Cambridge Lions

Lions Org March Newsletter

International Contest … Request for Performers … International Academy Awards … Convention Events … Seminars and more.

Celebrate Eye Donor Awareness Month
March is Eye Donor Awareness Month. Contact your local eye bank to determine ways to promote eye donation. A listing of Lions Eye Banks is available online. Lions may also contact the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) for materials and information on Eye Donor Awareness Month.

There are approximately 60 Lions Eye Banks worldwide that provide quality eye tissue for corneal transplants, research and other medical purposes. At the conclusion of 2003-04, Lions Eye Banks reported that they provided more than 25,000 corneas for sight-saving transplants and 12,000 eyes for research and education.

Participate in Lions Worldwide Induction Day
The eighth annual Lions Worldwide Induction Day will take place Saturday, April 16, 2005. Commemorative certificates bearing International President Kusiak’s signature are available for presentation to the new inductees during your Worldwide Induction Day ceremony. Determine the number of participants and request by e-mail the correct number of certificates needed. Or, fax an order form to New Clubs and Marketing Department at 630-571-1691. The form can be found on page 13 of the Lions Worldwide Induction Day Club and District Planning Guide.

International Contest Entries Due
The Lions Clubs International Contest provides Lions, Leos, clubs, districts and multiple districts with the opportunity to showcase their hard work and creativity while sharing their accomplishments with others from around the world. The six contest categories include: Photography, Newsletter, Trading Pin, Friendship Banner, PR Idea and Web Site.

The deadline for all entries is May 1, 2005. For complete contest rules and the official entry form, download form PR763. The 2004-2005 winners will be announced at the 88th International Convention in Hong Kong and posted on the Online Convention Web site.

Training Feature Added to Web Monthly Membership Reporting
A Training Area has been added to the new Web Monthly Membership Reporting (WMMR) site. This feature provides step-by-step instructions and the ability to practice entering membership information without interfering with your actual totals. NO PASSWORD IS REQUIRED! To access this feature:

* Go to www.lionsclubs.org
* Click on the “To Transmit Membership & Officer Reports” button
* Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “New WMMR Site”
* On the logon page, click on the “Training Area” link that appears on the left side of the page.

NOTE: We recommend that you don’t bookmark this page. We are continually revising the site, which would make your bookmark invalid.

IMPORTANT: If you do not see the “Training Area” link, it may be necessary to clear out your temporary files in order to get the latest version of the logon page. To clear out your temporary files (cookies) using Internet Explorer:

* Click “Tools” on your browser menu bar
* Click “Internet Options”
* Click “Delete Cookies”
* Then Click “Delete Files” (Temporary Internet files)
* Then Click “Clear History”
* Click “OK”

Attend the International Academy Awards in Hong Kong
Lions, clubs and districts will be recognized for outstanding achievements in promoting the association’s Purposes during the International Academy Awards presented by Lions Clubs International. The gala will be held on Wednesday, June 29, in the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Doors open at 18:30 p.m. Event time is 19:00 to 22:00. Tickets are available through the convention registration form for US$100. Formal attire preferred.

2003-04 Report of Club Activities, Donations
The 2003-04 Annual Lions Club Activities Report (Form A-1) revealed that the average Lions club donated:

* US$10,950 to charitable causes. This represents estimated worldwide contributions of US$512,087,700 (based on 46,766 clubs as of 6/30/04).
* 1387 hours of volunteer service to the community. This represents an estimated 64 million volunteer service hours (based on 46,766 clubs as of 6/30/04).

The most often implemented service projects were: aid to the elderly (48% of clubs); collecting eyeglasses (40% of clubs participated; each club collected an average of 559 pairs of eyeglasses; worldwide, Lions collected approximately 26 million pairs of eyeglasses in 2003-04); youth recreation/sports (37% of clubs); scholarships (37% of clubs); and community clean-up projects (34% of clubs).

Club secretaries can submit 2004-05 activity information online. For more information, e-mail Executive Services.

Requesting Musicians, Vocalists and Dancers
The 88th Lions Clubs International Convention in Hong Kong will host a two-hour Lions International Performance Festival. Scheduled for Tuesday, June 28, at 2 p.m., this festival will feature musicians and vocalists in addition to dancers.

Participation in the festival is open to:

* Talented Lions who can present a 10-15 minute performance at the convention;
* Clubs willing to sponsor a 10-15 minute performance presented by others;
* Performers who can provide their own music on a compact disc.

The final decision concerning festival performers is subject to the approval of Lions Clubs International. Performers may be requested to submit a videotape of their presentation. Due to the voluntary nature of the event, all expenses are the responsibility of the performers or the sponsoring Lions club. Performers will be publicly recognized in the festival program.

