Membership and growth are constantly on everybody's minds these days. "Hands for service", reaching out to help others who are in need, that’s the bottom line. Quality members who are concerned for their fellowman's welfare not only in their communities but the world as a whole.

This month I will add my last two mules to our team: The first and this will be our fifteenth mule, is New Club Extension. Since 1917, Lions Clubs have offered people the opportunity to give back to their communities and help those in need. Lions Clubs International has built on a very simple philosophy, bring community minded people together, give them the opportunity to make a difference in their communities and great things can and will happen. Over the years, as community needs have increased; Lions have broadened their focus toward humanitarian needs wherever and whenever they exist. Developing new Lions clubs strengthens our association as a whole, enhances our ability to assist people in need, and offers volunteer opportunities to many individuals.

There is no limit to the number of Lions Clubs that can be established, or where they can be organized. Your club can help meet needs by chartering new Lions Clubs in areas where none currently exists or an additional club would further assist the community?

The second mule and sixteenth on our team is Club Branch. First of all, some of you who are reading this are asking, "what is a Club Branch?" That in itself is a very important question and it is important to know exactly what a Club Branch is. A Club Branch is a small group of people who become members of an existing "parent" Lions Club, but who hold meetings and conduct service activities at a location that is separate from the parent club. Branch members are full members of the parent Lions Club, with all privileges and responsibilities. In many communities, it is difficult to reach the 20-member minimum necessary to charter a new club. Club Branches can solve that problem. Because branches may be formed with a smaller number of members, they can flourish where chartered clubs cannot be established: small towns, remote rural areas, ethnic neighborhoods, business parks and even medical complexes.

Any Lions Club may establish a branch in any area of its district not currently served by Lions. A club may form more than one branch; however, the District Governor must be notified that each branch is being formed. I encourage Clubs to explore the possibility of branches wherever quality members can be found, members who can introduce Lions Clubs to new frontiers of service. If you have questions or know of new areas that can be explored with either of these two mules please let me know or call extension chair Danny Fries or membership development chair Chuck Shurtleff, PDG.

DG Jerry

CLUB NOTES!

ALAMO: MMR received. No activities reported.

ALMA: Reports received timely. 18 hours on admin, 65% average attendance at mtg., $500 spent on community betterment, $120 on community service, $200 donation to Camp and MMR postmarked within 3 days of last meeting.

BAXLEY: Reports received timely. 18 hours on admin, 62 % attendance at meetings,

BELLVILLE: Reports received timely. 271 hours on admin and 129 hours on community service, 85% attendance at mtg., displayed club banner twice other than mtg., club president, secretary and two members attended cabinet mtg, 26 club members purchased convention hospitality books, club had highest attendance at District Convention, INDUCTED TWO NEW MEMBERS OVER 30 (Janalyn and Mark Petrocci), sent club newsletter to DG, collected 7 pair eyeglasses and 41 sets of lens, $50 donation to Children’s Eye Care Center, 2 members qualify for Order of Golden Chain Award, MMR postmarked within 3 days of last meeting.

BLACKSHEAR: Reports received timely. 65% attendance at meetings, $100 donation for White Cane.

BLOOMINGDALE: Reports received timely. 25 hours on admin and 41 hours on community service. $100 donation to needy family in community for eye exam and other expenses.

BRANTLEY COUNTY: Reports received timely. 16 hours on admin, 66% attendance at meeting, MMR postmarked within 3 days of last meeting.

BRUNSWICK-GATEWAY: Reports received timely. Brought 17 pair of eyeglasses at a cost of $920, interviewed and processing application for eye surgery

BULLOCH: Reports received timely. 55 hours on admin and 5 hours on community service, 20 hours on lions projects, one member walked in local American Diabetes Walk, paid for two eye exams-$70, paid for two pair eyeglasses-$130, collected 35 pair used eyeglasses, media article for White Cane Day, $400 donation to sponsor an All State Band Member from the area.

CLAXTON: Reports received timely. 50 hours of admin, 50% attendance at meetings, displayed banner at other than club meeting, club president, secretary and two other club members attended District Cabinet/Convention, MMR postmarked within 3 days of last meeting.

CLINCH COUNTY: Reports received timely. Held Annual Star Student/Star Teacher Banquet and Recognition Program. Noteworthy: Clinch County Lions have sponsored this program since 1964. Purchased two new pair eyeglasses.

COBBTOWN: Reports received timely. 25 hours of community service, to honor our Armed Forces, flew flag in center of town entire month of March, held successful pancake supper, planning a "free" fish fry in tribute to all Senior Citizens in April and also planning the club's Annual "Citizen of the Year Banquet" to be held in May along with honoring their local Fire Department as a group.

