Why Join Lions

The membership of Lions Club International has steadily declined in the United States for 38 consecutive years. This year will probably be no different. The North American Membership Initiative (NAMI) plans to reverse that trend. There are three critical parts to NAMI success. However, it all comes down to one critical question. Why join or be part of Lions? 

One of the ways to increase Lions membership is by chartering a new club or establishing a branch club. Another is to join an existing Lions club. The third part means slowing down membership losses. For NAMI to be successful, the District has to reach their goals in these categories. But it comes back to the simple question. Why join or remain in Lions? Let’s examine. 

Any service club adds value to a community. Last week the Grenada Lions Club celebrated their 85th club anniversary. How did they survive that long? There is a simple answer. They provided service to their community. 

Club members screened about 850 children attending Grenada public schools and Kirk Academy. Impaired vision hinders education. Grenada Lions filled that need. Their sight screening machine detects amblyopia. The common term is lazy eye. Amblyopia typically begins during infancy and early childhood. In most cases, amblyopia affects only one eye. 

It’s exciting to tell a parent their child has normal vision. Most parents are good parents. When alerted to a medical problem, they normally get their child professional help. Vision is something that a child seldom can identify. That child thinks that’s just the way things normally are. That’s why a community needs Lions. That’s why each Lions Club needs Lions. 

Grenada Lions also identified 21 local residents needing a professional eye exam. They paid for the visit and bought glasses for 19 of those who’s household income fell below the poverty line. What about the other two? 

One required and got cataract surgery. Another waited too long to seek help. Surgeons could no longer salvage that eye. That’s not the end of the story. 

That person received a prosthetic eye. While that person now has vision in just one eye, there is no need to wear a patch. The prosthetist makes it difficult to determine it is false. Is that exciting service? 

Grenada Lions provided that service. Lions in your community provide the same service. If you are a Loving Individual Offering Needed Services, then you fit into Lions. Tell your story to those you know. Your club will achieve their NAMI goal of a membership increase. 

There is a reason people join a Lions Club. There is a reason why Lions maintain their membership. It goes back to the same two-word phrase – “We Serve.”


We Serve because Kindness Matters 
Lion Andy Kalinowski (Andy K) 
First Vice District Governor / District Governor Elect 
662.549.3421 

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