and treatment, and support of research. Lions are especially encouraged to conduct awareness activities and diabetes screenings in their communities throughout the year. Work with your club members, other clubs, or your district to plan a Strides: Lions Walk for Diabetes Awareness community event. It’s a great way to involve Lions and residents in an enjoyable, low-impact event and boost your club’s visibility. The Strides Information Kit contains helpful guidelines for you to plan a successful event. For more diabetes news, visit the National Diabetes Education Program’s Web site for downloadable publications and brochures on diabetes education, prevention and control.
Year Round Growth Program Changes
Effective for 2008-09, the Year Round Growth Program will no longer include a personalized letter for sponsoring Lions. Instead, sponsoring Lions are eligible to receive a certificate of sponsorship. All certificates of sponsorship are included in the New Member Kits--clubs can order the kit from the Club Supplies Department.
Is Your District Chartering Ten or More Clubs in a Single Year?
Districts who charter ten or more new clubs in a fiscal year must now provide verifications that the new clubs will be supported for long-term growth. Requirements are as follows:
1. Submit a detailed plan outlining the support that the new clubs will receive.
2. Provide payment of one-half annual international dues upon submission of the charter application.
3. Receive charter application approval from both the district and vice district governor.
Information on the new club policy can be read about in the latest issue of the Extension Newsletter.
Student Member Program Policy Update
In the case of a newly chartered campus club, or a club with a majority of student members, each charter member who qualifies for the Student Member Program is now required to prepay one year of international dues at the Student Member Rate (US$19.50). Such fees are submitted with the charter application. Read more on the Student Member Program.
Are you ready for October Membership Growth?
Are you preparing for the 2008 October Membership Growth Award Program? Clubs qualify for a banner patch and Web site recognition in two steps. First, by adding members in October and then by reporting those members on their MMR or WMMR later on in October. Decide now to be involved in membership recruiting for October.
Peace Begins With Me
Lions clubs are encouraged to reach out to schools or organized youth groups to sponsor the 2008-09 Lions International Peace Poster Contest, “Peace Begins With Me.” A kit (available from Club Supplies) is needed for each contest sponsored by a club. Learn more about the contest, and view the 2007-08 grand prize and merit award posters online. Also, international convention attendees can meet the 2007-08 and 2002-03 grand prize winners on June 25 at the Impact Center (near the Peace Poster exhibit) where they will be signing poster reproductions.
