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Lions Clubs International
Newsletter Web-site http://galions.org/18b/ Jerry J. Kaiser, District Governor E-mail: [email protected] |
Welby L. Stayton, Cabinet Secretary E-mail:
[email protected] |
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July 15, 2002
Governor‘s Comments...
“United Nothing is Impossible”
For 43 years I have been called “Chief” because of different management positions. These positions gave me opportunities to be involved in many action plans to resolve knotty situations. As I think back over those years I realize that it took a “United Effort” by all involved to accomplish the mission. That’s why I have chosen the theme: “United Nothing is Impossible”.
I like to quote Hyman Rickover, the fabled Navy Admiral who made a career of going up against established interests. He said “Organization doesn’t really accomplish anything. Plans don’t accomplish anything either. Theories of management don’t much matter. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved.” (United)
One of my all time favorite television shows was the Twenty Mule Team Borax Show from many years ago. All the Mules had to be pulling in the same direction and pulling their fair share of the load to keep it moving in a straight line and the driver had to steer them in the right direction. I want to use the Mule team concept with our District this year. Our team will be Membership, Extension, Retention and Leadership (MERL)! All of us must be harnessed or “United” together and moving forward with the same goal.
Lets look at my first Mule: (MEMBERSHIP)
Membership, over all there is a steady decline not only in our district, but also in our state and in international. Last year international lost 36,000 members. Since 1977 our state has lost 3,000 members and each year our district struggles to stay over the 1250 membership requirement. We must do a better job of telling our story of what Lions do and what we are about.
My second Mule is EXTENSION:
Extension is another key element in our ability to grow. My goal is to add two new Lions Clubs and two Leo Clubs this year. I have created a Co-Chair to assist the outstanding work that our extension chair Danny Fries has been accomplishing. PDG Jack Kennedy has the communtive skills and dogged determination to accomplish this with Danny and he has agreed to fill this co-chair position.
My third Mule is RETENTION:
Retention seems to be a major problem for all clubs. Statistics indicate that new Lions drop out within the first three years. The action plan here is to have the Past District Governor’s Association of 18B form a three man membership development growth team. They will assist clubs with less than twenty members to help them “Unite” and turn their club around. Additionally, Vice District Governor Lil Shurtleff has been placed in charge of developing a District Orientation Program to educate our members on Lionism and our projects. She will have her own road show and will be available for club, zone or region meetings.
My fourth Mule is LEADERSHIP:
Leadership is nothing more than implementing an action plan and you can see there are several new ideas that I plan to put into effect. I will never forget that this is the greatest volunteer service association in the world. My year as District Governor will only be as good as each Lion in our District. I’m also reminded of what one of my sergeants told me many years ago. “You can’t drive one sheep through a gate but you can lead them all through a small opening”. I promise you I will do my very best so Let’s get United and Move Forward.
Or as the Ole Wagon Master used to say at the beginning of the show, “HEADEM UP AND MOVEM OUT”
DG Jerry
UP COMING DATES
July 27th Georgia Lions Day at Camp For The Blind
August 11th 2:45 PM District 18B Cabinet Meeting, (Patterson)
Sept 15-18 Senior Lions Leadership Institute, Fort Worth
Sept 19-21 USA/CANADA Leadership Forum, Fort Worth
October 12th District Rally, Jesup
CLUB NOTES!
Editor note: These Club reports were prepared on July 6th by CC Jack Kennedy prior to leaving for the International Convention. Some Clubs may have submitted reports timely that were not received before the report was filed.
ALAMO : Submitted MMR timely. No activities reported for June.
ALMA: June reports not received by July 6th.
BAXLEY: June reports not received by July 6th.
BELLVILLE: Submitted June reports timely. Displayed Club Banner. Spent 149 hours on Club Adm. Averaged 97% attendance in June. Two members attended Zone/Region/Cabinet meetings. Contributed $150.00 to Lighthouse $100.00 to LCIF, sponsored two Melvin Jones Fellows. Hosted program in DG points contest. Fifteen members qualified for 100% attendance awards. DGE Jerry and ZC Brenda toured S E Guide Dog School. Submitted reports within 3 days of last monthly meeting.
