Lions District 201N1

PLANNING THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S OFFICIAL VISIT

All Clubs in this District host an annual visit from District Governor, Peter Blom, who under International Constitution is required to visit each Club at least once during his term. DG Peter will be accompanied by Lion Carmel.

Your DG has a year of arduous and challenging service ahead of him and Clubs will want to honour this dedication by making our Governor's visit a highlight of their Club's year.

In order that both DG and Club know exactly what form this visit will take, it is essential that final arrangements are confirmed in writing by Clubs well beforehand.  Clubs will receive around one month prior to their visit a confirmation questionnaire that they are requested to complete and return to Cabinet Secretary.  This confirmation will include date, time, place, dress and other significant points about visit, such as presentation of awards, special anniversaries or induction ceremony.

Clubs are requested to make and confirm accommodation booking made on behalf of DG at earliest time. Some Clubs, as a gesture of hospitality, meet accommodation expenses for official visits. If a Club is not in a position to pay accommodation, please advise DG as soon as possible.

DG receives no reimbursement from LCI for attending Changeover nights and/or social functions. For such occasions it is normally expected that accommodation costs will be met by Club.

Usually a Club invites Region and/or Zone Chairman, or other District Officer as a guest of Club for DG's official visit.  It would be appropriate for this District Officer to be requested in advance to formally introduce District Governor.

Programme for this visit should make allowances for DG's address of say 25-30 minutes and for questions and answers that may follow. It is also appropriate to invite a non-Lion guest such as Mayor, Shire President, Press or Presidents of other Service Clubs to propose a Toast to Lions International.  Response will be made by DG.  No other guest speaker should be included on this programme.

DG visit should be used to “showcase” Lions and is therefore appropriate to invite prospective members and local dignitaries. DG visits are usually conducted as partner nights.

Club Presidents should meet and welcome District Governor Peter and Lion Carmel shortly after their arrival. President should brief and inform DG on status of his/her Club and confirm arrangements for their evening.

DG will meet with Club Board of Directors prior to meeting. Past experience indicates this meeting could take up to 30 minutes but is conditional on questions from Board Members.

Club Bulletin should carry advance publicity of impending DG visit and encourage best possible attendance. Local Newspaper/s TV Channels should be notified of DG visit.  A photograph and a few facts from DG's profile should be included in Club's “Press Release".  Club will benefit from a press interview and should be followed up with a short media article on visit and details of recent Club activities.

DG will present his official personal Bannerette to Club. Please have available a Club bannerette or Club badge if appropriate for presentation in return.

Clubs may wish to show appreciation by presenting a small gift to DG.  Such token might be a memento representing local area.

Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Lions