International President Albert F.Brandel - 'Miracles Through Service'

ALBERT F. BRANDEL International President 2008  -  2009

Albert F. Brandel of Melville, New York, USA, was elected to serve as first vice president of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 90th International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-6, 2007.

Vice President Brandel is a retired police detective.

A member of the West Hempstead Lions Club since 1975, and an associate member of the Melville Lions Club, Vice President Brandel has held many offices in the association, including club president and district governor. He has also served as a presenter and panelist at USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forums and worked with the Long Island Lions Eye Bank as a transporter. He has been the Lions Representative to UNICEF in New York for 10 years and he helped coordinate Lions in LCIF relief efforts at the World Trade Center following September 11, 2001.

In recognition of his contributions, Vice President Brandel has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, the Supreme Extension Award, a 30 Member Key, 14 International President's Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest award the association grants to its members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Vice President Brandel has served as a Little League volunteer and is active in his church as a Eucharistic minister. He is a former member of the board of directors of the United Nations Association of the USA.

Vice President Brandel's wife, Dr. Maureen Murphy, an anesthesiologist and a Lion, is now practicing at a community hospital.

2008-2009 International Theme:  Miracles Through Service

Focus on Community Service 

Our members are passionate about service projects. Whether the projects are local or global in scope, Lions are the everyday heroes accomplishing Miracles Through Service all over the world.  Visible community projects attract new members, and involving members in hands-on projects keeps members active, develops their leadership and teamwork skills, and renews their commitment to Lionism.

Community Service Activities
· Hands on community service
· Disaster relief program/Alert program
· Diabetes awareness
· Environmental programs
· Lions Quest
· Eyeglass recycling
· Eyeglass and medical missions

LCIF
· Emergency grants
· Miracles through LCIF grants
· Eye hospitals & research

Focus on Membership
Maintaining a strong, thriving membership is necessary to meet community needs through service.  Service is a source of member pride, and promoting service helps members recruit new members.  Team leadership is necessary to succeed in recruiting and retaining members as well as organizing new clubs.

Leadership
· District teamwork
· Club officer teamwork
· Succession planning
· Excellence awards

Membership
· Membership growth planning
· Membership mentoring
· Extension workshops/charter new clubs
· Retention clinics

Public Relations
· Increase members pride in Lions projects/programs
· Peace Poster Contest
· LCI brand re-vitalization
· Increase visibility through Lions vests, badges, shirts
· Build partnerships with public officials
· Everyday Heroes Contest