Youth of the Year is upon us once again. It is that exciting time of the year
when we meet the next crop of wide eyed, enthusiastic young people, all raring
to have a go at one of the best programs for young people in Australia.
You should enjoy the occasion and marvel at the knowledge and insight that these
young minds already have accumulated in their short lifetime.
However, there is more that can be achieved, because here is a rare opportunity
to showcase your club to the local schools, their teachers, the young people,
their parents, family and supporters.
At the Launceston Convention we invited the parents of the six finalists to
visit the display area of all the other Lions programs. They were amazed at what
we do and how much is raised – they had no idea what Lions did until that very
moment. That is amazing, a contestant can travel trough the Youth of the Year
program and end up knowing very little about what we do as an organisation.
Over the years, many Lions Clubs have gained new members from the ranks of these
people because they have been so impressed with the warmth, sincerity and great
fellowship of the Lions members. They also learn a little about us and realise
what great works we do in the community. So treat them well!
Club Chairmen – please have another read through the Manual. There are lots of
good ideas and suggestions there. If you do not yet have your copy, download it
from our website:
http://www.lionsclubs.org.au/yoty and click onto the Manual link.
Also, if you are having difficulty working out how to run the public speaking
section, download the sample running sheet from the web. It will give you an
insight into how to run a final.
Remember that your District Chairman is always available to assist with any
issues you have, please call that person when you are having difficulties or
questions arise.
This year we have re-introduced the Entry Form onto the website. Students will
be able to complete the form on their computer, then print it and submit it to
their Lions Club. We have also added a number of other documents to the web site
to assist you in running a successful program. These do not replace the current
practice of printing stationery – however, it is a very convenient method of
providing the stationery to a club that is interested in running Youth of the
Year, and the savings in printing costs are substantial.
Youth are our future Lions
Bryan Coggle – Australia Chairman
