leadership

SCHEDULE A

Office Expenses are 38.6% of the total budget

38.6% or $14.50 = $5.60

The following is based on this figure.

Salaries

Rent & Hydro

Supplies

Furniture & Equipment

Postage

Telephone

Bank Charges

Employee benefits

Maintenance

Insurance

Audit

Treasurer

MD "A" Secretary

TOTAL

MULTIPLE DISTRICT "A" DUES STRUCTURE

Office Expenses 5.60

Regional Officers 2.68

Lions Magazine .67

Promotion Expense 1.00 Council Expenses 1.38

Effective Speaking .03

District Convention .32

Gifts and Honorariums .19

Council Chairperson .19

International Convention .07

Communication & Liaison .05

Constitution & Bylaws .13

Convention Advisory .19

Special Committeees .65

Hearing Conservation .01

Friendship Arches .03

Leadership .07

Research & Long Range Planning .25

Youth Activities .01

Bulletin Contest .01

Drug & Diabetes .05

Membership .03

Lioness .04

International Advisory .14

Lions Foundation of Canada .05

Extension .57

Training Forums .10

Annual MD"A" Dues $14.50

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It should be noted that although the District and Multiple District has made help available to the CMD's, the responsibility for Club growth remains with the Club. There is no more important job in a Club then being on the membership committee.

Perhaps the CMD's toughest job is convincing Club members to recruit. Many Lions have no interest in asking someone to become a Lion, and some of them will be intimidated by any attempts to push them into it. The wise CMD will try to know how each Lion in the Club feels about recruiting, so that no one need to be embarrassed. Just because it's easy for one Lion doesn't mean it's easy for another.

On the other hand, nearly all Lions are willing to go with someone else to recruit. CMD's may want to plan one or more membership drives a year wherein the Club is carefully divided into 3 or 4 teams who will come up with five to ten prospects and then make appointments to talk to the prospects as a team. This method reduces the pressure on the individual Lion. The new "Reason for being a Lion" packet available from L.C.I. is particularly useful for the reluctant sponsor.

The Club Membership Chairperson's Manual (ME-12) is possible the most neglected "Do It Yourself" book in North America. It outlines all you need to know to have success in a Lions Club, but it often never gets used because it never gets into the hands of the CMD. So see your Club Secretary or order one from L.C.I. today.

Anything can be accomplished by Lions working together as a team, and every Lion wants to be on a winning team. So CMD's, please attend all future Zone meetings with the Club President and Secretary.

LEADERS! - ARE THEY BORN OR MADE?

Firstly, how do you describe a leader? Well he or she can be many things, in fact just like Mr. Heinz - they come in many varieties.

All Lions are leaders in some ways, they may never be the boss, but we all, at some time lead, in our home, our work and at play.

Yes - we all make decisions that do effect others, decisions that change the direction of today. What am I driving at - you may ask?

We are in the middle of change, Lions Clubs International is at the crossroads, ready to place itself well in place for the year 2001 and onward.

If you reflect on our society today, we can easily see - people have lost the art of being responsible and proud of who and what they are.

Within our clubs many Lions just sit back - leave it to the other Lion to do all the work.

Yes, my friends - many of us have become Lions who simply want to enjoy the social, prestige an privileges - but do not want to earn these very special benefits.

I hope this workshop will help you to become leaders.

We don't have to take on the job of President in our club to lead - all we need to do is take on a job and do it, to make sure it is done and not just let it happen.

By all of us doing a bit, taking on what we pledged to do when we took up our membership is being a leader.

Many of you can say - that's all right for you to say - but I have work or home pressures...

My friends - who hasn't got those pressures. (Just think about that).

You! - Yes! You are "SPECIAL", because you have seen the need to help others.

You! - Yes! You can write the history of today and lead us to tomorrow.

You! - Yes! You are the chairman, Secretary, President, District Officer or District Governor of tomorrow if you want.

You, my friends are Lions ... who wasn't to be ... LEADERS WHO SERVE..

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To provide Information about Lionism

in general and the operation of your

Club in particular

To inform Club Leaders and Lions of

their respective responsibilities

and to give guidance regarding their

new duties

To supply standard reference material

for all Clubs within the District

To promote an positive and progressive

attitude within your own Club towards

Lionism in general

AIM HIGH - THINK BIG - REACH WIDE - SEE FAR

BE ENTHUSIASTIC - DARE TO TRY - DARE TO CARE

"THAT'S LIONISM"

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WHAT OUR INTERNATIONAL DUES PAY FOR

While we all know how our dues are used at the Club and District level, we may wonder what happens to the portion of the dues which goes to the International Association.

The basic purpose of the International Association of Lions Clubs, is to organize, charter and supervise service Clubs and to coordinate and standardize the activites of such Clubs.

To finance this worldwide operation, Lions Clubs International collects annual dues of US$24.00 per member out of the annual dues each active member pays to the Club. What do these dues pay for?

Part of them go for the maintenance and operation of International Headquarters. This includes the cost of the building and its maintenance, salaries of 300 or more staff employees, equipment, mail and telephone service, office supplies, forms, etc.

For US$4.75 of his or her annual dues, each member receives the Lion Magazine, which is the only means of communication between International Headquarters and the individual member. Despite large increases in postage and production costs, the annual subscription price has increased only US$3.75 since the Lion started in 1918.

Fifty cents of the dues finance the annual International Convention of the Lions Clubs delegates, where Clubs have a voice in the election of officers, constitutional changes and the approval of various Lions programs.

The International President, other elected officers, directors and District Governors receive no pay, but they are constantly on call for travel, conferences, meetings and service to Lions Clubs. Lions Clubs International reimburse them for their actual expenses, up to certain maximums provided in the Rules of Audit.

Many other items are covered by the annual dues; literature and publications for the guidance and information of the Districts and Clubs, legal service, international exchange, club supplies, public relations, insurance and training programs. Through a very strict system of accounting and budgetary controls the Board of Directors keep a watchful eye on every expenditure. Here's the actual breakdown on how the International Dues are spent.

