10: LEO CLUBS & LIONS MEMBERSHIP

LEO CLUBS 

The first Leo Club was sponsored by the LC Ipoh Host in 1970. Leo club gives the youth the opportunity to serve the less fortunate in their community at an early age and to develop in them leadership quality for their future roles. Compared to many other districts, the Alpha (school-based) Leos were extremely active and knowledgeable as was evidenced by their performances during their Leo Forum. 

In the fiscal year 1980 - 1981, I was appointed the District Chairman for Leos Clubs by the then District Governor Jeffrey Quah. By rotation of the districts 308A and 308B and it was district 308B's turn to carry out a Multiple District 308 Leo Forum. I was privileged to be involved in organizing the event. The theme for the forum, "Leos - the Future Lions" once again dawned on me to start another Lions club, this time with the “maturing” Leos. The Leos who have exceeded their age limit of 28 have to be dropped and they were certainly “ripe” to graduate to become Lions. We must keep them in our Lions family! 

 AN OPPORTUNITY LOST 

In my 50 years as a Lion, I did lament the many sacrifices and missed opportunities. In 1982, I was invited to give a talk on the Leo Program at the LCI Convention in the United States. I was extremely delighted to be given such an honour. However, I had to decline the invitation due to the expensive air tickets and I was still working then.

  

MEMBERSHIP IN THE WORLD 

Back in the 60s, I seldom heard Lions talking about membership drives as members just keep 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 queuing up for new intakes! By the 1980s, the Lions' membership had touched 1.4 million and Lions were given little round stickers to 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!