To receive festival guidelines, contact the Program Development Department. In your correspondence, please include: your name, Lions club, district number, home address, city, state, postal code, e-mail address, fax number, telephone number and a brief description of the artistic performance.

Looking for Video of Interesting Lions Projects
The PR Department is looking for video footage of interesting Lions activities and services for various PR video projects. Does your club or district have something to share? The footage should be visually interesting and show Lions in action.

Here is what we are looking for:

* High-quality video footage, preferably Beta, mini-DV tape or Hi-8 tape and NTSC system
* Footage and photos featuring Lions activities and projects of human interest; interaction with local people and highlights of the unique culture of your area
* Remember, video is action-based, so shots that show Lions interacting and taking part in activities are of most interest. Dinners, handshakes and posed photographs are not of interest for this project
* If no video exists, but you would like to share photographs please provide them in .jpeg or .tif format, with a 300 dpi or greater

If you have previously sent existing video, there is no need to resend the same footage. Please send video and photos by March 31, 2005 to the Public Relations Department, Subject: Video Project, 300 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523.

New Club Seminars at Hong Kong Convention
Dynamic Lions leaders will present several motivational seminars at the international convention on June 28 through June 30, 2005.

“Share Success through New Club Development”
Tuesday, June 28, 11 – 12:30
Seminar will focus on involving new people in Lions activities by chartering a new club in an underserved area. This practical workshop will cover identifying new locations for Lions clubs and the steps to take for successful new club development.

“New Century Lions Clubs: A New Century of Service”
Wednesday, June 29, 15:30 – 17:00
Seminar will focus on the New Century Lions Club: a flexible club format tailored for younger adults through age 35. The New Century Program encourages young adults to charter a New Century Club. This new club style focuses on service while it also allows for meeting flexibility and utilizes modern communication technology, so that members use their time effectively in a way that fits their busy lifestyle.

“Certified Guiding Lion Training”
Thursday, June 30, 13 – 16:30
Seminar will enable a Lion to develop Certified Guiding Lion skills by participating in this in-depth course. The seminar will focus on the skills and knowledge needed to effectively assist a new club through its first two years of service. Each participant will receive a Certified Guiding Lion kit and, upon successful completion, will also receive a certificate suitable for framing.

Extension Chairperson Survey
In an effort to provide better support to our extension chairpersons, a new Extension Chairperson Survey (EX-003) has been sent to all extension chairpersons of record. It can also be downloaded from the Lions Web site. Your cooperation in completing the survey and returning it to the New Clubs and Marketing Department is greatly appreciated. For your convenience, you may fax it to: 630-571-1691.

Sample Press Release (Charter Night)
Lions Clubs International has developed a Sample Press Release (EX-526) for distribution to local newspapers and other community publications to announce the formation of a new charter club. Take advantage of this excellent public relations tool to welcome your new club into the community and to promote awareness of Lions Clubs International. Be sure to customize and print news releases on your club’s letterhead. Request a copy of the Sample Press Release via e-mail, or download it and others on Lions Web site.

The 20+ Club Net Membership Increase Award
The 20+ Club Net Membership Increase Award is an ambitious program, presented by International President Clement F. Kusiak, challenging clubs to achieve a positive net growth of 20 or more members in 2004-2005. Clubs who achieve this increase will be awarded a special 20+ Club Net Membership Increase Award banner patch. In addition, club presidents will receive a diamond pin commemorating their achievement. For more information, contact the Membership Operations Department at (630) 571-5466, ext. 340 or e-mail.

Save the Date: Key Award Luncheon in Hong Kong
The Key Award Luncheon celebrates and honors Lions responsible for the growth of membership throughout the world. It will feature a keynote speaker addressing the importance of membership growth for the association. Attendance is open to membership key award holders and one guest. Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2005; doors open at 11:45. Ticket price: US$45. Business attire. Register now; seats are limited.

Membership Growth Workshop to be Presented in Hong Kong
In mid-October 2004, at the request of International President Kusiak, sixteen Lions, representing all seven constitutional areas, convened in St. Charles, IL USA for a three-day workshop called the Membership Growth Workshop (MGW). Together, these Lions have sponsored more than 680 individuals into Lions membership and are considered true “masters of the art of invitation and membership growth.” A comprehensive report will be presented at a seminar, Share Success Through Membership Growth, at the international convention in Hong Kong.

Seminar Highlights: The President’s Retention Campaign
The President’s Retention Campaign will be highlighted at a seminar, Share Success Through Retention, at the international convention in Hong Kong (English only). Since its creation in 2001, the program has proven to be a terrific success. Retention awareness has been brought to the forefront, and the retention of members has improved by the thousands. Download PRC materials, e-mail the Membership Operations Department or call (630) 571-5466 ext. 340.

Lions Org March Newsletter

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