Lions Tales, January/February 2014

President’s Message

On Thursday, January 9^th, the Fort Collins Lions had a very special meeting—perhaps one of our most significant meetings in years. In place of a regular program, the meeting was dedicated to an all-member discussion to finalize the Fort Collins Lions Club Membership Action Plan.

That discussion was the culmination of months of work aimed at growing our Club’s membership. We did recognize that attracting new members depends on a healthy, quality Club, so we started in October 2013 with an all-member survey to determine how satisfied you are with our Club, and what areas could be improved.

We then created an Expanded Membership Committee, which met several times to draft a plan. On November 25^th, we sent each of you a copy of the resulting draft “Membership Action Plan,” and received several thoughtful inputs.

Those inputs were incorporated in a final draft that we all scrubbed and discussed and expanded at the January 9^th meeting. We first broke into five smaller groups for initial discussions, and then had each group report its ideas and critiques to the entire gathered membership.

This was truly a remarkable event—a spirited discussion focused on the future of our Club, innovative ideas, and thoughtful insights. The enthusiasm and energy in the room was extraordinary! Pointing out that we rarely have a meeting just to talk about our Club, several members proposed establishing a yearly all-member meeting focused just on making our Club better.

The Membership Action Plan, as modified by you at the January 9^th meeting, was unanimously approved by our Club Board the following week.

Now comes perhaps the most challenging part: implementing those specific actions. The Expanded Membership Committee is meeting to get the ball rolling. The Committee will draw up a simple implementation plan that prioritizes the actions, assigns responsibility for each action, and outlines the “what, how, and when” as well.

So please watch closely, and be ready to help if the Committee comes to you. Together we can make our Club better and more robust!

Doug Hutchinson,
President

2013 – 2014 Speech Contest

On Thursday, February 20, our club heard three contestants speak on the topic of “How do you think the declining academic scores in the U.S. affect our ability to compete globally, and what can be done to improve them?” All three did a great job, and the winner of our club contest, Shannon Tivona of Fort Collins High School, will go on to compete in the District Contest. Many thanks to Irene Toliver for coordinating the contest, and members of the Fort Collins Toastmasters for judging.

Valentine’s Luncheon – February 13, 2014

 

Awards

Humanitarian Awards

Progressive Melvin Jones Awards

2013 – 2014 International Exchange Hosting Opportunity

It’s that time of year again when we are searching for families to host our summer youth that will arrive about July 26, 2014.

A young person from another country, age 16-18, would like to stay with you and your family for 2 weeks in late July and early August. They will stay in your home for approximately two weeks before attending Colorado Lions Camp – International Week, August 10-16, 2014. The camp is near Woodland Park, Colorado. He/she will then return to your family for 1-3 days after the camp so they can say goodbye before they fly home. (Arrival – July 26 or 27 Departure – August 18 or 19.)

We have received 20 applications so far but are expecting possibly 30 total.  It looks like a great group of kids again.  Please let Steve or Vicki Leroux know as soon as possible if you are able to host this summer. We have one family that would like to but can only do it part of the time because they will be out-of-state.  That’s ok.  We’ll match that family up with another one that can host the rest of the time.

YOUTH EXCHANGE COORDINATORS

Statewide leaders: Vicki & Steve Leroux

Upcoming Meetings

March 6 meeting –     John Paul McKinney, PHD – “Writing Skills”

March 13 meeting –     Eva Sue Littleton stories of the “Old West”

March 20 meeting –     Election of officers John McLaurin – “Easter Island Revealed”

The Health Fair is coming – April 25, 26. Volunteers will be needed! More information will be coming, but mark your calendars now.