To conduct and support local and large-scale effort leading to the control and treatment of diabetes and its complications through education, prevention and research.

The Role of the Diabetes Chairperson
On the district level and multiple district level, the district governor and council chairperson, respectively, appoint Lions to serve as the district and multiple district diabetes awareness chairpersons. Lions clubs are encouraged to appoint one member to serve as the club diabetes awareness chair.

• Begin by setting goals. Evaluate the effectiveness of current club-level and district-level diabetes awareness projects. Outline a district diabetes awareness plan. Include procedures required for fulfilling the plan. Submit the plan to the district governor for approval.
• Communicate these goals and project ideas to club chairpersons through: an open letter on the district Web site; an open letter in the district governor's newsletter; e-mails, personal letters, telephone calls, or personal visits.
• Incorporate new project ideas contributed by clubs. Do not duplicate local, regional, or national programs. Work with local healthcare professionals to provide the most appropriate service to the community. One outstanding project is the Strides: Lions Walk for Diabetes Awareness.             
• Arrange diabetes awareness seminars and workshops to explain the topic to club chairpersons. Invite health care professionals as speakers. Seminars and workshops often help motivate clubs toward participation in diabetes awareness.
• Report diabetes awareness activities to the district cabinet and to the local media through communications with the district public relations chairperson. Chairpersons are encouraged to submit reports and photographs of successful diabetes projects to:

Health and Children's Services 
Lions Clubs International
300 W. 22nd Street
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842 USA
E-mail: programs@lionsclubs.org

District Chairperson should be familiar with:

• information concerning diabetes education, prevention and control, including medical or technological advances
• Lions board policy as it pertains to the Diabetes Awareness Program
• Diabetes Awareness Month (November) and World Diabetes Day (November 14)
• opportunities for Lions to create and contribute to diabetes projects
• diabetes project funds available through Core 4 Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) grants
• requirements for the diabetes awareness awards as outlined below

Lions Clubs Can Help
Clubs can begin planning diabetes projects and activities by contacting their district diabetes awareness chairperson. This Lion should be aware of local and regional diabetes programs. Together, district and club-level diabetes chairpersons can organize effective diabetes awareness programs in their communities.

Before developing any club project

• Evaluate community needs. Does your community have a large "at-risk" population (persons who are elderly, overweight, or who belong to specific ethnic groups)? Is diabetes prevalent in the community? What is the best way to assist this population?
• Partner with local diabetes organizations. Contact local government agencies, private diabetes foundations, or hospitals. Suggest forming a partnership for diabetes education programs or fundraisers.
• Determine the best diabetes project for your community. Local health care regulations may affect your choice of diabetes awareness projects.
• Outline a plan. Include procedures and costs involved in implementing the project. Submit the plan to your club for approval.

Online Resources

• Chairperson Newsletter: sent via e-mail to diabetes chairpersons of record and other Lions involved in community outreach efforts. Click here to add your name to the mailing list.
• Lions Newswire: stay up-to-date with the latest Lions announcements and program information
• Lions Learning Center: online courses to develop skills for a successful leadership role.
• Public Relations Tools: choose from a variety of resourses to help raise public awareness.

International Resources
Chairpersons are encouraged to use the Internet as an international resource which provides continually updated information about diabetes. Lions Clubs International includes the following Web sites as a service:  

• (US) National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is a leading public education program that promotes diabetes prevention and control in the USA.
• American Diabetes Association (ADA)  is a nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy.  
• Children with Diabetes - includes camp locations in Australia, Canada, and the US.
• Diabetes Education & Camping Association (DECA) serves as a worldwide voice to advance diabetes camping programs that meet the needs of individuals and families.
• International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is a worldwide alliance of 200 diabetes associations in 158 countries, who have come together to enhance the lives of people with diabetes everywhere. Click here to locate a diabetes association in your country. 
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide.
• (US) National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) established the LCIF-funded LEHP. 
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts and supports basic and clinical research.
• World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency responsible for international public health.

Diabetes Awareness Awards

Multiple District Diabetes Awareness Award is mailed to each council chairperson. At the end of the year, it is presented to the multiple district chairperson for outstanding leadership and support of diabetes awarness projects in the multiple district.

District Diabetes Awareness Award is mailed to each district governor. At the end of the year, it is presented to the district chairperson for outstanding leadership service and support of diabetes awarness projects in the district.

New Horizons Award  in Diabetes Education is mailed to each disrict governor. At the end of the year, it is presented to the club in the district that completes the most outstanding work in the area of diabetes education within the community.

For More Information
Health and Children's Services
Lions Clubs International
300 W. 22nd Street
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842 USA
E-mail: programs@lionsclubs.org