HOW ARE YOUR CLUB MEETINGS?
By Global Membership Team
Are your meetings lively or dull? Are they entertaining or drab? Do they hold your member’s interest or do they go to sleep? Your tail twister can keep your meetings lively, entertaining and hold your members interest. Another way to keep your members interest is to have lively, entertaining and informative speakers.
Most general meetings feature a program for the benefit of their members. Club programs can inform or entertain. They can enrich your members personally and professionally. And, while political and religious discussions should be avoided, the general meeting is a perfect opportunity for members and guests to learn about the community and issues that might relate to the interests of the club members.
There are many places to find good programs, they include:
Local Community Leaders – such as a mayor, member of government, police or fire chief, school superintendent, etc. Not only will your club benefit from their programs, but you will have the opportunity to introduce these influential people to your club.
Local Business People, such as representatives from your members’ companies, the chamber of commerce, or convention and visitor’s bureau – programs from these diverse groups can offer variety.
Recipients of Club Service – Hearing from those who have benefited from club efforts is a great way to motivate members to continue their dedication to serving those in need.
Cultural Organizations, such as museums, theaters and orchestras – interesting and informative programs from these organizations are a good way to add variety.
Organizations that help the Disabled – Such as Special Olympics, local blindness assistance organizations, agencies for the disabled, groups that provide assistance to the elderly and others. While these groups will usually request funding from the club, they may also provide opportunity for hands-on involvement.
District Committee Chairmen – Learn about the status of your district’s important projects to encourage club support.
Programs in a Pinch – Have a few programs ready that can be put on quickly and easily in the event of a last minute cancellation. Some ideas for quick programs include: presenting the International Program video and discussing how your club is contributing to the association’s goals for the year, holding a membership recruitment “summit” and brainstorming creative ways your club can recruit new members, or having your public relations chairman report on the status of publicity efforts and your club’s perception in the community. You can also ask members if they have any “non-Lion” programs one of them would be willing to present at the last minute if requested. Keep a list of these “emergency” programs on hand and
you’ll be prepared to act quickly.
Networking Opportunities-If your club includes business people, make sure they have the opportunity to network. Encourage them to discuss their business, exchange business cards and include their profession in the club directory Check out District 4-C5 Business Directory on our WEB site.
Family Friendly Clubs – Consider making your club family friendly or hosting a family night! Additional resources and ideas can be found at www.lionscubs.org and download the “Family Friendly Lions Club Concept How To Guide”.
District GMT Coordinator PDG Bob Olin @ gmt@district4c5.org
Co-coordinator 1VDG Nick McNicholas @ 1vdg@district4c5.org