Let’s Get Going

Lion Jayne Raparelli and I enjoyed 12 wonderful days in Hamburg, Germany while attending the Lions Clubs International Convention.

We were able to take a relaxing boat tour of Inner Alster Lake, Outer Alster Lake and several canals – all in the center of the city. We listened to Andrea Bocelli sing Amazing Grace and Ava Maria. We enjoyed a water fountain/light show set to music late one evening in a nearby park. We meet Lions from many countries. We liked the German breakfast strudels and dinner brats.

I was also able to attend District Governor School, participate in the Celebration Banquet, march in the International Parade, and be sworn in as District Governor by International President Barry Palmer from Australia.

So, now it is time to get going!

Club Presidents – You have all received a letter from me encouraging you to set club goals and to meet the four club challenges. Now is the time to establish your membership growth, charitable donations, leadership development and other club goals. Now is also the time to motivate your club members to meet the club challenges. I am really counting on you.

Only when all of our clubs perform well can District 12-N achieve anything!

Club Membership Chairs – The Lions Club Survival Manual: Twenty Basic Things Clubs Must Do To Be Healthy and Grow is now available. They were distributed at the District Organizational Meeting. If you don’t have one, contact your Zone Chair (or Download here). Please read this manual and ensure that your club is doing what is necessary to grow.

Let’s grow Lionism!

Past District Governors – Our membership level was 980 at the start of this program year. We have already lost two clubs (Morgan County with 12 members and Lake City with 10 members) which have turned in their charters. Times are tough but I am still optimistic. Over 10,000 Americans are retiring every day and are wondering how they are going to occupy their time and give meaning to their lives. Of course we have the answer – join Lions and serve your community. But we have to inform people about our association and have to ask them to join. Please be a role model for your club and recruit at least two new members this year.

I know you can do this!

Club Members – The international theme this year is “Follow Your Dream”.  My dream is that we will be able to grow our membership, increase our charitable donations and develop our leaders in District 12-N this program year. Please do your part to make this dream a reality. I need your help!

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Let’s get going.

District Governor Mike McDonough