International Dues Structure (US$'s)

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Preface....

This book is being provided to Lions

for information - guidance and reference.

I would like to acknowledge and say thank

you to the five Lions and the one Lioness who

wrote up an article as designated in the book.

All other information was gathered from

many other sources, from experience and

memory. My sincere thanks to all the Lions

who encouraged me to write and compile

the remaining information in this book.

Hoping you enjoy it as much as I did writing it.

Yours in Lionism PCC Gerry Albert

A-5 LEADERSHIP

INFORMATION MANUAL

MARCH 1st, 2001.

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Aims and Objectives

Leadership

Leaders .... Are the Born or Made?

The Art of Leadership

Grooming and Training Potential Leaders

How to get along with People

Your Club and You

Your Club and the District

Our Lions Emblem and Club Supplies

Club Leadership Means Involvement

Organizing Effective Club Meetings

Proper Introduction of Guest Speakers

The Club Membership Director (CMD)

Retention

Advantages of becoming a Lion

Club Visitations

Motivation

Our Code of Ethics and Club Objects

Proud to be a Lion

What our MD"A" Dues Pay For

What our International Dues Pay For

History of MD"A"

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LEADERSHIP by PCC Gerry Albert

What is in store for us in this new Lionistic year? A fresh start with new hope, resolutions and plans? The question is, nothing is going to happen for us, good or bad, unless we make it happen. To sit around wishing for better days, better this and better that, is living in a fantasy land.

Every day we Lions are in the arena of life, and it's up to each individual to squeeze out every bit of life that we can. Only this will give you the fresh start and the better days that you might be hoping for.

And now, I would like to "Challenge You to New Heights." As you take your new positions, as the new generation of Lion Leaders, you have it within your power to change the image of Lionism for the better. You have within your grasp the ability to begin to mold your Clubs into an organization that will be attractive to increasing numbers of people. To do this we must give thought to what attracts people to join an organization such as ours.

The challenge for Lions is to pass the torch of Leadership on to those who will be the leaders of tomorrow, and for young people to accept that torch with confidence and resolve, and with a commitment that because of their efforts, tomorrow will indeed, be better than today.

Do not delude yourself with wistful thinking, but rather take a positive step and make a commitment that you can live with. Extend yourself a little more each day. Reach out and touch, do not limit yourself. A person is only limited by his own reach. You will be amazed at what you can actually accomplish with a positive attitude on anything you do.

It's very important that we develop Leaders that will represent each Zone and Region in our District. When Strategies are developed, Zone an Region Chairpersons must be seen and heard to discuss these changes. They are the voice of each individual Club. They are all part of the A-5 Team.

We at the District level will do all we can to bring forth to you the Lions of District A-5 more education and more information. We are dedicated to the improvement of Leadership. But to do this we need a Team of dedicated District Officers, Chairpersons, and Clubs who are committed to do their part to make our communities a better place to live.

By now most of you will have heard what our District Governor's Goals are for the year. To say that he is a man of Action is putting it mildly. One of his Goals is to create a district-wide awareness among the Lions, the need to develop effective "Leadership."

Lack of Leadership is the cause of many of our problems and this leadership program will hopefully remedy some of these situations. Take "Retention" for instance - it's nothing more than taking better care of our members. We're letting all too many new members and long time members slip away. Again it's a matter of Leadership in the Club. This book will make Club Officers more aware of what is available to help them stabilize and increase the membership in their Clubs.

This program can only succeed through the dedicated efforts of every Lion and Club in our District, and this requires commitment from every Club Officer.

WORDS TO MAKE YOU THINK

It's an old story ... the one where three preachers go fishing. Two of them get out of the boat and walk to shore, but the third preacher trying to do the same, sinks in over his head. While he' struggling to swim to shore, the two on shore comment, "If he had come to the leadership workshop he would know where the rocks are."

RECEIPE FOR HAPPINESS

As we enjoy these great day's here's a few words of Helen Keller to help us appreciate this time of year. "Use your eyes as if tomorrow you would be stricken blind; hear the music of voices, the song of a bird, as if you would be stricken deaf tomorrow. Touch each object as if your tactile sense would fail. Smell the perfume of flowers, taste with relish each morsel, as if you could never smell or taste again."

In closing, I would like to ask every Lion in District A-5 to pledge to try to double his or her efforts in serving the cause of Lionism by rendering service to those in need, always remembering ... THE FUTURE BELONGS TO LEADERS.

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THE ART OF LEADERSHIP

Simply and plainly defined, a leaders is someone who has followers. The leader deserves to have followers. He has earned recognition. Authority alone is no longer enough to command respect.

The leader is a great servant. The Master of Men expressed the ideal of leadership in a democracy when he said, "And whosoever will be chief amount you, let him be your servant."

The leaders sees things through the eyes of his followers. He puts himself in their shoes and helps them make their dreams come true.

The leader does not say, "Get going." Instead he says, "Lets go," and leads the way. He does not walk behind with a whip; he is out front with a banner.

The leaders assumes that his followers are working with hi, not for him.

He considers them partners in the work and sees to it that they share in the rewards. He glorifies the team spirit.

The leader duplicates himself in others. He is a builder. He helps those under him to grow big because he realizes that the more men and women an organization has the stronger it will be.

The leader does not hold people down, he lifts them up. He reaches out his hand to help his followers scale the peaks.

The leader has faith in people. He believes in them, trusts them and thus draws the best in them. He has found that they rise to his high expectations.

The leader uses his heart as well as his head. After he has looked at the facts with his head he lets his heart take a look, too. He is not only a boss - he is a friend.

The leaders is a self starter. He creates plans and sets them in motion. He is both a man of thought and a man of action - both dreamer and doer.

The leader has a sense of humor. He is not a stuffed shirt. He can laugh at himself. He has a humble spirit.

The leader can be led. He is not interested in having his own way, but in finding the best way. He has an open mind.

