President’s Message

Lessons from the Pandemic

Greetings Lions,

Out of all the diverse talents Lions possess, one in particular seems to be consistent across clubs and constitutional areas: the ability to turn difficult situations into opportunities.

Now that we are well into 2021, more than a year since the first lockdowns began, many clubs have adjusted to a new normal. The rules of the pandemic no longer seem strange, they are simply a part of our life.

While we know it won’t be this way forever, some of the adaptations clubs have made in the past year have been truly innovative. And it’s worth looking at whether they just may have a place in our service beyond the pandemic.

For instance, we now have meetings without being in the same room. Virtual meetings have enabled Lions to serve safely during the pandemic, and they’ve also opened the door to new possibilities. I often hear parents or young people just starting out in their careers tell me that they would love to serve, but they can’t find the time to attend meetings. But what if those meetings were in their home? And all it required was an internet connection and an hour of their time? No rushing in traffic and no babysitter required.

We have the potential to radically change how we serve. This doesn’t mean every club should move to virtual meetings. But it does mean that every club should examine what changes it has made over the past year that may be worth keeping.

Traditions are wonderful. Lions, especially, love keeping the familiar close at hand. But traditions can and do evolve, just as we do. Let’s take this month, in which we focus on strengthening our membership, to discover how we can evolve and use the lessons of the past year as a guide for the future.

Sincerely,