Introducing the International President 2012-2013 - Lions Clubs ...

PRESIDENT'S THEMECalling On All Lions To Be Agents of ChangeIn our pursuit of excellence, I want all Lions to embrace ourheritage of service. From our founder Melvin Jones, toHelen Keller’s call to be “Knights of the Blind” service toothers has been our foundation. at heritage continues 95years later and has been paramount in our ability to expandour service to areas such as disaster relief, fightingpoverty and hunger, taking care of the environment, andworking with the blind and vision impaired, and adoptingnew challenges like measles and childhood mortality.Service is what we do, and who we are. It defines us as arevered, highly respected institution. We will always betrue to our heritage.But embracing our heritage does not mean we should notbe open to change. e world is changing. e world isevolving. We must evolve with it if we hope to keep paceand continue to make a difference in the lives of millionsof people in need. I challenge clubs this year to seek self improvementand always be receptive to new ways of doingbusiness and new traditions. One excellent way is to gothrough the Club Excellence Process (CEP) workshop inyour district.Club Presidents – I want also to hear from you. A new traditionstarted last year is the “presidents meet the president”program. I can think of no better way to understandthe needs of our clubs – and how they are adapting to achanging world – than by directly communicating to clubpresidents in person. It’s one tradition that truly works, andI intend to meet with as many club presidents as possiblethis year.Proud PastBright FutureThe Future Is NowAs we strive for success, remember that our future is NOW. Our nextgeneration of leaders is all around us – in our Leo clubs, highschools and universities, and we need to identify and nuture them.I’m encouraging all clubs to get involved with the youth ofyour communities – celebrate their achievements.If you don’t currently sponsor a Leo club – makethat part of your club’s goals this year.Engage the youth of your community.Invite young people to participate in yourservice activities, and let them take anactive role in the planning process.Promote community service in yourlocal schools.1 2LION, South Pacific Edition | July/August 2012 16