The leader keeps his eyes on high goals. He strives to make the efforts of his followers and himself contribute to the enrichment of personality, the achievement of more abundant living for all and the improvement of civilization.

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GROOMING AND TRAINING POTENTIAL LEADERS

by PCC Gerry Albert

Over the years that I've been a Lion, it has been my observation that on all levels we too frequently select or elect leaders who are not prepared for the office they have been placed or elected in. As we start this new millennium year, Lion Leaders will be needed more than ever before, and as I see it, the grooming and training of these potential leaders must begin at the local Club level.

Mr. President, as the Leader of our Lions Club this year, it is one or your responsibilities to begin to encourage potential leaders from your Club to avail themselves of every possible chance to better equip themselves for further service both in your Club and in higher offices in the District.

Over the next few year, there are many of you who are presently Presidents, 1st Vice Presidents, or Secretaries who might desire to become Zone Chairmen, Regional Chairmen, Vice-District Governor and even District Governors - yes and even with the potential of higher offices on the International level. Will you be ready? Will you be prepared? Will that prospective Lion Leader in your Club be encouraged to become a future Leader?

There are many ways that you as the leader of your Club can be of help to these Lions. As the President you can observe the following:

The interest displayed by your members.

The faithfulness of attendance.

The willingness to serve on committees, work parties, etc.

The capabilities of each Lion.

Any other characteristics of a good Leader.

When you see any of the foregoing and recognize the potential leader, then encourage him or her to better prepare themselves by:

Attending Zone and Cabinet meetings.

Multiple District Convention.

Schools of Instruction and Leadership Forums.

International Convention if at all possible.

A vast amount of knowledge of Lionism is available at all these functions.

A potential leader should also have a working knowledge of the various constitutions of the Club, District and Lions International. basically this knowledge is self acquired by personal study of these documents and the observation of their use.

Here is an outline that you may find helpful in grooming potential leaders who desire to move on to higher levels of service above that of a Club.

Desire:

Track Record:

Qualifications:

Endorsement of Individual Clubs:

Preparation of oneself for office:

Preparation:

Any officer of the District must be filling that office because he or she has the desire to offer their capabilities to serve in that capacity.

Never because no other Lion is interested.

Attendance and service in the Club and District functions. Offices held in the local Club.

As per the Constitution and by-laws of the Club and District.

The local or home Club of any candidate must to the very first screening of potential candidates for any office.

Knowledge of what the office desired requires. The duties of that office. The time and finances available to serve in that position.

To campaign and prepare for an election.

Make timely announcements of intentions - well ahead of time and deadlines.

Visit as many clubs as possible. Make yourself known.

Be prepared to lose gracefully. In any election there can only be one winner.

Keep skid chains on your tongue. Say less than you think. Cultivate a soothing voice. How you say it often means more than what you say.

Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully, no matter what the cost.

Never lose an opportunity to say a kind word to or about somebody. Praise work well done, regardless of who did it.

Be interested in others, their pursuits, their homes and their families. Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel you regard them as important.

Be cheerful. Keep the corners of your mouth turned up. Hide your worries and disappointments under a smile.

Keep an open mind on all debatable questions. Discuss, but don't argue. It is a mark of a superior mind to disagree and remain friendly.

Let your virtues speak for themselves and refuse to discuss the shortcomings of others. Discourage gossip by changing the subject.

Have respect for the feelings of others. Wit and humor at the expense of a friend is never worth it.

Pay no attention to destructive remarks and personal attacks on you. Live so that on one will believe them. Remember, a common cause of back-biting is dissatisfaction with oneself.

Don't be concerned about your just due. Do a good turn for the sake of being helpful.

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THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ON HOW TO GET ALONG WITH PEOPLE

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10)

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YOUR CLUB AND YOU

Did you ever notice that the official name of the organization we belong to is The International Association of Lions Clubs? Why - The reason is simply that our club is the member of the association, and we are members of the club. Our name does serve to remind us that it is only through our club that we are Lions, and that it is here that our first loyalty lies.

One of our great responsibilities as a member of this club, is to keep faith with the spirit and accomplishments of those who founded and built this club. We do that by remembering that a Lions Club is organized above all else to serve the community - first our own - and then the world community.

Everything else, our social and fund raising events, our club and board meetings, are designed to support this primary mission. By doing our share to make social and fund raising events a success, and by attending regular club, committee and board meetings, we demonstrate our willingness to be an effective part of the many. Our goal should be to make this not only a club of Lions, but a club of friends.

Every member shares the responsibility of service, a responsibility that extends beyond simply raising money or writing cheques, but to finding ways to serve personally in some way. We must be willing and even eager to offer the benefits and opportunities our club and association provide to men and women we feel will share our "We Serve" spirit, for if we feel the pride that we should feel, we should be proud to share our good fortune with others.

This might be best illustrated by determining what would happen if "One Lion" - you - fell short of completing a project. What if you didn't deliver that final Christmas food basket, sell that extra ticker, or show up to do your share of work at one of our major functions. The club activity would still be successful, but the activity would miss maximum success by precisely the degree to which you didn't give you best. And who are the real losers? Why, that needy family who went without Christmas dinner, and your club who might have made an extra $100 had you been there.

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YOUR CLUB AND THE DISTRICT

An association much like a company, needs a definite organizational structure. this structure defines roles, identifies key personnel and creates communication channels for information and decision making.

Every Lions Club is part of the organizational structure of Lions Clubs International, which also includes Zones, Regions, Districts, Multiple districts and our world wide Association.

To explain how each Club interacts with others, remember you Lions Club is part of a Zone which is part of a Region, which is part of the District. In District A-5 we have a total of 6 Regions.

Region 14, which is the Sudbury area, has 2 Zones with 13 Clubs.

Region 15, the Kirkland Lake - New Liskeard area has 2 Zones and 14 Clubs.

Region 17, the North Bay area has 3 Zones with 18 Clubs.