COLLINS: No reports received.

DARIEN: Reports received timely. 101 hours on admin and 73% attendance at meetings, INDUCTED ONE NEW MEMBER OVER AGE OF 30, (Lois Truhlar), spent $165 on new eyeglasses,

DOUGLAS: Reports received timely. 65 hours on admin and 493 hours on community service, 44% attendance at mtg., displayed banner at community rally, sent DG copy of newsletter, 4 media articles, purchased 36 pair of eyeglasses for $3,240.

FOLKSTON: Reports received timely. 45 hours on admin and 135 hours on community service, one member attended zone mtg, submitted one media article, $240 spent on eyeglasses, $25 memorial to Camp, INDUCTED TWO NEW MEMBERS, (Revern George Dunham and Mrs. Fay Johnson. MMR postmarked within 3 days of last meeting.

GARDEN CITY: Reports received timely. 15 hours on admin and 62% attendance at meetings.

GLENNVILLE: Reports received timely. 35% attendance at meetings, $214 spent on eyeglasses.

GOLDEN ISLES: Reports received timely. 40 hours on admin and 98 hours on community service, 100% attendance at mtg., two club members attended District Cabinet/Convention, one media article, $200 donation to Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, one program from suggested topic list of DG's, MMR postmarked within 3 days of last meeting.

HAZELHURST: No reports received.

HINESVILLE: Reports received timely. 215 hours on admin and 100 hours on community service, 84% attendance at mtg., 6 members attended District Cabinet Meeting & Convention, sent DG copy of club newsletter, $50 memorial sent to LCIF in Betty Ervin memory, $100 donation to LCIF, two members qualify for Golden Chain Award, MMR postmarked within 3 days of last meeting.

JACKSONVILLE: MMR received. No activities reported.

JEKYLL ISLAND: Reports received timely. INDUCTED ONE NEW MEMBER OVER 30: (Charles J. McManus)

JESUP: Reports received timely. 10 hours on admin, 66% attendance at meetings, club assisted with "special Olympics" on March 14th, spent $385 on eyeglasses, and made $441 with concessions.

KINGSLAND: Reports received timely. One media article and INDUCTED TWO NEW MEMBERS

LIBERTY COASTAL: Reports received timely. 89% attendance at meetings.

LYONS: Reports received timely. 72 hours on admin, 82% attendance at meetings, one media article, $59 spent on eyeglasses, $100 donation to Lyons Merchants Association for "goody bags" for military deployed to Iraq

McRae: Reports received timely. 73% attendance at meeting, purchased 2 pair eyeglasses, held quarterly Family Night where the following lions were recognized for consecutive years of service: PDG James Ray-25 years, Henry Anderson-30 years, Lamar Murdaugh-35 years and Gary Williams-36 years.

METTER: Reports received timely. Purchased two new pair eyeglasses, donation given for new seats at County Auditorium.

MILAN: Reports received timely. 10 hours on admin, 80% attendance at meetings, displayed club banner at other than club meeting, published three media articles, held a very successful pancake breakfast, club collected and turned in comfort items for service men and women and drove them to Warner Robins to be shipped to Mid-East.

ODUM: Reports received timely. Collected and sent in 49 pair of used eyeglasses, 289 hours of community service.

PATTERSON: Reports received timely. 50 hours on admin and 225 hours on community service, 75% attendance at meetings, dropped 3 members.

PEMBROKE: Reports received timely. No activities reported.

PORT WENTWORTH: Received reports timely. 15 hours on admin and 25 hours on community service, club president, secretary and one member attended Cabinet/Convention and displayed club banner, 96% attendance at mtg., INDUCTED TWO NEW MEMBERS, ONE UNDER 30 AND ONE OVER 30, (James L. Reynolds and Chris D. Sparry) MMR postmarked within 3 days of last meeting.

REIDSVILLE: Reports received timely. 50 hours admin and 75 hours community service, 72% attendance at mtg., $50 donation to Tattnall County Chamber of Commerce for community betterment, $50 memorial to Camp in memory of Betty Ervin, displayed banner at other than cub meeting, MMR postmarked within 3 days of last meeting.

RICHMOND HILL: Reports received timely. Honored Star Student from the area, hosted DGE Lillian Shurtleff, 41% attendance at meetings.

RINCON: Reports received timely. Associated Director and one member attended Camp for the Blind work day, club set up a $300 gift card at local Wal-Mart for their adopted family.

RINCON NOON: MMR received.

RINCON SAV RIVER: MMR received.

SAVANNAH: Reports received timely. 750 hours on admin, 57% attendance at meetings, $1250 spent on eyeglasses, held a very successful broom & mop sale.

