Leo clubs
are an official activity of Lions Clubs International that encourages
young men and women to serve others in their community and around the
world.
Leo clubs
are sponsored by local lions clubs and may be either school-affiliated
or community based.
Leo club activities include regular meetings, service projects and
social functions.
The Leo
motto - Leadership, Experience, Opportunity - is fulfilled as
members work together in response to the needs of others.
What's
in it for me?
-
Leadership Experience
- Organisation
- Social Skills
- Self Esteem
- Decision Making Skills
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving Skills
- Career Possibilities
- Fun
What's
In it for the Community?
- Creates
Awareness of Community Needs
- Helps Improve community and youth relationships
- Enhances community development
- Improves quality of life for recipients and givers
- Helps the quality of life of others
- Opportunity for youth to volunteer service
Young
People:
Participation in Leo activities and projects helps young people prepare
for the future by developing leadership, organizational and social
skills. Members experience increased self-esteem and personal growth as
they meet challenges and accept responsibilities.
By volunteering their time and talents for the benefit of others, Leos
learn firsthand the value and rewards of service. Leo club involvement
can start young men and women on a lifetime of helping others.
The Sponsoring Lions Club:
By sharing in service activities, a Leo club can increase a Lions club's
effectiveness in helping others. Leo projects within the community also
contribute to a Lions club's visibility and good reputation. Working
with young people can help Lions club members experience renewed
interest and enthusiasm for projects and activities. If Leos are sons or
daughters of Lions, club involvement becomes a "family affair".
Who Can
Be a Leo?
Leo club
membership is open to young men and women between the ages of 12 and 28.
Membership is divided into two groups, the school based Leos are
generally between the ages of 12 and 17 whereas the community based
clubs have members ages 18-28.
Young people of high moral standards who wish to serve others are
eligible to become Leos. School administrators, Lions, friends of Lions
and community leaders can provide names of potential members. Candidates
may also be recruited through public announcements.
What is
the Leo-Lion Relationship?
The
success of a Leo club depends on a close partnership with its sponsoring
Lions club. The Lions' role is to offer support, guidance and counsel
while the Leos are responsible for planning and implementing their own
activities, financing their projects and maintaining the smooth
operation of the club. Leos have their own club officers and
constitution.
The Leo club advisor (a member of the sponsoring Lions club) serves as
the chief liaison between the Leo and Lions clubs. Duties of the advisor
include offering constructive suggestions to the Leos, reporting on
their activities to the Lions club and promoting a cooperative
relationship between the two clubs.
The
Privileges of Leo Membership?
As a
sponsored activity of a Lions club, Leo clubs are entitled to many
services and benefits offered by Lions Clubs International.
Informational and club materials include new member kits, guides for
service activities, leadership aids, ideas for fundraising, club
supplies and international newsletters.
Leos can participate in the annual Lions Clubs International Convention,
attending their own functions. Leos are also entitled to receive
official awards and recognition for their achievements.
Because of the international scope of Leo clubs, members enjoy the
global identity of a worldwide organization. International programmes
such as club twinning, youth exchange and youth camps enable Leos to
connect with and learn from other young people around the world.
What
About School-Based Clubs?
Leo clubs
can be formed in state or private schools. The supervision by the
sponsoring Lions club is exercised in full cooperation with the school
authorities. The Leo club is subject to the regulations and policies
established for all student organizations and activities. A faculty
advisor, usually a member of the school's staff or administration,
serves as a liaison between the school and Leo club. The faculty advisor
also works closely with the Leo club advisor.
How Do
We Begin?
If Lions
club members are interested in sponsoring a Leo club, complete the
coupon to obtain an organization kit. The kit includes:
-
Suggestions for organizing a Leo club;
-
Information brochures for prospective Leos;
-
Leo club
constitution;
-
Handbook
for Leo club advisors;
-
Application for Certificate of Organization;
-
Membership application blanks
Leo
Membership
When you
join LEO's you become a member of a worldwide organisation with more
than 5500 LEO Clubs and a membership in excess of 140,000 operating
under the sponsorship of Lions Clubs in 138 nations.
In
Australia and Papua New Guinea there are currently over 1400 Leos who
are members of 68 Leo clubs. These Leo Clubs have proud records of
Achievement in all areas of service to their local communities. All of
our clubs provide ample opportunity for their members to learn and to be
involved.
How
Much Time will it take?
Your involvement in Leos
depends on the amount of spare time you can afford.
The most important thing
to remember about Leos is that:
- Leos
help people in need.
- Leos help their club grow.
- Leos help their fellow Leos.
- Leos have lots of fun.
Because LEOs
Care!