BLACKSHEAR: Submitted June reports timely. Inducted one new member. Displayed American flags on Flag Day. Purchased one pair of glasses at cost of $60.00. Donated $100.00 to Camp as a Century Club Membership for Lion Norm Spurley. Lion Norm delivered luggage to Macon as Camp service.
BLOOMINGDALE: June reports not received by July 6th.
BRANTLEY COUNTY: submitted June reports timely. Held only one meeting in June.
BRUNSWICK-GATEWAY: June reports not received by July 6th.
BULLOCH: June reports not received by July 6th.
CLAXTON: Submitted June reports timely. Worked 50 hours in Club Adm. Averaged 40% attendance in June. Increased membership by 4 members in 2001/2002. Had five Lions items published in local newspaper. Purchased 5 Peace Poster Contest Kits. Had five members qualify for 100% attendance awards.
CLINCH COUNTY: Submitted June reports timely Purchased two pairs of glasses. Collected glasses from local area.
COLLINS: June reports not received by July 6th
DARIEN: June reports received timely. Averaged 63% attendance in June. Worked 65 hours in Club Adm. Spent 4440.00 on eye care in community. Collected 255 pairs of glasses, 197 lenses. Submitted June reports within three days of last meeting.
DOUGLAS: June reports submitted timely. Inducted one new member in June. Dropped one member, reason, 4. Appointed Associate Directors to Lighthouse and Camp. Displayed Club Banner. Averaged 52% attendance in June. Worked 30 hours on Club Adm. Had four Lions items published locally. Purchased 37 pairs of glasses at cost of $3333.00. Worked 494 hours on community projects. Donated $500.00 to Camp.
FOLKSTON: Submitted June reports timely. Inducted one new member. Displayed Club Banner. Spent 70 hours on club Adm. Averaged 85% attendance in June. Spent $90.00 on eye care. Purchased Peace Poster Contest Kit. Collected 304 pairs of glasses, 54 lenses, 8 cases, eight hearing aids. Hosted Officer Installation Banquet. Displayed 136 American Flags on June 5th and June 14th. Submitted reports within three days of last meeting.
GARDEN CITY: Submitted June reports timely. Inducted one new member. Held regular meeting June 11th, Officers’s Installation Banquet June 25th.
GLENNVILLE: June reports received timely. Averaged 55% attendance in June. Provided DG with copy of Club Newsletter. Inducted incoming Officers for Lions year 2002/2003.
GOLDEN ISLES: Reports filed timely. Club held installation of officers and spent 40 hours on club administration.
HAZLEHURST: June reports not received by July 6th.
HINESVILLE: June reports not received by July 6th.
JACKSONVILLE: Sept. June reports received timely. Spent 6 hours on Club Adm. Averaged 80% attendance in June. Hosted 6 visitors! President, Secretary and two members attended Cabinet meeting. Worked 50 hours on community projects. One member worked one week fighting fire in nearby community. Donated $250.00 to local resident whose home burned. Rented Club House facilities three times during month.
JEKYLL ISLAND: June reports not received by July 6th
JESUP: June reports not received by July 6th.
KINGSLAND: Submitted June reports timely. Worked 5 hours on Club Adm. Averaged 64% attendance in June.
LIBERTY COASTAL: Submitted June reports timely. Took action to reduce un-authorized use of facilities. Donated $100.00 to local Fire Dept. Planned Mop and broom Sale.
LYONS: June reports not received by July 6th
MCRAE: June reports not received by July 6th.
METTER: Submitted June reports timely. Averaged 50% attendance in June. Displayed American flags on June 14th. Hosted 2nd Annual Metter Lions Club
Golf Tournament. Made $3100.00 for Lions projects.
MILAN: No report received.
ODUM : June reports received timely. Worked 118 hours in community service. Worked 20 hours on Club Adm. Worked 52 hours on Lions projects. Collected 48 pairs of glasses.
PATTERSON: June reports not received by July 6th.
PEMBROKE: Submitted June reports timely. Dropped two members, reason 4. Inducted new officers for Lions year 2002/2003. Approved one eye glasses application. Hosted visitor from Idaho Lions.