SAVANNAH CHATHAM SOUTH: Reports received timely. 39 hours of admin and 33 hours of community service, 63% attendance at mtg., club president, secretary, eight club members and one guest attended zone meeting, $250 food donation to night shelter, MMR postmarked within 3 days of last meeting.

SAVANNAH HOSTESS CITY: Reports received timely. 32 hours of community service, and 39 hours of Lions Service to there community, 100% attendance at meetings, $500 donation to Georgia Lighthouse, donated $100 to Georgia Radio Reading Service, sent DG copy of Club Newsletter.

SAVANNAH PORT CITY: Reports received timely. 20 hours on admin and 120 hours on community service, president, secretary along with 7 club members attended zone meeting and displayed banner, 8 club members attended District Cabinet/Convention, spent $410 on community betterment, collected 244 pair eyeglasses, 22 sets of lens, 5 hearing aids, MMR postmarked within 3 days of last meeting.

STATESBORO NOON: Reports received timely. 95 hours on admin, 50% attendance at mtg., article written for District Newsletter, purchased 4 pair eyeglasses, $100 donation to Lighthouse, raised $2,987 on radio day fund raiser, donated $400 to Ga Lions All State Band to sponsor local student.

VIDALIA: No reports received.

WAYCROSS: Reports received timely. 45 hours admin and 51 hours of community service, 90% attendance at mtg., 8 media articles, hosted Start Student & Teacher luncheon and program, hosted annual swine show with 4-H, MMR postmark within 3 days last meeting.

WAYCROSS-OKEFENOKEE: Reports received timely. 35 hours on admin, and 200 hours on community service, 76% attendance at mtg., sent DG club newsletter, 9 media articles published, $200 spent on eyeglasses, club sponsoring a Melvin Jones Fellowship with a $1,000 donation to LCIF, $500 spent on community service, (Christmas in April-rebuilding home), collected 125 pair used eyeglasses, 28 eye cases and 20 sets of lens. Work with Bell South Georgia Telephone Pioneers Cherokee Council to deliver books to Kindergarten at Memorial Drive Elementary School.

WILMINGTON ISLAND: Reports received timely. 36 hours on admin and 28 hours on community service, 60% attendance at mtg., INDUCTED ONE NEW MEMBER OVER 30, (Danny T. Bennett), sent club newsletter to DG, 3 media articles published, $120 donation to Leader Dog, $50 donation to RFB&D

4^TH DISTRICT CABINET MEETING & TRAINING:

Lions International has issued a new membership application and this application is now available on-line. The new application is available only to Lions Clubs that file their monthly membership report on-line with Lions International.

To get copies of the new membership application, just log on to the Lions International web site (www.lionsclubs.org) and click on the box for submitting your monthly membership report. Then click on the link for the new membership application.

Please note that there are five signatures required on the application for membership. In addition to the applicant’s signature, the sponsoring Lion and the Club Secretary must also sign the form. The Chairman of the Membership Committee and a member of the Board of Directors also sign.

Copies of the new membership application will be available at our next cabinet meeting. If you have trouble downloading the new form or if you do not file your report on-line, contact the district’s Membership Chairman, Lion Chuck Shurtleff, PDG (phone (912) 876-8324) and he will get copies of the new form to you.

Club Branch Program

A new way to help Lions expand service beyond the boundaries of their current club, the Club Branch Program gives Lions clubs the tools they need to reach into new communities and locations.

What is a Club Branch?

A club branch is a small group of people who become members of an existing "parent" Lions club, but who hold meetings and conduct service activities at a location that is separate from the parent club. Branch members are full members of the parent Lions club, with all privileges and responsibilities.

In many communities, it is difficult to reach the 20-member minimum necessary to charter a new club. Club branches can solve this problem. Because branches may be formed with a smaller number of members, they can flourish where chartered clubs cannot be established: small towns, remote rural areas, ethnic neighborhoods, business parks and medical complexes.

Any Lions club may establish a branch in any area of its district not currently served by Lions. A club may form more than one branch; however, the district governor must be notified that each branch is being formed.

Clubs are encouraged to explore the possibility of branches wherever quality members can be found.

Who's Who in Club Branches?

Parent Club--This is an existing Lions club that recruits branch members and provides support and guidance as needed. All club branch members are considered members of the parent club.

Branch Coordinator--As an officer elected from the branch membership, the branch coordinator serves as the leader of the club branch. In addition, he or she serves on the parent club's board of directors.

Branch Vice Coordinator--The branch vice coordinator is also elected from the branch membership. He or she serves as administrator, recording minutes for the branch meetings and preparing monthly financial reports for the parent club, among other duties.

