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Information for Chairpersons
Information for Chairpersons
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 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 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. 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:
- Lions board policy as it pertains to the Diabetes Awareness and Action Program
- 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 (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 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.
- Lion-2-Lion: resource assistance database provides Lions with an effective way to communicate locally and internationally, enabling them to collaborate on humanitarian projects. Lions can offer to donate or submit requests for resources, supplies and volunteer assistance.
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:
In keeping with its mission, LCI is actively involved in supporting diabetes education initiatives worldwide, including diabetes camps. LCI and DECA share a vision that people living with diabetes, especially children and their families, should be supported and educated so that their lives are healthy and productive.
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.
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide.
- LCI is collaborating with the National Eye Institute's National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) to develop co-branded Lions eye health resources. These materials are perfect for community eye health education, health fairs and speaking events. Selected for the initial co-branding phase is NEHEP's See Well for a Lifetime Toolkit -- Vision and Aging:
- Making Vision a Health Priority (will be introduced at the Seattle International Convention)
- Age-Related Eye Diseases and Conditions (will be avilable by the end of fiscal year 2011-2012)
- Low Vision (will be available by the end of fiscal year 2011-2012)
Free eye health resource for Lions Clubs in the United States: In addition to the co-branded resources described above, the National Eye Institute has a broad range of materials in regard to eye health and eye diseases. The catalog of materials can be found online. Orders can be placed by email to Kym Collins or Rosie Janiszewski or by phone at 301-496-5248. You must identify yourself as a Lion in order to access materials for free.
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.
For More Information
For more information, please contact the Health and Children's Services Department at international headquarters.
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