December Lions Clubs International Newsletter

Register for Lions Day with the UN There is still time to register for the 35th Annual Lions Day with the United Nations (UN) to be held on February 1, 2013 in New York City. Learn more about Lions partnership with the UN and how we can work together on our shared commitment to issues such as literacy, hunger and the UN Millennium Goals. We will recognize Lions 25th year of promoting international understanding through the Peace Poster Contest, along with a special announcement of the grandprize winners of Lions Peace Essay and Poster Contests. Learn more about Lions Day with the United Nations and register online.

Recognize Those Who Serve the World Take time to submit a nomination for the World of Service Awards, recognizing those who exemplify our work in hunger relief, literacy, youth, environment and service to the visually impaired. Showcase your club's creativity by developing a rap video to help get kids to read and enter it for the Best Reading Action Program Rap Video. A special ceremony will be held at the 2013 Lions Clubs International Convention in Hamburg, Germany.

Promote Literacy through the Gift of Books The holidays are time for special celebrations and opportunities for giving. Consider presenting a book as a gift to a child or adult. For information and ideas, see the Reading Action Program "Partner" page. Collaborating with partners can expand your resources and your service reach. Present a book to adults or children at your vision screening. Include books for children when providing food to a hungry family. Provide a braille book to a child who is blind. Partner with your local hospital to present parents with books for their newborns.  Find out how you can help promote early literacy and school readiness with LCI partner Reach Out and Read.

Lions Take a Team Approach Don't go it alone -- the Global Membership Team is on your side! Successful clubs, satisfied members and effective service takes a team. All district leaders will benefit by using the team approach to membership development explained in the GMT District Coordinator Guidebook. Take advantage of the many resources listed throughout the guide. Learn how your current role impacts your team, or find a team role that best suits your interests.

Help Break the Cycle of Hunger Lions around the world are continuing their efforts to fight chronic hunger in their communities.  Participate in the "Relieving the Hunger" campaign (December and January) to help shattered families and build a stronger community. Mobilize your club to organize rewarding service projects such as replenishing a local food pantry or delivering meals to elderly citizens. Providing nutritious food for a school feeding program can help children to grow and learn. Consider working with your local food bank and invite your community to help fight hunger. Remember to report your hunger project via the online Service Activity Report.