Ridgefield Lions Club Membership

Who Are Lions Lions are men and women dedicated to serving those in need, whether in their own community or around the world. Nearly 1.4 million members (Largest Service Org. in the World) Over 200 countries More than 46,000 clubs

Who Lions Are Lions Clubs International Vision Statement: To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service. Mission Statement: To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs. Motto: “We Serve”

History 1917: Melvin Jones founded LCI. 1920: LCI becomes international with Canadian club. 1925: Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind.” 1945: LCI helped draft the United Nations Charter. 1957: The Leo Club Program is created. 1968: The Lions Clubs International Foundation is established. 1987: LCI became the first service club organization to admit women as members. 1990: SightFirst is launched. Today: Our international network has grown to include more than 200 countries and geographic areas.

Ridgefield Lions Who We Are Mission: We provide time and resources toward humanitarian efforts in the greater Ridgefield community and on an international basis as part of Lions International. Services and resources are also provided to local charitable organizations as part of Lion's Motto - "WE SERVE". Purpose: We provide services and resources made possible through fundraising efforts to assist those in need wherever the needs exist. By gathering together as a group of volunteers with common goals, we assist those by following the concepts of one of Helen Keller's quotes: "Alone we can do so little, Together we can do so much". Adopted: Feb. 2017

Ridgefield Lions Who We Are VALUES: CREATE and foster a spirit of understanding among members. PROMOTE the principles of good citizenship. TAKE an active interest in the cultural, social and moral welfare of the community. PROVIDE a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by Club members. ENCOURAGE service-minded men and women to serve their community without personal financial reward. GOALS: Maintain a financially healthy organization and support the needs of the community and other charitable organizations. Committee: Don Stose, Ron Onslow, and Sandy Schill

Not inclusive of all projects/functions Committee: Jericho Kaylor, Dennis Bell, Perry and Sandy Fladager, and Dean Stenehjem C

Ridgefield Lions History Chartered October 11, 1948 Membership as of November, 2016 – approximately 40 members. Excellent history of providing for the needs of the community Community leaders in providing support for numerous community events. Strong ties to programs for children Hard working group of individuals that also have a lot of fun in helping make our community and the world a better place.

MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMEMT OF NEW MEMBERS: Conduct at least one yearly membership campaign function Goal: 30 new members – kick off April 1, 2017 event - ending one year from kick off] Goal: recruit and re-engage five former members Secure new membership badges in a timely manner [membership committee duty] Conduct new member orientation training [approximately three times per year] Conduct new member induction ceremony at a dinner meeting [approx. three time per year] Set requirements for new members: Purpose to help better understand the working of the Lions Club and how each member can become involved. [i.e. Attend dinner meeting, business meeting, attend either a Clark County Sight and/or Hearing meeting.] PROIVDE TRAINING TO CURRENT MEMBER ON RECRUITMENT/MENTORSHIP: Basic update approximately two time per year on process of bringing in new members MEMBERS: Determine best ways to approach various age groups and how to actively engage new members Determine best ways to re-activate current members in ways that will work for each member. Committee: Sandy Schill, Nathan McCann, Jordyn Wishard, Dean Stenehjem Feb. 2017

Casino Night: April 1, 2017 (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) Membership Goal Membership Drive Kick Off: Casino Night: April 1, 2017 (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) Community Center : Lions Members: $10 per person Guests: $20 per person Goal: Thirty (30) new members: [beginning April 1st, 2017 – April 1st 2018]

Membership The benefits of Lions clubs membership are numerous, and include: Helping those in need Making a difference in your community Having an impact on those in need worldwide Developing leadership skills Enhancing communication skills Utilizing planning and organization skills Working hands-on to meet community needs Meeting new people Opportunities to network Opportunities to travel

How To Bring in New Members to Lions? Membership How To Bring in New Members to Lions? Membership is though invitation by a local Lions Club member. Process: Bring prospective member to a Lions club meeting (either dinner or business meeting) Explain to the prospective membership some of the obligations of being in Lions – (i.e. involvement in projects and volunteering of their time and talent for the betterment of the community, etc.) Membership packets Lions Business cards Present name and a request to extend membership at the following business meeting – vote to extend membership occurs. Provide the prospective member with an application – request completed application be returned to you with a check for $110.00 ($60.00 yearly membership fee, $50.00 – one time initiation fee) [December, 2016 update] Bring new member with completed application and attached check to the next meeting and introduce to all Lions as a new member.

Lions work hard & have fun! Lions Club Meetings Dinner Meetings Third Monday of Each Month 6:30 p.m. Program based meetings – learn about what’s happening in the community Fellowship (get to know people in the community) Networking Building friendships Enjoying each others company Lions have a lot of fun! Business Meeting First Monday of Each Month – 6:30 p.m. All members are welcome to attend – you don’t have to be a board member Conduct the business of the club Projects (on-going) New ideas Fund raising How we spend our money and time Networking Good way to get to know fellow Lions. Lions work hard & have fun!

Mentorship A key to retaining Lions is getting them involved Duties for each Lion bringing in new members Call the new Lion and get them to meetings Dinner Meeting Business Meeting Project Possible – Clark Co. Sight Committee/Clark Co. Hearing Committee meeting Help them realize that the Ridgefield Lions Club is their club and their ideas are welcome. Help the new member get to know the members of the club New members should move along a path of: Understanding the responsibilities of being a Lion Building relationships within the Lions Club Becoming active in the results and outcomes of the club Bring in new members and replicate the above process

“Alone we can do so little, Together we can do so much!”