DG Chuck and Lion Paulette Bailey

Fellow Lions of District 12-N,

I’m just getting used to being referred to as “District Governor.”

When visiting clubs this past month and the District Governor was introduced, sometimes I had to be reminded to rise and go forward to speak.  The hospitality shown to my wife, Paulette, and me as we visit clubs has been humbling and the meals have all been outstanding.  Of course, that is the downside.  I used to be able to button my blue blazer.  Those days are now in the past.  I must say, however, that it is a true honor to serve you in the capacity of governor and I look forward to visiting your club if I haven’t yet been there.

During the club visits, one of the topics I address is President Tam’s philosophy of, “My club, my family.”  We, as Lions, do so much for our communities that in the process of serving their needs we may overlook the needs of our own club members.  The “My club, my family” philosophy is intended to bring focus on our fellow Lions as if they are members of our own family.  If a member of our family fails to show up for supper without notice, we become concerned about their whereabouts and try to find out what might be wrong.  Should we do less for members of our club?  If we care for our fellow club members as if they were family, I believe a major part of our club membership retention problem will disappear.  Our members will want to belong to a nurturing, caring, Lions Club with members who look out for one another’s wellbeing.  We do it for our communities.  We should do no less for our club family.

I believe that if we overcome the negative retention trend, club by club, we will return positive growth to our district.  “My club, my family” is a good reminder to each of us for how we should treat each other in our clubs as “We Serve” our communities.

Remember, “We Serve” is more than our motto; it is our call to action to meet the unfulfilled needs in our communities.  Keep up the good work.  I am proud to serve alongside you.

Do you believe?

Yours in Lionism,

DG Chuck Bailey