PORT WENTWORTH: June reports not received by July 6th.
REIDSVILLE: June reports received timely. Conducted regular meeting and hosted Officers Installation Banquet. Inducted two new members.
RICHMOND HILL: Reports not received by July 6th.
RINCON: Reports not received by July 6th.
RINCON NOON: June reports not received by July 6th.
RINCON SAVANNAH RIVER: June reports not received by July 6th.
SAVANNAH: Submitted June reports timely. Averaged 58% attendance in June. Worked 250 hours on Lions projects. Conducted installation service for all incoming officers.
SAVANNAH CHATHAM SOUTH: Club contributed food to
the Inter City Night Shelter - $250.00 value, did community service at a
Nursing Home - 4 hrs; Diabetes - 6 hrs; Glasses Collection - 2 hrs;
Club Admin.- 25 hrs; Community Center (Old Adults) - 8 hrs;
Union Mission - 3 hrs [volunteer work]; Children Miracle Network - $240.00
K-9 Task Force - $200.00
SAVANNAH HOSTESS CITY: Submitted June reports timely. Dropped one member, reason 4. Averaged 100% attendance in June. Worked 61 hours in community service. Worked 4 hours on Club Adm. , 52.5 hours on Lions projects.
SAVANNAH PORT CITY: June reports received timely. Worked 45 hours on Club Adm. , 85 hours on community service. Made regular contribution of $100.00 to Camp, $75.00 White Cane contribution to Lighthouse. Contributed $300.00 to Leader Dog. Sold $198.00 worth of brooms. Hosted Installation Banquet for incoming officers. Met Club budget for contributions for Lion Year 2001.2002.
STATESBORO: Submitted June reports timely. Worked 25 hours on Club Adm. Averaged 55% attendance in June. Purchased four pairs of glasses at cost of $295.00. Awarded two Melvin Jones Fellowships. Began process of donating building to Camp and surrendering charter.
VIDALIA: No reports received as of July 6th
WAYCROSS: Sept. Submitted June reports timely. Worked 55 hours on Lions projects. Sold $542.00 . Worked 60 hours on Club Adm.. Averaged 89% attendance in June. Had five Lions items published in local newspaper. Sold $542.00 worth of brooms and mops, $845.00 worth of Flag contracts
WAYCROSS OKEFENOKEE: Submitted June reports timely. Club members worked 144 hours on community projects. They bought 1 pair of glasses. Donated $300 to the Camp and $250 to LCIF. The Club Banner was displayed at the State Convention in Athens. The club had 3 articles published in the local newspaper.
WILMINGTON ISLAND: Submitted June reports timely. Dropped one member, reason 1. Spent 15 hours on club Adm. Averaged 78% attendance in June. One member attended Cabinet meeting. Worked 120 hours in community service. Hosted DG and Lion Evelyn at Officer Installation Banquet.
WOODBINE: Submitted reports timely. Inducted 1 new member. Club held installation of new officers. They spent 38 hours on Club Administration. 72% average attendance at meetings. Spent $65 on eye exam. Contributed 93 hours for community service.
Zone Meeting Announced
Region 1 Zone 2 will hold its first meeting of the Lion’s year on Monday, August 26, 7:00 p.m. with a cookout at Faith Lutheran Church, 5995 Waters Avenue. All members of clubs in the zone and beyond are invited to attend. Club Presidents are reminded to prepare to report on their club plans and activities. Steak and Chicken will be served. Cost is $11.00 per person. RSVP to ZC Jennifer Eisenhart by August 19, (912) 826-6611 e-mail [email protected]. A program is being planned.
District 18-B Newsletter Distribution Policy
On June 30, 2002 the cost of mailing a 1 oz letter increased to .37. Lions International District 18-B Newsletter is published each month to promote the activities of the district. The cost of this newsletter is partially covered by Lions International and by dues collected by District 18-B. In order to maintain costs of publishing and mailing the newsletters, delivery is limited to the following Lions; Club Presidents, Club Secretaries, Zone and Region Chairmen, Cabinet Officers, District Committee Chairs, Past District Governors, International Director (In State), Past International Directors (In State). It is not cost effective to mail to every member in the District.
