Meaningful Service At A Social Distance
Society faces an interesting dilemma. Most see the coronavirus as infringing of a normal life. A true servant realizes the lockdowns and social distance create an opportunity to serve. Let’s explain.
It’s true that the coronavirus
caused businesses to closed or reduce operating hours. Some people lost their
job. Some lost their second job. Most saw their business reduce hours of operation.
These reductions resulted in ordinary people needing help.
Lions have a tradition of helping
those in need. That tradition dates back to the association’s founding in June
1919. Yes, Lions help the visually impaired. That one unifying service project did
not negate the other community service projects.
Lions in many communities have
partnered with other organizations to feed the hungry at drive through food
distribution pantries. Brainstorming the “nuts and bolts” ideas of project
execution fills needs. Seeing the smile on people faces receiving food fills
needs. Realizing how many people took advantage of the service brings even
bigger smiles. That’s what Lions do. This is a project any Lions Club can do.
Hunger is one of the five international service projects of Lions Club
International.
Here is another potential service
project. Take a critical look at the main entrances to your home town. It’s probably
there is litter on the side of the road. Having Lions pick up litter will bring
a smile to the face of the mayor and city council. It also makes Lions feel like
very valuable members of the community. This is a project any Lions Club can
do. The environment is one of the five international service projects of Lions
Club International.
Aren’t Lions supposed to help the
visually impaired? Certainly. It’s nearly impossible to do sight screenings at
a social distance. That does not mean Lions cannot perform a vision service
project. Place eyeglass collection boxes in high volume businesses. One example
is a local grocery store. Pick up the glasses weekly. That’s a vision service
project while maintaining a social distance. Those donations help the needy in
the Third World. This type of project keeps Lions engaged in meaningful
service.
Find a project that fits the needs
of community service. Find a project that fulfills the needs of Lions in your
club to serve. The details are not as important as service ideas. Let the club
members determine how to execute the planned project. That keeps Lions engaged.
An engaged Lions is likely to find others who want to serve. An engaged Lion is
less likely to resign.
We Serve because Kindness Matters
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