Region 20, the Timmins - Moosonee area has 2 Zones with 10 Clubs.

Region 31, the Sault Ste. Marie area has 3 Zones with 12 Clubs.

Region 47, the Eastern and Northern part of the Sudbury area has 2 Zones and 11 Clubs.

This makes up our District called A-5 with 78 Clubs, as of March 1, 2001 which covers the area from White River to Mattawa on the east, south to Burkes Falls and north to Moosonee and Moose Factory. Each year our District holds a convention and at this convention we elect 14 Zone Chairpersons, 6 Region Chairpersons, one Vice-Governor and one District Governor. Our District of A-5 is just one of the 11 Districts in Ontario, which as a group is known as Multiple District A.. Worldwide, Lions Clubs International has 740 Districts in 185 countries.

Some Districts are entire countries such as Belgium, Portugal and Egypt. Other areas have so many clubs that they are divided into sub-districts like ours that are known as Multiple Districts. But all are similar in one respect. They all have a District Governor. Elected for a one year term, the Governor is assisted by a Vice-District Governor, Regional Chairpersons, Zone Chairpersons and an Advisory Committee.

Every Lions Club is part of this District organization as it's President and Secretary serve on the Governor's Advisory Committee. through this committee, all Clubs have a voice in district operations.

As an officer of Lions Clubs International, the District Governor serves as a liaison between Clubs and the association. He or she must visit each Club once during his or her year, then make a detailed report about it's status to the International headquarters. The Governor offers advice and guidance when needed, and overseas district activities and administration. In general the Governor helps Clubs in the District to better serve.

While Clubs do receive assistance, they also have a responsibility to the District. Club secretaries must report monthly on membership, attendance and Club activities. Clubs are entitled to - and should - take part in District Conventions by sending delegates and participating in all convention activities. Finally, Clubs also have a responsibility to support District wide programs and events.

Like every organization, Lions Club International's framework is important to it's success.

Teamwork between Clubs and Districts provide essential support to every aspect of Lionism. That's why new members are the lifeblood of any Lion Club. They bring new and fresh ideas for community service, fresh enthusiasm for the work of Lionism and a continuing supply of candidates for future Club leadership.

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OUR LIONS EMBLEM AND CLUB SUPPLIES

The emblem on our Club Banner, the emblem that each member should wear daily, identifies us as Lions in more than 185 countries and geographical areas around the world. to the observer our pin suggests service, service to those in need, regardless of race, religion or politics, service in caring, in a personal and humane way.

You may be interested in a little history; many designs were considered, until a single "L" in a circle, over a Lion's head was finally chosen. The design of the Lion, is two headed; one is looking to the achievements of the past and the other is looking to the future, and the many works of service yet to be accomplished.

It became our official emblem on December 31, 1921 and has served us well ever since. It has been worn by millions, always with pride, pride in service, that has been provided to millions of those in need, in every corner of the world. Our emblem also carries a responsibility to those who wear it. A responsibility to do nothing that will dishonor it in any way, or to permit it's use - or misuse - by non Lions, or by Lions who seek profit from their membership. At our International Headquarters, two divisions share the responsibility for our emblem protection.

The legal division works to make sure that our emblem is properly registered and protected worldwide, and acts to stop it's unauthorized use. The Club Supplies Division works to make it available to every Lion worldwide.

The Club Supply Catalogue is printed in color and contains hundreds of items, many of them new every year, is available to every member through the Club Secretary. It contains everything from the many versions of lapel pins that we wear, to attractive gifts for family and friends. In between are necessities like Club gavels, gongs and banners, numerous plaques an other awards, and even basic forms to help us operate our Clubs in an efficient manner.

In a recent year, Club Supply Sales exceeded 8 million dollars, U.S.. Out role as members is to display the emblem at every opportunity, and to do everything we can to enhance and strengthen it's meaning and prestige.

If our Lions Pin could only talk ... It might just say something like this...

Don't overlook me, Lions

I'm the Lions PinRight up here in front. Put the spotlight on me because I'm proud to play a part in the lives of millions who wear me as their symbol of service to the community.

I've witnessed excitement, sadness and happiness. I've been with my wearer as the eyes of deceased Lions were removed for deposit in the eye Banks. I was there too, when I watched as the hungry were fed, and the destitute were cared for.

I've seen the Leader Dogs instill in a blind person a new kind of confidence as they move about their sightless world.

I've heard the hearts of the retarded pounding with joy when Lions visited them. I've seen and heard the laughter of children in playgrounds, enjoying recreational facilities and leadership provided by Lions.

Yes I've traveled all over the world and can recall thousands of incidents diverted from sadness to gladness because those who wear me made it so.

Can you imagine... if all the Lions Pins ever worn in the world could talk... what a story they could tell... a story of love... of joy... of success... of involvement... of participation...

Yes, I'm the Lions Pin!

I am a symbol of service in the world.

If I could talk, I'd be too filled with emotional pride to say more than:

"Thank you, and may God bless you and protect you."

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CLUB LEADERSHIP MEANS INVOLVEMENT

Here are some ideas that may keep new members coming back and older members feeling that they are still an important cog in the wheel of Lionism.

10)

11)

12)

13)

14)

15)

16)

17)

18)

19)

20)

Have a group of your older Lions start a file or scrapbook on the history of your Club and have them keep it up to date.

Once a year have a committee put up a display on Lionism in one of the prominent stores or banks in town.

At each meeting have a Lion give a three minute infomation talk on Lionism.

Have a committee composed of Lions whose main business is to update projects... both fund raising and work.

Assign some members to place regular articles about your Club activities in the local newspaper.

Establish an initiating committee... very important.

Select a Lion or Lions to write an effective Club bulletin.

Establish an Awards Committee to be responsible for ordering and presenting awards to deserving Lions. This is very important.

Have combined meetings with other Clubs.

Have entire Club visitations to a Cabinet Meeting, to hospitals, to rest homes, hockey games or an special event.

