An Introduction to Lions Quest

Mission Statement To improve the lives of young people around the world through the teaching, sharing and expanding of Lions Quest programs and principles

Skills for Growing (SFG) Grades K – 5 Skills for Adolescence (SFA) SFA for Out-of-School Time Grades 6 – 8 Skills for Action (SFC) Grades 9 – 12

Skills for Growing (K-5) Grade specific Six thematic units, each with skill- building lessons Skills for Adolescence (6-8) Three-year program Eight topical units and 102 skill-building lessons Skills for Action (9-12) A 33-session curriculum with best practices in service-learning A Skills Bank of 26 social, emotional and workplace skill sets with 160 learning activities Classroom curriculum - integrate within classes such as language arts and health or use as a stand alone program

Program Goals Engage students, families, schools and community members; Provide opportunities for young people to learn essential skills; Increase protective factors and reduce risk factors; Engage young people in the practice of good citizenship; Strengthen young people’s commitment to their family, positive peers, school and community.

Values Promoted Self-discipline A healthy, drug-free lifestyle Respect for self and others Commitment to family Responsibility Honesty Service to others Skills Development Personal & social competence Relationship management 21 st Century workforce skills:  Cultural literacy and global awareness  Higher order thinking and reasoning  Real world application of planning and management  Inventive thinking; creativity

Teacher Workshops & Resources  Teachers must attend a staff development workshop in order to obtain and implement Lions Quest curricula.  Workshops can be sponsored by schools or Lions.  Formats include K-5, 6-8, 9-12, and K-8 combination.  Additional staff development opportunities offered by Lions Quest: One-day Workshops for Educators: Service-Learning: Implementation and Integration, K-12 Classroom Discipline: Establishing Responsibility & Respect, K-12 Skills for Adolescence for Out-of-School Time (SFA for OST), 6-8 Social, Emotional & Workplace Skills for Success in School & Life, 9-12 Supporting & Strengthening, K-12 SFA for OST Webinar Series

Why Is Lions Quest Important? Research has shown that when students’ emotional needs are addressed, children do better academically. SEL programs can improve academic performance by at least 11%! LQ teaches 21st Century Workforce Skills –Cultural literacy and global awareness –Higher order thinking and reasoning –Real world application of planning and management LQ supports Character Education – teaching values- based skills such as ethical decision making and social consciousness. LQ uses civic engagement and service learning as a hands-on tool to teach these character and SEL skills.

Benefits Youth Feel valued as members of classroom and community Able to manage conflict constructively Able to make positive and responsible decisions Avoid harmful substance use Improve academic performance Develop school-to-work competencies Civic engagement School High quality, research-based classroom resources and age-appropriate learning materials Skill development that builds resilience and positive relationships among students and staff, and improves academic performance and connectedness to school Involves family and community in supporting the healthy development of youth Engages teachers in professional development that emphasizes practice, planning and community-building

Results  41% have improved problem-solving skills  51% have increased their resiliency  9% increase in GPA  44% decline in out-of-school suspensions  82% decline of in-school suspensions  57% decline in school absences  50% decrease in boy vs. girl bullying  47% decrease in girl vs. girl bullying  Lower levels of school dropout and drug use  Positive attitudes and better interpersonal skills Lions Quest evaluation results can be found at

Sponsored Workshop Cost for LQ Core Curriculum Workshop prices: $ One-day workshop (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) ** $ Two-day workshop (8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) ** Above prices include: Trainer fee, transportation and expenses Workshop materials and shipping Not included: Curriculum kits - purchased at $120 each Those not needing a curriculum (refresher course, support staff, etc) attend for $20 each Flipcharts and A/V equipment Food and beverages for participants and trainer during workshop ** A maximum of $7000 will be charged for a one-day workshop and $7800 for a two-day workshop with up to 40 participants receiving curriculum, within the 48 contiguous states.

LCIF Core 4 Grants for Lions Quest Established for long-term program implementation and Lions involvement. * Initiate or expand programs * 3 to 1 match * Up to $100,000 for MD’s * Up to $25,000 for sub-districts * Applications due in June and November Lions Quest Promotional Grants $1,000 non-matching grants for promotion and education of Lions Quest programs in new areas. Lions Quest Community Partnership Grants Created to support programs in new areas, or reactivate dormant programs. Up to $10,000 Maximum of one grant award per MD per fiscal year No matching funds required LCIF Grants

Lions: Natural Partners of Lions Quest Lions Quest is a practical extension of the service ethic of Lionism Local Lions are critical to expanding programs in schools and communities Lions Quest complements Leo clubs, youth camps and the Peace Poster contest Establishes school partnerships that encourage membership

Lions: How to Get Involved Learn about the program Visit Request an information packet Attend a teacher workshop Appoint an LQ chairperson/create an LQ steering committee Promote LQ to clubs and schools through newsletters and presentations Host a seminar at the district or MD convention Invite a teacher or student to present at your club meeting Contact afterschool and out of school programs or camps Talk with parents Support a Lions Quest workshop: Offer financial assistance Provide transportation for the LQ trainer Provide meals for the participants Send a local teacher to a nearby training Apply for Lions Quest grant from LCIF Support service-learning /design a service project with LQ students

How Can Lions Be Supportive Once the Program Is in the School?  Build a relationship with the school, teachers, and students  Check in with the school to see what kind of support they need  Ask teachers/students to give presentations on LQ or on their service-learning projects to the Lions  Ask teachers if Lions can give a presentation on service, civic responsibility or philanthropy to the class

Contact Us LCIF/Lions Quest Department Chris Bunch, U.S. Programs (630) Kelly Young, International Programs (630) Lions Quest Program Manager Matthew Kiefer To schedule a workshop or order materials in the United States call: Lions Quest Web site: