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27-D1 District Governor
Neil Winchell
neilwinchell@centurytel.net
As we pause in our busy schedules this holiday season, it is time to take a look at our Lionistic endeavors the first six months of our year. I have truly enjoyed my annual Governor visits to individual clubs and look forward to completing all 55 visits in the next few months.
I have come to appreciate the fine work clubs are doing and how they are making their individual communities a better place because of their outreach to those in need. Each club may have a special project that they are known for and the members enthusiastically get behind that effort and “make a difference” in that community. I see the pride in members working together as they truly serve many people.
I believe there are three “R's” to this process. First we reflect, then we recharge, and then we rededicate. Each club should hold a session to ask members what they have done well, what they could do better, and if they are meeting the true needs of their community. Do some brainstorming on how to give others in the community the chance to also be a Lion and to be involved in community service. Are you reaching out to younger members, couples and women? Are you addressing hunger in our towns, and are you doing vision screening for both children and adults? Is your club sharing with neighboring clubs and other clubs in your zones? They mayhave some great service ideas you haven't thought of yet. They may be doing a fund raiser that is fun, easy, and profitable. You don't have to reinvent the wheel. Others are happy to share their ideas.
We have made good progress, district-wide, in accomplishing the goals I established for the year.
• We have added a campus club at UW-Platteville.
• We are going to add Leo clubs in Belmont, Waunakee and Hazel Green.
• First VDG and Extension chair, Lion Daryl Porter, is close to chartering a new club in Clinton.
• Our numbers of women in Lions has increased.
But there is still work to be done. Our overall membership has slipped a bit. The key is retention plus recruitment. There are people in your community waiting to be “asked” to become a Lion. Please don't think it is the job of the membership chair or the president. It is our individual responsibility. If being a Lion means something special to you, why won't you invite someone else to be special, too?
Thank you for all you have done thus far; I encourage you to do even more in the next six months.
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