Make sure your standing committees have a reason to be active.

Have a group of your Lions participate in area parades and other special events.

Sponsor a night to honor older members.

Give new members a responsible job immediately and have them work with a few older members of the Club.

Ask members to provide a program on their individual occupation, hobbies and history for presentation at regular meetings.

Create a committee on long range projects, such as working with hospitals, care center, meals on wheels, etc.

Create an active Past Presidents Committee.

See that the new and older members enter into the social part of Lionism at charter nights, conventions, etc.

Keep members spouses informed. Get them involved in Club Activities.

Organize family events, such as picnics for all the Lions and their families to enjoy.

These ideas are interesting alternatives that can be used successfully if your Club attendance is low. they encourage participation which can increase low attendance.

A busy Club that works as a team... is a great Club. If all these ideas are at work in your Club your membership development program has a solid foundation for success.

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ORGANIZING EFFECTIVE CLUB MEETINGS

The key to success in a Lions Club is to "make me feel good about being a member." There are at least 3 major considerations which must be addressed in organizing effective Club meetings. One deals with the President, as leader, another deals with the members, as participants, and the last deals with the context and content of the meetings.

To be effective in organizing Club meetings, a Club President must determine whether he or she is a manager or a leader. Managers are people who do right things and leaders are people who do the right things. For example, a President may follow an agenda in the right manner but does the President have a vision of community need that makes the agenda purposeful? Does the President have a clear concept of goals without wasting time and money?

A President may assign members to various committee's but does the President create a positive feeling in each member regarding his or her assignment? does the President posses energy to initiate and follow through on every task?

An effective Club President will listen to problems, facilitate discussions, resolve conflicts, organize facts, get to the center of the issue, and tactfully regulate reporting.

The Club meeting is effective when it meets the needs and perceptions of the members. Some members are looking for responsibilities so that personal growth and achievement can be realized. some like power and status. It is important that these members be given a job that is easily identified and the power element is appropriately harnessed. Others are nurtured via affiliation and find a warm, friendly atmosphere sufficient.

A major Contribution to an effective Club meeting is the quality of work that was done at the Board of Directors meeting. After the pros and cons of issues and problems have been discussed at Board meetings, conduct to following Club meeting in such a manner that you would not be ashamed to invite your best friend as an observer.

The agenda should always be written. Plan and think through the time and the topics to include the people to contact and the action desired. Always have a back up program, in case a speaker cannot show at the last minute. Members who chair projects need to be contacted ahead of the meeting time so that concise reports of projects can be shared as a part of the agenda. Positive tail twisting should also be part of every Club meeting.

Meetings are effective when Presidents follow through in executing all facets of the agenda for that meeting. Meetings are effective when members react in a responsible way to assignments previously agreed upon. Meetings are effective when all members understand the financial strength of the Club and the scope of the community needs to be met. meetings are effective when every member feels every other member is carrying his or her fair share of the work of Lionism. Meetings are effective when recognition is given to those most responsible for the club's success throughout the year.

Truly effective Club meetings require sound leadership by the President, cooperative attitudes on the part of the members, and meaningful agenda's for member participation.

Yes, these consideration will make me feel good about being a Lion and I'll always come back to rally behind the motto "We Serve."

PROPER INTRODUCTION OF GUEST SPEAKERS

Probably the most important aspect of leading and conducting a Lions Club meeting is insuring that the Club has interesting programs. However you obtain your speakers, make sure they have all the information they need about the meeting setting to make their presentation effective. Don't wait till the last minute to find out about the special needs of your speaker. For example, overheads, flip charts, etc. Let your speaker know about Lions Clubs and your Lions Club in particular and the members in it. Anytime the speaker can relate to his audience - his presentation will be more enjoyable and memorable. A proper introduction of your speaker is important.

This may not seem to be a big deal, but all too often the introduction amounts to "Here's Joe", or the introduction becomes an opportunity for the introducer to make his own speech. The need for a good introduction cannot be overemphasized. The introduction should be brief, just a minute or two at the most. Do not tell the speaker's life story, but a few interesting and pertinent highlights. All the characteristics of a good speech apply to the introduction. The person introducing should speak loud enough with good eye contact and posture, etc. A possible introduction could be... "Tonight, it is a pleasure for our Club to have with us Mr. Frank More. Mr. Moore, the (name of your Club) welcomes you and hopes that you will feel at home with us."

"Many of you may know Mr. Moore who is the superintendent for the (Sudbury) Board of Education. Mr. Moore is very involved in our community, serving on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and the Finance Committee of the (Sudbury) United Church. Many of you who know Mr. Moore may not know that he also serves on a committee to study the effects of some companies downsizing."

"Tonight Mr. Moore is going to tell us about (name of company) and share some important information about the downsizing and how it might affect our community. Lions, I present to you Mr. Frank Moore." After his or her presentation make sure you allow time for a question and answer period. the involvement by the members of your Club will stimulate them and provide a response to the speech.

It is always appropriate and good manners to thank the speaker at the end of the program of question and answer session. An example of a presentation of appreciation could be... "Mr. Moore, that was an excellent presentation on the downsizing of (name of company). I didn't realize how much impact downsizing was going to have on our local economy. On behalf of our Club, I would like to express our appreciation to your for being with us, for informing us with your presentation, and for responding to our questions. You have made a significant contribution to our speakers program for which all of us have benefited. As a token of our thanks, please accept this... (small gift)." After the speech, if the members make a "mad dash for the door", it tells the speaker that his speech was really not appreciated. Most of the members should make a personal and brief effort to thank the speaker.

After the meeting it is always proper to send a follow-up thank you to the speaker. Proper gratitude can aid in the success of future programs.

THE CLUB MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR (CMD)

The Club Membership Director is the only membership leader most Lions will get to know. Thus the CMD and his of her committee members are in the best position to influence the Lions who make a difference in both recruiting and retention. For that reason, a CMD's first responsibility is to learn as much as possible about membership and leading a Club's program. If the CMD has served two years on the committee, he or she has had opportunities to learn and prepare a plan of action.

It has been proven that CMD's who attended Zone Chairperson's meetings are better equipped to lead their Lion Club. We also urge each Club membership committee person to honor the three year commitment, because our experience has made it clear that there was a lot to be learned. We also urge the Club committee to:

Develop a Club growth program.

Regularly encourage members to enroll new members.

Prepare and give orientation to new members.

Review all Club activities re membership and recommend improvements as needed.

Integrate new members into all Club activities and take steps to retain members.

Ensure impressive initiation ceremonies

RETENTION

W. C. Fields once said, "There comes a time when you must grab the bull by the tail and face the situation."

The Lions Clubs of North America drop close to 6,000 members a month, on the average. If every Club in North America could just retain one more member a year we could reverse the negative slide. Our goal for retention then, should be to save one member per year.

Why be a Lion? Why sponsor a new member? Why improve the way I deal with fellow Lions in order to make my Club a place where members will want to attend meetings and stay a Lion? Why not just get an R.V. and spend the rest of my life on vacation? It sure sounds good.

Like most of you, I'm a Lion because there's a world full of hurting people out there. If starts right where you are, and no matter which direction you go, no matter how far you go, you will find hurt, unless you choose not to look. Like me, you probably wish it was possible to wave a magic wand and have the pain go away. But it doesn't, does it? Wishing just doesn't make it go away. If you don't grab the "Retention Bull" by the tail you will never face the membership growth situation, and making your Club grow will be far more difficult. If you want something to happen, you have to step up and do something! We all need to step up and become a "Lion Retentionist." We need a lot of them.

A "Lion Retentionist" is any Lion who makes Lionism a good experience for other Lions. They treat others the way they want to be treated themselves.

They are quick to say "You did good", and they only reprove in private. They greet every Lion with a smile and an easy handshake. They're among the first to volunteer when the call is out, and they remember to tell Club Officers they're doing a good job. They seek out and make friends with the member who seems alone, or perhaps shy.

The "Lion Retentionist" seeks ways to give new members a "Lion Experience" that grabs the Lion's heart for keeps. Experiences like transporting donated eyes, delivering food baskets, transporting seniors or medical patients or assisting a child or senior with eyeglasses or surgery. They know every members name and the general health of all. The "Lion Retentionist" laughs with you and never ridicules anyone. They invite new members on Club visits, and they ask their opinions about things. In short, they don't ignore other Lions.

When does retention start? The short answer is immediately. Too many Clubs are slow to initiate new members and take no further steps to integrate new members into their Club. the wise Club, through its membership committee, is always prepared to orient, integrate and develop new members.

Small but significant changes in how a Club operates could make a one member difference. Sometimes that means nothing more than running for a Club office. Presidents can change things. Secretaries can change other things. So can Vice-Presidents, Directors and Tail Twisters. In fact every member of the Club can make an improvement. don't you think its work a try?

_________________________________________________

ADVANTAGES OF BECOMING A LION

It provides the individual with many opportunities to observe and practice skills that would help them in many everyday life situations such as...

Evaluating and solving problems

Communicating effectively

Making decisions

Developing a positive and enthusiastic attitude

Developing skills in positive thinking

Enhancing one's self confidence

Facilitating group discussions

Utilizing effective instruction techniques

Learning to motivate others

Overcoming stress

Plus many other leadership techniques

CLUB VISITATIONS

Sometimes a Lions Club gets to involved with its own affairs... its own projects and activities in its own community... that it forgets that it is part of an Association with other Lions Clubs. And sometimes when it runs into a problem that its officers and members find difficult to solve, it wonders where to turn for help.

This is when friendship and cooperation with other Clubs in the Zone or District is beneficial. One of the basic principles of Lionism is that our Clubs work together, not only to make a strong Association but to exchange ideas, methods and problems for their own benefit. That exchange can only be made if the Clubs or their officers get together occasionally to talk things over.

These visitations can take several forms. In many cases the entire Club will attend the meeting of another Club in its Zone or District. Another method is for the club to appoint a visitation committee of the officers and three or four members who make periodic visits to other Clubs.

The results of these visitations are mutually beneficial, as the exchange of experience and information helps both groups. If one Club has a fund raising problem, and another Club has solved that problem in a new and interesting way, a simple visit will provide a solution. A Club can go along, meeting after meeting, having the same programs and procedures, while another Club in the Zone may have developed a new program style which is more interesting to the members and results in better attendance.

A friendly visit to that Club will give you new program ideas. Lions Clubs always find that other Clubs in their Zone or District are more than willing to swap ideas, methods and information.

Even if the visitation is only social it gives the Club members an opportunity to broaden their friendship and extend their fellowship into other communities. Some Clubs hold joint evening parties while others get together for picnics or barbecues.

Maybe the Lions in the next town are thinking along the same lines, but hesitate to break the ice. Call them, make a date, line up volunteers from your Club, get into a few cars and drive over. It's as simple as that, and everybody will have a good time in the joint fellowship of Lions.

Isolating your Lions Club will not make it stronger... but the exchange of ideas resulting from the Club visitations will. Only through such inter-club visits can a Club get the "feel" of Lionism, and the ideas that improve the community service a Lions Club can provide.

MOTIVATION

As a Lions President, or a District Office, getting Lions to do what we want them to do is not an easy task. Yet motivating Lions to volunteer and achieve is one of our goals and one of our responsibilities.

However, how much knowledge we have about motivating Lions is not the real problem. the real problem is applying what we know. So let's discuss some basic steps to motivation as we try to motivate our fellow Lions.

Motivating Lions by just telling them what to do will work with some, but will not work with the Club as a whole. We must always teach them how to do it as well as showing them and telling them how well they are doing. In addition we must discuss how we want the work to produce results.

This will take time and for some, will require individual instructions. But this is vital for initiating motivation.

If we simply instruct and evaluate without taking these actions, we may actually decrease some Lions interest in the project.