This newsletter is also published on the internet at http://galions.org/18b/news and is available for download by anyone who has an internet connection. In order to control costs, those Lions who have an internet connection and on the mailing list will have a hard copy mailed to them only on written request. Any other Lions who requests a hard copy of the newsletter may subscribe at a rate of $10.00 per year. This will cover the cost of production and mailing. Questions and comments may be directed to DG Jerry Kaiser, or IT Chair Rick Mizell.
CABINET MEETING:
Our first Cabinet Meeting is schedule for Sunday August 11th at 2:45 PM, in Patterson Georgia. Clubs that participate in this meeting will be awarded 500 additional points towards the District Governors Point Contest. International has sent and I have in my possession all materials for the many committees and different club officer positions, and they will be distributed at this meeting along with the State Directories. There will be another training session right after cabinet meeting for club officers, zone/region chairs who missed training in May.
As usual we need door prizes and each club attending should bring two items. (Please, no gag gifts.) We will have raffle tickets for sale with one prize this year a two-night stay at a “bed and breakfast” (value $250). Prizes will be drawn at the State Convention next May.
CHARTER NIGHT GALA PLANNED
A Charter application for the Statesboro Noon Lions Club was filed June 25th, 2002. The initial application shows 23 Lions, and there are several more planning on joining the new club. A Charter Night Banquet is planned for Sept. 7th, 2002 in Statesboro. The keynote speaker will be ‘Our President’ Lion James E. “Jim” Ervin. PDG, Lighthouse President and Judge Haynes Townsend will provide his unique twist of ‘accountability and atonement’, otherwise know as Tail Twisting. The time, place and other details will be arranged and notice provided as the time draws near.
Plan now to join us in Statesboro to celebrate the birth of another Lions Club in MD18 and to enjoy the fun and fellowship of District 18B.
Special Banquet to kick off the Lions year!
We are rolling out the Red Carpet for the Lions.
The first Council of Governors meeting of 2002-03 is to be held in Dalton GA, site of the 2003 State Lions Convention.
On Friday August 9, 2002 we have the opportunity to host Immediate Past International President J. Frank Moore with a banquet in his honor, along with our own PIP Jim Ervin and International Director Buddy Ouzts, the new Council of Governors, and all Lions of Georgia. IPIP Moore and PIP Ervin will be coming from a visit with the Carter Center to seek more partnerships. There could be some exciting announcements.
Please make plans to join us!
The details are as follows.
The Banquet will be at North Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton,
right off I-75, exit #333, just up the hill. The address is 2211 Dug Gap Battle Road, Dalton. We are very easy to find.
Hospitality begins at 6:30 pm, and dinner will begin at 7 pm.
If you are interested, rooms have been set-aside at the Courtyard by Marriott at the same exit. Rates for room are $ 62. The phone # is 706-275-7215. Rooms are held until July 27th.
Tickets for the banquet are $ 25 per person. If you are staying over, and want ideas for site seeing or shopping, add a note to your ticket order and I’ll get
you an information packet. Shopping for Carpet is still very good in Dalton. But the area is not only carpet; there is a rich history as well. I can point
you several ways.
To order tickets, please send your request and check for number of guests to:
Lion Paul Johnson
Red Carpet Kick-off Banquet
P O Box 828
Dalton GA 30722
Reservations must be received by July 26th, 2002 to ensure we have a proper headcount. We want this to be a Grand Kick-off to the coming year. It is very rare to have two Past International Presidents in our midst, and we plan on showing them that the Lions of Georgia are still the best. We invite you to join the fun in rolling out the red carpet.
ATTENTION DISTRICT SECRETARIES!!
