10: LEO CLUBS & LIONS MEMBERSHIP

MY YEAR as DISTRICT CHAIRMAN for Leo Clubs (1980-1981)  

The first Leo Club was founded in 1970. It was sponsored by the LC Ipoh Host. Leo Club gives the youth the opportunity to serve the less fortunate in their community at an early age and to develop their leadership quality for their future roles. 

In the fiscal year 1980–1981, under the leadership of District Governor Jeffrey Quah, I was honored to be appointed District Chairman (DC) for Leo Clubs. My deep interest in youth development made this role especially meaningful, as it allowed me to work closely with the younger generation and champion the Leo movement.

As DC, my responsibilities included promoting the Leo Club program, supporting existing clubs, and initiating leadership training to nurture future leaders. I focused on expanding membership and establishing new clubs, while also facilitating the transition of Alpha Leos (school-based) to Omega Leos (community-based). For those Omega Leos who had reached the age limit of 28, I strongly believed they were “ripe” to graduate into full Lions membership. It was vital to keep them within our Lions family, continuing their journey of service.

Throughout the 1980s, I traveled across every state to meet with Leos and assess the landscape of youth involvement. In Malacca, for example, I discovered over four active Leo clubs, yet only one was officially registered. This discrepancy was echoed in other states, where I found at least 10 clubs operating without formal registration.

LCI recognizes every Leo club as having a president and officers. Unfortunately, many of these “so-called” presidents were not officially acknowledged, and their years of service risked being forfeited—all because their sponsoring Lions Clubs had not registered them with LCI. After engaging with these Lions Clubs and explaining the importance of proper registration, they began taking corrective action.

By the end of my term, the district had successfully increased 23 Leo Clubs. For this achievement, I was honored with an Extension Award for Leo Club Sponsorship—a testament to the power of persistence, outreach, and belief in the potential of youth.

During my tenure as DC for Leo Clubs, I was entrusted with a significant responsibility: to organise the Multiple District 308 Leo Forum. By rotation between Districts 308A and 308B, it was 308B’s turn to host the event, and the task fell into my lap.

I was privileged to be part of this milestone gathering, where young leaders from across the region came together to share ideas, build friendships, and strengthen their commitment to service. The theme of the forum, “Leos – the Future Lions,” resonated deeply with me. It had my vision to establish a new Lions Club comprised of “maturing” Leos—those ready to take the next step in their journey of service...a vision started in the 80s.

This wasn’t just about forming another club. It was about creating a bridge for passionate youth to continue their legacy, ensuring that their energy and ideals would carry forward into the Lions movement. That moment reminded me that leadership is not only about guiding others—it’s about recognising when the time is right to plant new seeds.

AN INVITATION DECLINED, A LEGACY CONTINUED.  

In my 60 years as a Lion, I’ve often reflected on the sacrifices made and the opportunities missed along the way. One such moment came in 1982, when LCI took notice of the 23 new Leo Clubs I had helped register. In recognition of this achievement, I was invited to speak at the International Convention in the United States, to share my experience and insights on the Leo Programme.

It was an extraordinary honour; one that filled me with pride and gratitude. Yet, despite the excitement, I had to make a difficult decision. The cost of air travel was prohibitive, and I was still actively working at the time. So, with a heavy heart, I declined the invitation.

Sometimes I wonder where that path might have led had I accepted. But I also know that every choice I made was grounded in responsibility and service. The impact of those 23 Leo Clubs—and the lives they touched—remains one of the most fulfilling chapters of my journey.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE WORLD 

Back in the 60s, we seldom heard Lions talking about membership drives as members just kept rolling in. Membership in a Lions Club in the public eye was seen as prestigious, as it was an international club. In fact, there was a queue for new intakes! By the 1980s, the Lions' membership had reached 1.4 million, and Lions were given little round stickers to help boost the membership to 1.5 million. This campaign was about to become farcical as some leaders had resorted to recruiting every Tom, Dick, and Harry on the street. Years later, the membership chart declined. Why?
 
It became a case of “the more the merrier” but we tend to overlook the factor of sustainability and retention. My take is we needed to recruit quality Lions, members who genuinely subscribe to our Lions’ oath and charter. And the club must acknowledge that every new Lion is a potential bonus to his club. Thus, it is our imperative duty as Lion members to ensure our newbies immerse themselves in the norms and activities of the club. Rightly, the newbies must feel needed, wanted, and welcomed. As simple as that!