On the Road with the DG
Greetings Lions! Marg and I have just returned from Bangkok where there were squillions of Lions to meet and mingle with.
The first week was taken up with training in Pattaya. My 'schooling group' consisted of 6 x Turks, 4 x Canadians, 1x Englishman, 6 x Americans and 3 x Australians.
As a group we spent some 5 days together and found that all countries face similar challenges. One of the Turks had the area around Gallipoli in his district and we swapped a few stories.
The second week was centred around Convention with many plenary sessions available to attend.
Our incoming President - Al Brandell - has, as his theme for the year
"Miracles Through Service".
He also kept reinforcing the point that Lions were 'Everyday Heroes'. Al is a Lion who wants to be President of his club again because, as he says, that's where all the action is. Al himself was part of the initial actions at Ground Zero - a time he says which left an indelible impression on him. In V1-4 we also have our Everyday Heroes and our communities can be forever grateful of them.
Campaign Sight First 11 raised the magnificent sum of over $2,002,000 US. This was helped along immensely by donations of $7,500,000 and 3 x $3,000,000 plus and others of $1,000,000 plus.The leading Australian club with fundraising was Mt Gambier Lions Club with over $100,000.
The cheering when this final figure was announced lifted the roof off the stadium.
Another outcome, which affects our District was the decision to introduce a 2nd Vice District Governor to each District. David Skinner, our Multiple District Legal Officer advises that this will have to occur at our next Convention (Maryborough).
Bangkok was an eyeopener for the logistics which had to be employed to move delegates from lodgings to the Impact Centre - some 30 kilometres from the city area. Magnificent teamwork and many hands made light work of a heavy load by the organisers.
All clubs will soon complete their changeovers and may I wish all those who have volunteered to help lead their club, a very successful and rewarding year. In particular, congratulations to those who have taken responsibility within their club for the first time. Take the time to learn from those before and learn to eliminate mistakes. Making a mistake is not earth shattering and can actually indicate some vitality and 'go'.
We have a Cabinet who are keen to be involved with clubs.
Please use them and all contacts are in the directory. Each member will have information on their portfolio they would love to share with you - especially on a visit.
Our MERL (Membership, Extension, Retention, Leadership) team has issued a challenge to all Presidents and clubs for Christmas. Split your club into 2 groups See which group can introduce the most new members. Losers buy the winners Christmas Dinner (or something suitable). A bit of a fun challenge.
Marg and I look forward to meeting you as we commence to move around the clubs.
Yours in Lionism,
Alan Crilly - District Governor.