Just a reminder about the A-1 Report, The Annual Activities Report is due at International NO LATER than June 30th, 2002. this is THE REPORT TO INTERNATIONAL OF ALL ACTITIES PERFORMED BY YOUR CLUB DURING THE LIONS YEAR 2001/2002. It is the only activities report you are required to send to International. WITHOUT THIS REPORT, INTERNATIONAL WILL NOT KNOW WHAT YOUR CLUB DID THIS LIONS YEAR. International does not get a copy of the Activity reports you send to DG each month! To prepare the report, simply review your monthly activity reports and total the figures asked for. LAST YEAR, DISTRICT 18B HAD 17, THAT’S ONLY 17, SECRETARIES TO SEND THESE REPORTS!! CONSEQUENTLY DISTRICT 18B RECEIVED ‘CREDIT’ FOR WHAT 17 CLUBS DID, NOT WHAT 48 CLUBS DID. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO SEND THE A-1 REPORT. If you have misplaced your copy, you may download it from LCI web-site, or complete it on screen. If you are not able to do that, ask DG, DGE or Tech Chair Rick to send you a copy. It is very important that LCI gets the information and that OUR DISTRICT RECEIVES IT’S SHARE OF THE CREDIT!!
Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation
Just a word of thanks to the 39 clubs who contributed a total of $49,745.74 to the Lighthouse during 2001-2002. This includes $5,670.00 to the Children’s Eye-care Center at Emory and $21,100.74 for White Cane. This is an increase in giving over last year. Your generous giving makes it possible for the Lighthouse to provide vision and hearings services to those needy all over the state of Georgia.
Since we are beginning a new Lions Year, we ask that you once again consider supporting the Georgia Lions Lighthouse with your donations and gifts. By doing so you may make it possible for someone in your community to gain the gift of vision or hearing.
Also all clubs are once again urged to plan a special fundraiser this year to help support the Children’s Eye-care Center at Emory. Your support of this worthwhile cause enable the research and treatment of infant and childhood eye disorders and diseases. Please remember when you send donations to Emory Eye-Care Center that you send it to the Lighthouse with the donation marked for Emory on the check.
Again thank you for all that you do for the Georgia Lions Lighthouse and Emory Children’s Eye-Care Center.
Filing MMR Reports over the Internet
One of the most important jobs that a club secretary has is filing reports to the district and to international. Each secretary receives a stack of forms from international to fill out in order to report membership numbers, changes, new members and dropped members. This form is necessary in order to determine dues and points totals for the District Governor’s points contest. I know it is an aggravating job because I did it for 5 years. The filling out the form, making copies (International does not send enough). Stuffing envelopes and paying postage. Allowing enough time for the report to arrive. Are we having fun yet?
Now if you think you have problems, consider the job that the staff at Lions International has when it receives reports from over 44,000 Lions Clubs each month. Each paper report has to be hand typed into a computer system. Sometimes the report may be incomplete or not readable. There may be questions about the report. Then there is the problem with what to do with the report once it is read. Usually it is recycled, but what do you do with a mound of paper when stacked on end and it reaches the height of the Empire State Building twice over. There is an easy way to file reports, its through the internet. If you have a computer with internet access you can file for membership report in minutes. Once you submit your report it is instantly on file with International and your job is finished. The A-1 report and the PU 101 reports are also available at http://www.lionsclubs.org. These reports are password protected and only the club secretary or president may request a password to view or file reports. To request a password just simply send a email to [email protected], please allow a few days for a response.
Rick Mizell will be presenting a short presentation at the District Cabinet Meeting in Patterson for those who wish to find out more about filing reports online.
During the Lions year 2001-2002 District 18-B had 23 clubs out of 49 who filed by the Internet. We are by far the District in MD 18 who has made the most use of this new technology.
The Monthly Activities report can also be filed through our district web site at http://galions.org/18b/mmr It is not as elaborate as international but it has the ability to email the results to all officers in your zone who has e-mail. Just simply access the web page follow instructions and submit your report and your done. No more stamps to use
Public Relations
Based on the Club PR Chairman's Guide, the multiple-choice quiz will test your knowledge of public relations practices. Pick the correct answer for each question.
1.
Public Relations involves?A. Written communication
B. Verbal communication
C. Non-verbal communication
D. All of the above
2. Often, conducting a service activity is enough to bring attention to your club? True or False
3. All club activities newsworthy. True or False
4. What is the main difference between news and public service?
A. News offers information about ongoing/upcoming activities or projects, while public service gives information about a specific topic.
