Throughout North America, Membership is the challenge that faces Lions Clubs at the beginning of the 21 Century. Two things makes our society of Lions effective.
First, we have a wonderful tradition, developed over eight decades by individual Lions working together, enabling us to create one of the most effective civic associations ever known. Raising funds, volunteering our time and talents, and investing our resources where they are most needed - we Lions have the tools and the know how to help local communities cope with some of their most serious problems and to enrich thier quality of life.
Second, the work of Lions Clubs and Districts depends on volunteer Lions and their sponsors who identify the community needs, find or develop programs to respond to those needs, and raise the funds to finance the programs. New perspectives, new programs and new traditions all arise from the vision of individual Lions working together.
In order to meet new challenges as they arise, we constantly need new members because of the fresh energy and perspectives they bring into Lionism. And, in order to build on a strong foundation, and to keep Lionism steady and true to its course, we need the experience and wisdom of our long-time members.
The Lion emblem at the top of this page has two faces, one facing back and one forward. These faces represent the past and future, tradition and innovation, retention and recruitment.
Our goal this year in District 4-C4 is to double our membership. We're going to do that by increasing our retention rate, by aggressively recruiting new members to our established clubs, and by creating as many as ten new clubs. To help us in this task, Lions International has mandated a three year MERLO Program - that's Membership, Extension, Retention, Leadership, and Orientation. Our MERLO team is in place and has been working hard to to achieve our membership goal.
Our organizing motto this year is "We are Lions, hear us ROAR" - Recognition, Optimism, Action, and Results. We have Recognized both our successes and the continuing challenge of membership. Our member Clubs and our MERLO Team are taking appropriate Actions. The initial Results are heartening, and we look forward with Optimism to future Results.