Branch Liaison--A member of the parent club who acts as the go-between for the parent and branch, the branch liaison serves on the branch's executive committee.

Branch Member--As members of a club branch, Lions are active participants in meetings, service activities and fundraising projects. They vote on branch activities and, in some cases, may vote on parent club activities.

Starting a Branch

1. Host an informational meeting in the proposed branch's service area, after notifying the district governor that a branch is being formed. Invite community leaders, business professionals, educators and anyone else who is interested in joining the club branch. The branch liaison should also attend. This informal gathering can introduce Lions service and discuss possible projects, among other topics. Afterwards, thank participants for their time and invite them to take the next step: attending the organizational meeting.

2. Conduct an organizational meeting where potential branch members learn more about the details of Lions membership, club and branch structure, duties of branch officers, dues and any other relevant issues.

3. Invite them into membership and officially establish the new club branch.

4. Elect officers within the branch. Branch members should elect their own coordinator and vice coordinator. Duties for these officers are described above.

The club branch is now ready to conduct service activities in its own community!

Once established, the club branch reports its service activities and membership changes to the parent club, which provides guidance and support for the branch. As the branch and parent club settle into these new roles, they are encouraged to hold occasional joint meetings to share information and further promote the spirit of fellowship.

Request Club Branch Materials

Available from International Headquarters, a Branch Builder kit contains all the materials necessary to create and maintain a successful club branch. This free kit comes complete with all the brochures, manuals and forms needed to create and maintain a successful club branch.

Guide to Branch Formation--Designed for a parent club that wishes to establish a branch and help it grow.

Coordinator's Guide to Branch Management--A comprehensive guide for branch leaders, full of leadership techniques and suggestions.

Club Branch Notification--Form for notifying International Headquarters of the new branch; used by the parent club.

Branch Membership Update--An easy-to-use form to report branch members to International Headquarters; used by the parent club.

In addition to these special materials, the Branch Builder Kit includes membership brochures, a powerful tool for recruiting members for the branch; membership applications; the standard form Constitution and By-Laws, to inform branch leaders of the guidelines and policies of Lions Clubs International; and a Club President's Manual that branch leaders can reference for leadership techniques as the branch grows.

All materials included in the Branch Builder Kit are also available individually. These publications, as well as the Branch Builder Kit itself, can be requested through the New Clubs and Marketing Department. You may also download the Club Branch informational brochure, and other helpful brochures.

Learn More

For additional information on how your club can be a part of this exciting new program, or to request any of the publications listed above, contact the New Clubs and Marketing Department at (630) 571-5466, ext. 305; by fax at (630) 571-1691; or by e-mail to [email protected].

May is Better Hearing Month

PU 101

Create a Brighter Tomorrow

2003-04 Lions International Peace Poster Contest

"Create a Brighter Tomorrow" is the theme of the 2003-04 Peace Poster Contest. Lions clubs can sponsor the contest in their community for children in local schools or organized, sponsored youth groups. Students, ages 11, 12 or 13 on November 15, 2003, are eligible to participate. Students select a medium as outlined in the contest rules to draw, paint or sketch their interpretation of the contest's theme.

Lions clubs may purchase a contest kit through the Club Supplies Sales Department. A kit must be purchased for each school or youth group sponsored. (The contest must be sponsored by a Lions club.)

Each poster is judged on originality, artistic merit and expression of the theme.

Posters advance through several judging levels: local, district, multiple district and international (semifinal and final judging). At the international level, a group of judges from the media, art, literary and youth community select 24 finalists. From those 24 posters a panel of judges select the grand prize winner. The remaining 23 posters are named merit award winners.

January 15, 2003 Kits go on sale from the Club Supplies Sales Department at International Headquarters.

October 1, 2003 Deadline to purchase kits from the Club Supplies Sales Department at International Headquarters.

November 15, 2003 Postmark deadline for a club to send one winning poster (per contest sponsored) to the district governor.

December 1, 2003 Postmark deadline for a governor to send one winning district poster to multiple district council chairman.

December 1, 2003 Postmark deadline for a governor not belonging to a multiple district to send one winning poster to the Public Relations Department at International Headquarters.

December 1, 2003 Postmark deadline for a club not belonging to a district to send one winning entry to the Public Relations Department at International Headquarters.

December 15, 2003 Postmark deadline for the multiple district council chairman to send one winning poster to the Public Relations Department at International Headquarters.

February 1, 2004 International winners will be notified on or before this date.

DISTRICT 18 B WHITE CANE REPORT

Lions of Georgia State Convention

District Governor’s Points Contest