B. News is broadcast at various times during the day, while public service can occur anytime.
C. News is more important than public service.
D. There is no difference.
5. When contacting the media, should you send all materials to the CEO of the media outlet? True or False
6. How far in advance of your project should an initial news release be sent out?
A. At least 1 week prior
B. At least 2 weeks prior
C. At least 3 weeks prior
D. At least 4 weeks prior
7. Tips for successful interviews include which of the following?
A. Watch what you say
B. Wear appropriate attire
C. Both "A" and "B"
D. Neither "A" nor "B"
8. The World Wide Web is not recognized as a public relations tool. True or False
9. Should information in newsletters should be timely and relevant? True or False
10. When taking photographs of an event, you should (pick one):
A. Take only one photograph, since only one will be used by a newspaper reporter.
B. Always pose your subjects, as newspapers rarely run candid shots.
C. Make sure that your subject is in proper focus.
D. Always include a lot of background in the shot.
Answers are below.
Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind
Lions Day 2002 is Saturday, July 27th. Please mark this date on your calendar. All Lions are invited to be a part of the celebrate this special day. Bring your family and friends as well because there will be lots to do. You do not want to miss out on the great entertainment and festivities we have planned for everyone. Our campers are expecting you, Lions, because they want to meet all of the wonderful people who make this facility a reality.
Lions Day gives everyone the opportunity to experience and enjoy what the Camp is all about, in person. The campers during that time will be the 14-17 year olds. You will be able to meet each of them and experience what your Camp provides for the enrichment of their life. This weekend will also be our District Governor's Orientation Weekend and you will have the opportunity to visit with all of the newly installed Governors.
The theme for the whole summer and for this Lions Day is "United We Stand at GLCB." There will be a number of different events going on during Lions Day, as you can see from the enclosed schedule. Please feel free to come dressed very casual and bring your swimsuits too because the pool will be open. There will be activities for you to participate in with the campers nearly all day long. This will allow you to see first hand what your camp has to offer to the visually impaired and blind of Georgia. The Flash Foods Activity Center will open at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. Plates will be $7.00 each in advance, $9.00 at the door on the day of the event. We need to know how many meals to prepare for lunch that day so we encourage you to please make your reservations early. There are several ways of doing this- 1. Fill out the enclosed reservation form and mail it to Lion Doy Barks, 614 Todd Circle, Warner Robins, Ga. 31088, 2. Call her at (478) 923-5649, or 3. Email her at [email protected].
We would like to ask you to help your Camp by announcing this information to your club and encouraging everyone to join us for Lions Day 2002 at the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind, Inc. All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you in Waycross at your Camp on July 27, 2002!
Please check out the new Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind Website at www.galionscamp.org
Public Relations Continued
How many did you get right? Check your answers below.
1. The correct answer is "D. all of the above": Public relations involves all forms of communication - written, verbal and non-verbal. For Lions, public relations includes standard techniques such as writing news releases and distributing promotional flyers. Equally as important are those actions often taken for granted, such as wearing a Lions lapel pin and marching in a parade.
2. The correct answer is "False": If community members don't know who built the park, conducted the sight screening or collected the eyeglasses, they won't know who to support. A definite relationship between public relations, successful service projects and community support exists. A good public relations plan will help you foster this relationship and enable your club to reach more people in need.
3. The correct answer is "False": Always remember that not everything your club does will be deemed worthy of coverage. It is important to understand that some projects, although extremely worthwhile, may simply not be "newsworthy." The most helpful question you can ask yourself when considering a promotional strategy for a project is, "Would a non-Lion find this interesting?
4. The correct answer is "A": News offers information about activities or events that are of interest to, directly affect or involve the general public; such as the election of officers or the dedication of a Lions-sponsored facility. Public service gives information about a specific topic to help or assist the general public, such as describing the warning signs of diabetes or encouraging volunteerism. While most publicity activities will center around news, the PR opportunities presented by the public service campaigns should not be overlooked. Such efforts can keep clubs visible within their communities during times when there are no newsworthy events or activities to publicize.
5. The correct answer is "False": The person you need to contact will likely depend on the nature of the activity. Larger newspapers or broadcast stations have departments or reporters assigned to special topics such as health, education and entertainment. When dealing with smaller outlets, send materials to the general assignment editor or public service director.
6. The correct answer is "B. at least 2 weeks prior": News releases should be mailed or hand-delivered at least two weeks prior to your event only those editors, reporters or news directors on your mailing list who cover your particular type of story. At least one week before the event, follow up with each person on your list and offer to answer questions, mention photo opportunities and inquire whether your story is one they might be interested in covering.
7. The correct answer is "C. Both 'A' and 'B'": By picking your words carefully, you will not risk being mis-quoted. Dress is also an important tip for a successful interview. What you wear says a lot about who you are. Lions should wear business dress and their lapel pin to project a positive image. For television, avoid pinstripes and white shirts. Other tips include: Know your facts, Prepare key message points, Give clear responses, Practice, Mention your club's name, and Have fun!
8. The correct answer is "False": One of the best new ways to promote your Lions club is through the World Wide Web. The web provides an opportunity to reach out to different audiences. Creating a club web site with an e-mail link is an excellent way to let others, including members of the media, know about your club's activities.
9. The correct answer is "True": The primary function of a newsletter is to make members feel in-touch with club activities and their fellow Lions. Newsletters should contain timely, relevant information. Upcoming events should be highlighted and results of recently completed projects should be noted.
10. The correct answer is "C. Make sure your subject is properly focused": Poorly-focused photographs cannot be used in any publications or promotional materials. Proper focus will ensure that the picture is suitable for distribution to a media outlet or for inclusion in a club brochure or newsletter. Always take more than one photograph of an event. The more you shoot, the better your chances of capturing the perfect moment. Also, shoot candid photos. Avoid posed and group shots. While acceptable for club use, they are not ideal for newspapers. Finally, get as close to the action as possible. Too many people and too much background will crowd the shot and make it seem 'busy.'
Cabinet Advisor Comments
Editor Note: This is the last column that Lion Jack Kennedy wrote as District Governor. By the time it is published Lion Jack’s title will have changed to Cabinet Advisor and Council Chairman of Multiple District 18.
Lion Evelyn and I are busy packing for Osaka and trying to pack everything
We could possibly need, while using only one suitcase each. Not an easy job for me. Especially when I’m worn out from having ten grandchildren in and out of the pool all day on Thursday July 4th. Thank God for them all: thank God they all went home and had a home to go to. While thinking of that I am reminded how grateful we should all be that they could visit as they wished. And then return home or go where they wished. That we all could celebrate on the Forth of July as we wished, but were not required to if we choose not to. No country in the world has the same freedoms, as a part of their legal fabric, as does the United States of America. No other citizens have the same freedoms we do without the fear of retaliation from their own government. On the whole, no group has the same standard of living or the same possibility of success as do we Americans. Perhaps it is a good time to remember that with those freedoms comes responsibility. The responsibility to guard against the erosion of those freedoms, from whatever quarter, should be the first order of business. The responsibility not to abuse the system, but to accept the duty it imposes, performing our civil duties, is certainly high on the list. We might disagree on the order of importance, but most likely could enumerate at least five or six more duties we all would agree were important.
Being a Lions Club member or even a member of another civil organization, is not a legal requirement. It is in my mind however, a moral obligation. Is it not a duty to God and ourselves to show some appreciation for what we have been given, by giving back? Giving back does not have to involve much cash, if any, it can be in the form of time and talent. Ideas and visions, expertise applied where needed and just the willingness to work are often more valuable than treasure. A friendly smile or a call to say hello may lift a heart and make a day. The willingness to become involved in improving the life of another is service to that person. WE SERVE means many things. I thank God we live in a country that allows us to express that service in the way that best suits us. Being an active member of an active Lions Club fulfills the obligation in a way that helps to create synergy and multiplies our service many times over.
Don’t forget our freedoms and our obligations just because the holiday is over. Continue the quest to increase membership and service by asking someone to go to a Lions Club meeting today. An opportunity lost will never return. You might find a Jim Ervin or Buddy Ouzts or John Pearce or Beverly Roberts or Carolyn Irvin by just asking your neighbor or friend or relative. You might just find a good hometown Lion, you know, the kind of Lion that makes every Club a source of help and hope. . Ask and find out! - CC Jack Kennedy
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