Lions don’t just change – Lions change for the better! When it comes to increasing our ability to serve the people of our communities and the world, nothing should be beyond the scope of our imagination.

Fortunately, it doesn’t usually take outlandish ideas to yield great improvements. Lions Clubs around the world have found that one of the biggest boosts in their ability to serve comes from the energizing effect of women members. All around the world, women have rallied around the "We Serve" motto and helped their clubs live up to the ideal it represents.

On a recent visit to India it was my pleasure to meet members of the newly chartered Chenai Aristocrats Lions Club. The 20 forward-thinking Lions who formed this club recognize that the seven women in their ranks have brought a "new dimension" to their service initiatives. They report that their efforts are now focused on some of the most pressing needs of their community – children’s issues and improved health for all.

In just three months the club has undertaken major projects including building a water-treatment facility to provide clean water to schools, the creation of a yoga center for the entire community and the "adoption" of a neighborhood in need of better sanitation, hygiene and education. Women are in the forefront of these projects says Club Secretary C.G Balaji. He notes that as a side benefit, the club’s meetings have become more interesting and the menu has even improved – because the women insisted upon it!

He says that the women’s participation is a welcome sign and will change the perception of Lionism, among both Lions and the general public.

I am happy to report that Lions’ excellent response to the Challenge to Change is reaping rewards throughout the entire International Association of Lions Clubs. As you may know, the December worldwide membership report has historically shown a decrease from the July 1 total. Thanks especially to clubs’ efforts to diversify their membership; this year the totals will be almost equal. That means 5,000 fewer Lions lost to the association! Congratulations to all clubs that have embraced the Challenge to Change and received the benefit of renewed energy and commitment.

In response to the changing needs of Lions, there will be changes made at International Headquarters as well. The Public Relations Division has embarked on a major redesign of the Lions Clubs International Web site and improvements to The LION magazine. In fact, you may be one of the Lions randomly selected to receive a survey questionnaire about the Web site. If you or a member of your club receives one, please help the hardworking staff at International Headquarters by returning it as soon as possible. They need your input! Redesigning the Web site is such a large and complex job that it may take the better part of a year to complete, but changes in The LION magazine will be phased-in over the coming year.

To keep up with clubs’ fast-paced recruiting of new members, the club records staff is also making changes. This too, will require the cooperation of Lions, especially club secretaries. WMMR filings will now be due by the last day of each month from clubs that file electronically and by the 20th of each month from clubs that file by mail. This will allow the staff to eliminate the current one month lag between filing and the production of reports and provide current data to all parts of the association. For complete details on this change in procedure, please see the www.lionsclubs.org Web site.

I thank you in advance for your cooperation and wish you continued success in your mission to serve.

Sincerely,
Mahendra Amarasuriya
International President