A Redistricting Update
The MD6 redistricting committee met January 25, prior to the winter council meeting. At this point your committee envisions the current four districts that make up Multiple District 6, merging into a single district.
A single district governor would administer the new district and be assisted by three vice district governors. Nine Region Chairs would be responsible for 25 Zones.
Currently, the committee is focusing on creating a budget so we can determine our recommendation for the single district’s dues. Also, in progress, is the writing of a single district constitution. The committee expects to have these activities complete by sometime this fall. With council approval of the committee’s plan, a vote on this plan is expected to occur at the State Convention in May 2014.
I am often asked, “Is it really necessary to redistrict?” My answer is “Unless Colorado (MD6) finds an answer to the continued membership loss we must redistrict.”
However, redistricting as only a band aid. It gives the Lions of Colorado time to address the real problem, “LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP.” Each year Colorado Lions do not replace 100 to 150 members.
This continued loss of membership has put all four Colorado districts below the minimums established by the International Board. To be fully accredited, a district must have a minimum of 35 clubs and 1250 Lion members. Currently, our district has 1075 members in 45 clubs.
“What is the big deal?” I’m asked. The impact is twofold; first, is the loss of dues for our district. Dues are the district’s income. So, as membership drops, it becomes more difficult for the district to pay its bills. Yes, we could raise our dues, but how often can we do that?
Second, membership is the core of our clubs. As membership goes down, so does a club’s ability to continue vital community service projects. I know several clubs in our district that say they are struggling to continue to support vital community service projects because of lack of membership.
We in District 6NE are in better shape than any of the districts in Colorado. Currently we need 175 more members than we lose to return to a fully accredited district. This Lions year has been the best year for membership in many years. Our district has been positive for membership most of this year. Today we are even. If all of our clubs brought in 4 – 5 more members than we lost we would solve our district’s membership problem.
What can the Fort Collins Lions do? Listen to our President, he has ideas. Form a committee to discuss these ideas, then set a measurable goal, and put a plan together to meet that goal. With a goal and plan in place, all of us members need to get behind it. We can grow the Fort Collins Lions.
We, the Fort Collins Lions are leaders in our district. Perhaps it’s time that we became a leader on this issue!
PCC Lion Ron Lockner
District 6NE, GLT
9 Health Fair will be Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27 from 7AM until 12:00. There will be a new screening for hepatitis at our site. There will also be on-line registration this year. Put it on your calendar to volunteer! Contact Lion Carole for more information.
What is KidSight Colorado?
Holly Rutherford-Allen, Executive Director of KidSight Colorado, recently spoke to our club to give an update on what is happening with KidSight Colorado.
KidSight Colorado is a free vision screening program where Lions Club volunteers throughout Colorado conduct vision screening sessions at preschools, kindergartens and other early childhood centers. Screenings are also conducted at health fairs and other public events throughout the state. The program is designed for children ages two through six, but the technology can be used to screen children as young as one.
SPEECH CONTEST
Pictured from left to right are:
Maddi Lynch 1st place,
Siyu WU 2nd place,
and Kellan Sullivan 3rd place winners with Irene Toliver, speech contest coordinator.
The purpose of the speech contest is to provide an opportunity for public speaking on a subject of interest to
contestants and American people. It also provides a vehicle for youth and members of Lions Clubs to interact in the community. The contest is intended to stimulate self-expression and independent thinking. This year’s topic is “What opportunities do young people need to be successful in the future?”
First place award: $200, Second Place $150, and Third was $100. The next competition is on March 28th at our club meeting. There will be two speakers for the Zone Winner who will go to the District Convention.
AWARDS
The Fort Collins Lions recently recognized members for their service to the community and the club.
The Melvin Jones Fellowship is recognition of a commitment to humanitarian work. Created in 1973, the fellowship is named for the founder of Lions Clubs International, Melvin Jones. The fellowship is the foundation’s highest honor and represents humanitarian qualities such as generosity, compassion, and concern for the less fortunate. Melvin Jones Fellows receive a lapel pin and a personalized wall plaque in honor of their commitment to helping others.
The Humanitarian Award recognizes outstanding commitment and dedication to the idea of rendering humanitarian service. It is the highest form of recognition conferred by the Colorado Lions Foundation. Ken Pastor was honored posthumously for his ongoing support of the club. His widow, Marilyn, received the award for him.
Years of Service
Members were also recognized for length of service in Lions Club.
Harold Einarsen – 60 years
Tom Toliver – 50 years
Vic Meline – 45 years
Bill Funke – 25 years
Carole Kitchell – 10 years
