Many things have changed in Lionism over the years.  One of the things that hasn’t changed, is our Code of Ethics, especially, the last part:  “TO BE CAREFUL with my criticism and liberal with my praise; to build up and not destroy.”

I have heard over the past few months from club members on how they have recently been treated by other club members, particularly on how their leaders have addressed them in public.

Being rude and discourteous to fellow Lions is not an option.  You should never criticize in public and by all means never dress anyone down during a meeting.   In all my training in leadership it has always been proper to criticize in private and praise in public.  I can’t believe that anyone would think it could be considered alright to belittle and berate anyone during a meeting and not be held responsible for that action.  If you have a problem or issue with anyone it is your duty to maintain a sense of decorum and handle the matter properly and with respect to all involved.

Finding leaders in Lionism is becoming more and more difficult.  If I have heard anything this year as I travelled between clubs, it is how hard it has been to fill the leadership positions in the clubs.  I personally saw this last year when trying to fill the Zone Chair positions.

We need good leadership and we need to nurture them as they mature in Lionism.  To be critical of anyone and their failures is self defeatist and does nothing to help in mentoring young Lions.  Lions Clubs are a vehicle to be able to do great things within our communities and without members we will have a difficult time doing those projects of service.  When in doubt, remember the last part of our Code of Ethics to which we all pledged to uphold, “TO BE CAREFUL with my criticism and liberal with my praise; to build up and not destroy.”

I will change the tone of this letter now and extend my personal thanks to all those Lions who helped the District to have one of its best attended conventions in several years.  I would like to thank the members of the West Knox and Farragut clubs for stepping up and helping us with the convention and the Hospitality room.

Congratulations are extended to our new District Governor Elect Chuck Bailey and First Vice District Governor Elect Diane Wilkerson in their successful election for the upcoming year.  Thanks too, go out to the presenters of the Seminars at the convention.  Their preparation and excellent presentations have been well received.  I would hope that all the Lions that attended, enjoyed themselves and will consider attending next year’s convention in Knoxville and bring new members.

Please remember the State Convention coming up in April in Chattanooga at the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the International Convention in Seattle this July.

DG Bill McDonald