In this month's Lions Newswire, read about upcoming events, new programs and available resources.
Important Dates for Lions Activities
All over the world, people know of the miracles of service that Lions clubs provide. Clubs and districts may wish to increase their involvement in service activities to promote sight preservation and diabetes awareness. Here are some important upcoming events in 2008:
White Cane Safety Day 2008
The familiar white cane with a red band at the bottom is an important mobility tool used by blind and visually impaired persons in many countries. Lions can observe White Cane Safety Day (October 15) by educating the public about various aspects of blindness or visual impairment.
World Osteoporosis Day—October 20, 2008
Are you at risk for osteoporosis? One in three women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will one in five men. Take the new International Osteoporosis Foundation one-minute osteoporosis risk test to understand the status of your bone health.
Strides: Banner Patch Award
Strides: Lions Walk for Diabetes Awareness is an enjoyable event to inform the public about diabetes, the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. Every Lions club, district and multiple district can organize a Strides Walk for children and adults in their communities. The walk can also help to raise funds for a district diabetes project, a Lions-sponsored diabetes camp or a local diabetes organization. A Strides Walk can also be held at a district or multiple district convention. The Strides Information Packet details how to easily plan and organize a Strides Walk.
Upon verification of eligibility, Lions clubs, districts and multiple districts that organize a Strides Walk will be issued a one-time banner patch award. For subsequent years in which a Strides Walk is organized, a chevron bearing the fiscal year in which the walk was held will be issued. Send an e-mail to Health & Children’s Services Department for more information.
Club Incorporation Assistance Available
Is your club thinking about incorporating or forming a foundation but you missed your chance to meet your CT representative at the USA/Canada Forum in Saskatoon, Canada?
If so, contact CT about incorporation or to learn more about the successful member benefit program Lions Clubs International has developed with CT, the industry leader in legal services. The services that CT provides are a cost-effective way to manage the business of maintaining your Lions organization in good standing within the jurisdiction of your state or country. CT currently provides Registered Agent and other services for LCI and LCIF. Assistance with incorporating your club, the formation of a new Lions foundation or Registered Agent services is as simple as a toll-free phone call to CT at 1-866-331-2303 or by e-mail at lionsclubs@wolterskluwer.com. All forms and necessary steps have been reviewed and approved by the LCI Legal Division.
Organize a Lions Environmental Photo Contest
Organize a club-level contest to select the best photo in the categories of animal, plant, landscape, weather phenomena or special theme, "Lions Environmental Miracle Workers." Submit your winning club photo (by January 15, 2009) to the district competition. Winning multiple district photos will appear at the 92nd Lions International Convention in Minnesota in July 2009. Read further for contest details and view winning photos from last year.
Promote Lions Eye Bank Week
The annual Lions Eye Bank Week is December 7 - 13. 2008. Eye banks perform a valuable sight-saving function: they recover, evaluate and distribute human eye tissue for sight restoration, research and education. Lions can support local eye banks by volunteering as corneal transporters or eye bank tour guides. Lions can also sponsor fundraisers. Get involved in one of the following Lions Eye Bank Week activities:
· Tour the local Lions eye bank
· Arrange for an eye bank representative to speak at the club’s meeting
· Host or attend an open house at the local eye bank
· Promote eye donation in collaboration with the local eye bank.
See the listing of Lions Eye Banks worldwide. The following associations offer further information about eye banks: Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA), European Eye Bank Association (EEBA), Eye Bank Association of India (EBAI), Lions Eye Institute of Western Australia.
Participate in Lions World Sight Day
Make your plans now for Lions World Sight Day – October 9. Lions are encouraged to take part and hold a sight event during the month of October. President Al Brandel will preside over the international Lions World Sight Day event to be held on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, USA. Lions will screen for diabetes and other diseases over three days. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Lions World Sight Day.
Collect Eyeglasses for Sight Night
This October, volunteers across the U.S. and Canada will gather to collect thousands of eyeglasses during trick-or-treat. Plan to participate in Sight Night and join with Leos, Scouts and other community groups. It is easy to get involved--visit www.sightnight.org for materials to get started with your collection. Sight Night is sponsored by Lions Clubs International and Give the Gift of Sight Foundation.
Attend Lions Day with the United Nations
Lions Day with the United Nations will be held on Friday, March 13, 2009 in New York, USA. The daylong program features UN speakers and a luncheon with UN ambassadors. This will be the last opportunity to tour the historic UN building prior to its renovation. To attend, send your complete registration form and fee to LCI.
International Convention Registration
Registration for the international convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA is now available online -- it is convenient and easy to use. You can also use online registration to book a room at your delegation hotel. Your convention registration and hotel reservation are confirmed immediately via e-mail. Check the convention pages online frequently for updated information about convention events and logistics information.
Leo of the Year Awarded
The Leo of the Year Award recipients demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, achieve a superior record as a Leo in implementing successful service projects, make an identifiable contribution to the development and growth of the Leo Club Program, achieve distinction in community or school activities outside of Leo club commitments and demonstrate high ethical standards and personal integrity. Congratulations to all the 2007-08 award recipients.
Two New Club Programs
Two new hands-on club programs have been introduced for the betterment of the environment and beautification of the community:
- Lions Green Team - Organize a high-visibility environmental project, such as a community clean-up, tree planting or recycling effort.
- Lions Crew at Work - Invite Lions and other community members to help clean, paint or repair a local facility such as a community center, shelter, camp, playground or nature trail.
During these events, Lions are encouraged to post a Lions sign or banner and to wear Lions hats, shirts, jackets to identify the club in the community. Invite the community to join your club’s efforts and contact your local media.
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. This inspiring video 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.
Bangkok Convention Highlights on DVD
Share highlights from the Lions International Convention in Bangkok, Thailand with Lions, family and friends. This 15-minute DVD features highlights set to music and includes the following bonus features: the Keynote Address, Humanitarian Award Winner's Speech and the International Challenge to Change Awards Ceremony. Preview the DVD online and order a copy from Club Supplies today.
New Lions Sought for Magazine Profiles
THE LION Magazine wants to profile young, interesting and active Lions who have joined an existing club within the last four to eight months. One such Lion will be highlighted each month in the magazine starting in January 2009. Please e-mail a brief description of the impact the Lion has made on the club along with person’s name, club name, location and contact information (phone, e-mail) along with your contact information for consideration.
Lions Clubs International Videos on YouTube
LCI’s videos are now available on YouTube – the premier online destination to watch and share original videos worldwide. Visit www.youtube.com/lionsclubsorg to see the latest videos about our international convention in Bangkok, club service projects featured in LQ and more. While on YouTube, click the Subscribe button to stay up-to-date on the latest Lions Clubs International videos.
New: Lions Services for Children Symposium Program
Symposiums are an effective way to develop collaborative relationships with governmental agencies, health care organizations, educators and others involved with children’s services. The new children’s symposium program allows for up to US$1,000 expense assistance for a district or multiple district that holds a symposium to address the education and/or health needs of children.
Applications for funding are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for fiscal year 2008-2009. Four symposiums will be selected in each Constitutional Area. To apply for funding, submit the official application to the Health & Children’s Services Department at Lions Clubs International. All reimbursements will be subject to the Rules of Audit developed specifically for this program. Read more about the Lions Services for Children Program.
World Diabetes Day – November 14
Begin planning for World Diabetes Day and other diabetes activities during November, Lions Diabetes Awareness Month. Here are some ways for clubs and districts to get involved and provide awareness of diabetes, a growing world epidemic:
