The Lions Diabetes Awareness and Action Program Mission Statement is:
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 Awareness and Action 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 and action chairpersons. Lions clubs are encouraged to appoint one member to serve as the club diabetes awareness and action chair.
Begin by setting goals. Evaluate the effectiveness of current club-level and district-level diabetes awareness projects. Outline a district diabetes awareness and action 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 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 and action.
Report diabetes awareness and action activities to the district cabinet and to the local media through communications with the district public relations chairperson. Submit a story or photo to share with Lions worldwide.
Lions board policy as it pertains to the Diabetes Awareness and Action 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 and action awards as outlined below
Lions Clubs Can Help
Clubs can begin planning diabetes projects and activities by contacting their district diabetes awareness and action chairperson. This Lion should be aware of local and regional diabetes programs. Together, district and club-level diabetes chairpersons can organize effective diabetes awareness and action programs in their communities.
Before developing any club project
Evaluate community needs. Does your community have a large "at-risk" population? 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 and action 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: for diabetes chairpersons of record and other Lions involved in community outreach efforts.
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
(US) National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is a leading public education program that promotes diabetes prevention and control in the USA.
Diabetes Education & Camping Association (DECA) serves as a worldwide voice to advance diabetes camping programs that meet the needs of individuals and families.
To enhance and expand programs that meet the needs of those living with diabetes, LCI and DECA have formed a partnership to promote diabetes education programs and diabetes camping worldwide.
Lions, would you like more information about getting involved with diabetes camping programs for children or improving your existing Lions camp? On the DECA Web site you will find a "Lions Club" section containing a helpful array of free resources aimed at best practices for improving camp programs, healthcare or administration. Simply visit the DECA Web site and register. All Lions must use this password when registering: DECALIONS (The password must be entered in ALL CAPS.)
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is a worldwide alliance of 200 diabetes associations in 160 countries, who have come together to enhance the lives of people with diabetes everywhere. Click here to locate a diabetes association in your country.
American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy.
As part of the U.S.A. federal government's National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Eye Institute's mission is to "conduct and support research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to blinding eye diseases, visual disorders, mechanisms of visual function, preservation of sight, and the special health problems and requirements of the blind."
World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency responsible for international public health.
Diabetes Awareness and Action Awards
Multiple District Diabetes Awareness and Action Chairperson 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 and action projects in the multiple district. Access the criteria for this award.
District Diabetes Awareness Chairperson 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 awareness and action projects in the district. Access the criteria for this award.
New Horizons Award in Diabetes Education is mailed to each district 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. Access the criteria for this award.