Motivating Lions includes refusing to accept poor performance as "the best they can do." Once we allow ourselves to accept poor performances, motivating becomes twice as difficult. We don't have to react in silence either.

To motivate we must say something that relates to the Lion, that standards are important. Above all, we are communicating that the Lion is capable of doing better work... and this kind of communicating is motivating. If we want to motivate Lions, we must never take good work for granted... or let it go unnoticed. Rather, we must recognize it... we must praise it. If we want to motivate Lions to a higher level of achievement they must know how, as well as how well they are doing.

Another basic step to motivating is giving praise and reinforcement to promote and encourage improvement. To be most effective, we must personalize positive reinforcement. We must be specific.

Remember, generalization won't work when it comes to motivating. What motivates one person may turn another off. We must find the type of praise and recognition which is motivational to the individual... and use it.

Motivating an individual is to build a personal relationship with him or her on the level at which he or she is ready to begin. this means treating people as real, live human beings who are unique. when you develop that good personal relationship with people, you'll be the first to notice that you praise and motivate differently... and with more success.

To motivate people, remember that you can't separate your respect for the task at hand from the person's point of view, you can't talk before you listen. and you can't offer advice and give direction until you have listened and gathered information. If you listen first, you will motivate much more effectively. Why? We know... without question... that people cooperate with those who listen to them. And we also know that people aren't as likely to follow those who don't listen to them.

We are very much aware that motivating people is very difficult, and motivating some people is extremely difficult. Yet, we all know that being a successful motivator is perhaps the highest level of professional skill that one can acquire. And if we refuse to apply what we know about motivation, we may now motivate anyone.

Motivating people is not centered on gimmicks or ploys. Rather its foundation lies in an understanding of human beings and their wants, needs and behavior. If the final analysis, motivating people requires that we apply all of the above at every opportunity that is available to each and every one of us.

LOOKING AT OUR CODE OF ETHICS AND CLUB OBJECTS

According to the dictionary, "code" is a system of rules and regulations for the purpose of ensuring adequate standards of practice and uniformity.

"Ethics" is the study and philosophy of human conduct as related to high moral standards. Therefore a Code of ethics is a rule of rightful conduct followed by those of high moral principles in their daily lives.

Looking at the history of our Code of Ethics, we should also consider codes of conduct. One of the first recorded Code of Ethics (conduct) was given to Adam in the Garden of Eden... and we all know the consequences of the failing to live up to that code. I'm sure we also remember the "codes: we were given as children and the consequences for breaking them.

Another well known and often quoted code as the "Golden Rule"... Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Throughout history men have survived only by having rules of conduct to guide their dealings with one another. Evidence shows that prior to the written word, there were rules of conduct governing early human beings.

A lot of research and thought went into the development of our Code of Ethics. It was adopted by the delegates at the St. Louis, Missouri, Convention in 1918 and has remained unchanged ever since. We live by a code of conduct instilled in us at an early age and throughout as we accepted membership into Lionism.

A Code of Ethics is a standard acceptable conduct, and a blueprint for human relations. Our code has served us well these past 84 years. AS stated by many Past International Presidents, our Code and Objects allows us to dissolve geographic boundaries, varying cultures, religious beliefs, political entities and economic conditions in our quest to serve humanity throughout our world.

As we consider our Code of ethics, we must also consider our objects (purpose). Any organization must qualify its reason for being... thus a list of statement of purpose (objects).

And as a reminder, I would like to conclude by reading our Lions Clubs Objects...

Lions Clubs Objects

To create and foster a spirit of understanding

among the peoples of the world.

To promote the principles of good government

and good citizenship.

To take an active interest in the civic, cultural,

social and moral welfare of the community.

To unite the Clubs in the bonds of friendship,

good fellowship and mutual understanding.

To provide a forum for the open discussion of

all matters of public interest; provided, however,

that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall

not be debated by club members.

To encourage service-minded people to serve

their community without personal financial

reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote

high ethical standards in commerce, industry,

rofessions, public works and private endeavors.

Remember... Emerson said it best... "What you are speaks so loudly, I cannot hear what you say." So live by our Code of Ethics and our Lions Objects... the eyes of the world are upon us... The Lions.

PROUD TO BE A LION

There are a number of reasons why I like being a Lion: the fellowship, visitations, pin trading, good food, etc. But all these things are overshadowed by the main reason... because as a fellow Lion, I can help accomplish things that by myself would be impossible. In my Club for example, I could never operate the many activities by myself. But as part of my Lions Club, I can make it happen. I could never by myself hope to raise the funds necessary to sponsor hockey teams, Boy Scout Troops and to repair wheelchairs for those in need, but as a team, as a Club, we have done it.

The whole concept behind Lionism is teamwork. Even as an individual Club, there are things we can not do alone. But working together as a team, Lions Clubs in our District, Province, Country and around the world, can accomplish goals which others can only dream of achieving.

In my wallet, I carry a little scrap of paper. It is of no intrinsic value, not a bond, not a cheque or a receipt for value. Yet it may be my most precious possession. It is my membership card, my proof that I am a member in good standing in a Lions Club. It is more than can be put into words. It tells me and my fellow man that I have entered into a special kinship with my fellow Lions... to practice charity in word and deed, to forgive and forget any faults of my fellow Lions, to care for the blind, the deaf, the sick and the hungry and to be fair and just to whomever I meet.

It tells me that I am welcomed among Lions wherever I travel in the world and that I am among brothers and friends.

Lionism is a lot like football, our President is the coach, and we are all the players. In order for our team to be successful all players (or members) must make an effort. there can be no squabbling or petty differences between the players on the team. These things must be put aside when we are together so that as members of the largest team in the world, we can make it happen.

We Serve... Better... Together

I'm proud to be a Lion, and I hope you are too.

WHAT OUR MD-"A" DUES PAY FOR

While we all know how our dues are used at the Club level we may wonder what happens to the portion of the dues that goes to our Multiple District Office.

The basic purpose of our MD "A" is to administer plans and policies affecting the Multiple District, including the annual Multiple District Convention. The Officers are the elected District Governors along with the elected Council chairman. together they compose the Multiple District Council. This Governors Council has the general management and control of the Multiple District funds, the office, the staff and all other matters pertaining to the Multiple District.

To finance this operation MD "A" coledts annual dues of $14.50 per member out of the annual dues each active member pays to the Club. What do these dues pay for?

A good portion of our MD "A" dues 38.6% in fact goes to the maintenance and operation of our office. this includes the cost of the rent, maintenance, salaries, equipment, mail and telephone service, office supplies, etc. (See schedule A).

Our next highest expense, 2.68% in fact, is spent on the expenses for our many Zone and Regional Chairpersons elected this fiscal year in MD "A". they are reimbursed only for actual expenses when making their Club visits and attending Cabinet Meetings, under the Rules of Audit. All expenses must be approved by both the sitting Governor and the Council.

The Council chairperson and all the appointed District Charipersons (approximately 22 this current year) receive no pay, but as they are constantly on call for travel, conferences, meetings and service to all tghe Lions Clubs in MD "A", they are reimbursed only for their actual expenses up to a certain maximum provided in the budget, and in the Rules of Audit.

Many other items are covered by our annual dues, which includes materials for the guidance and information for Districts and Clubs, legal services, public relations, insurance and training programs. Through a very strict system of accounting and budgeting controls the Governors Council keep a watchful eye on every expenditure. Here's the actual breakdown on how the MD "A" dues are spent.

$1.73

$5.60

.72

.29

.50

.25

.33

.06

.28

.16

.12

.15

.22

.79

1)International Convention Fund

2)The Lion Magazine

3)Emergency Reserve Fund

These 3 items are totally Constitutionally mandated.

4)District Governors and District Governors Elect

5)Liability Insurance

6)Special Club programs (membership, extension,

leadership, Club member awards, publicity, etc.

7)General Operations

Total Annual Dues

The result is that no other service club organization renders more service to its Clubs and members, and no other service club organization operates a worldwide network of Clubs at only US$24.00 in dues per member per year.

$ .50

$ 4.75

$ .50

$ 4.90

$24.00

HISTORY OF MULTIPLE DISTRICT "A"

Written by PDG Lion Rolly Albert

On March 12th, 1920, the very first Lions Club in Canada was chartered as the Windsor Border City Lions Club. It is now known as the Windsor Downtown Lions Club. This glorious event, was the beginning of the International Asociation of Lions Clubs.

On May 1st, 1920, the Toronto Central Lions Club was formed and on June 24th, 1920, the Hamilton Central Lions Club was formed.

On October 11-12, 1920, the International Executive met in Toronto and granted the three clubs the status of a District, to be identified by the letter "A". Lion Fred Ketcheson was appointed the first Governor.

On February 23rd, 1921, the first convention was held in Toronto, and Lion Louis Livingston of Windsor was elected as District Governor.

On September 11th, 1922, the first Lions Club organized in the province of Quebec was Montreal Central. The District was then composed of all clubs in Ontario and Quebec.

Only one Convention was held out of Canada, and that was the 5th Convention, which was held in Cedar Point, Ohio. The delegates at the convention in St. Catherine's decided in 1924, to hold the 5th MD"A" Convention, at Cedar Point, Ohio, in conjunction with the International Convention, so that they cound honour President Harry A. Newman whose term of office was coming to an end.

President Harry A. Newman was the first Canadian Lion to become President of Lions International.

At this convention, in Cedar Point, Ohio, Helen Keller was introduced, and it was there that she challenged the Lions of the World to become Knights of the Blind.

On July 1st, 1938, at the 18th Convention, Governor Patterson ended his term of office with 74 clubs. That great number of clubs in the district created a hardship for a Governor to serve all 74 clubs, so International agreed to subdivide the district into three districts. Single District "A" thus became Multiple District "A" with districts A-1, A-2, A-3 being formed.

The Lions Club of Sudbury became part of district A-2 and W. T. Green of the Lions Club of Sudbury was elected Governor.

District A-4 was formed in 1940-41 and the Lions Club of Sudbury then became part of district A-4. Sam Rothchild from the Lions Club of Sdbury was elected it's first Governor.

District A-5 came into being on July 1st, 1941 and the first District Governor was William K. Wylie.

The following areas became districts on the following dates.

A-6

A-7

A-8

A-9

A-10

A-11

A-12

A-14

A-15

A-16

A-17

July 1st, 1945

July 1st, 1950

July 1st, 1953

July 1st, 1958

July 1st, 1963

July 1st, 1964

July 1st, 1972

July 1st, 1976

July 1st, 1989

On July 1st, 1994, Districts, A-8, A-10, A-14 and A-17 became Multiple District "U" in Quebec. That now leaves MD"A" with 12 Districts, A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-6, A-7, A-9, A-11, A-12, A-15 and A-16.

On July 1st, 1999, 25 clubs north of us in Region 15 and 20 from District A-6 becamed part of District A-5. District A-6 was eliminated.

Four Lions from Canada were elected International President's of our Association.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Harry A. Newman, from the Lions Club of Toronto was elected President for the year 1924-1925.

Walter E. Fisher, from teh Lions Club of St. Catherine's was elected President for the year 1949-1950.

Tris Coffin, from the Lions Club of Montreal was elected President for the year 1973-1974.

Brian Stevenson, from the Lions Club of Calgary was elected President in 1987-1988.

This year (2001) MD"A" will be celebrating its 82nd anniversary with the convention being held in Sudbury.

We have come a long way since March 12th., 1920.

We have to keep working at it. It is up to every individual Lion to keep our Multiple District strong. It is up to every Lion to keep A-5 the best district in Multiple District "A".

Twenty-five years from now, will they be able to say that A-5 did its job to promote Lionism? "THINK ABOUT IT".