4: LONS CONVENTION & PROGRESS OF LIONISM

Lions Convention

The first Lions Convention that I ever attended was in the "Lion City" in 1974. It was in Singapore that I got acquainted with some senior Lions. Somehow, I had great respect and admiration for their consummate knowledge of Lionism. There was much to be learned from our neighbouring Lions in the ‘Lion City’. That aside, there were also the fun, camaraderie, and pomp elements. Something every Lion should espouse always!

Lionism is certainly not just about service projects and raising funds. It is also about fostering lasting fellowship and cementing mutual understanding, not only among members within the same district but also those from other districts and countries. In doing so, it fulfills one of Lions Clubs International's main objectives of creating and fostering a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.

I was privileged to have attended the 15th District 308 Lions Convention and 1st Lioness Forum on 13-15 May 1977. A “sea of Lions” congregated at the posh Kuala Lumpur Hilton. Attending the conventions, allowed me to keep abreast with the current Lionistic activities, connecting with the past, and forging friendships with like-minded Lions. I looked forward to attend every convention thereafter. My record attending conventions are as follows:

1974 - 12th District 308 Lions Convention (Singapore)
1976 - 14th Dt308 Lions Convention (Penang)
1977 - 15th Dt308 Lions Convention (Kuala Lumpur)
1978 - 16th Dt308 Lions Convention (Kota Kinabalu, Sabah)
1979 - 17th Dt308 Lions Convention (Kuching, Sarawak)
1980 - 18th Dt308 Lions Convention (Singapore)
1981 - 19th Dt308 Lions Convention (Penang)
1982 - 20th Dt308 Lions Convention (Genting Highlands)
1983 - 21st Dt308 Lions Convention (Ipoh)
1984 - 1st Multiple District 308 (22nd Sub Dt) Lions Convention
1985 – 2nd MD308 (23rd Sub Dt) Lions Convention (Kuantan)
1988 – 5th MD308 (26th Sub Dt) Lions Convention (Singapore)
1989 – 6th MD308 (27th Sub Dt) Lions Convention (Kuala Lumpur)
1990 – 7th MD308 (28th Sub Dt) Lions Convention (Kota Kinabalu)
1991 – 8th MD308 (29th Sub Dt) Lions Convention (Penang)
1992 – 9th MD308 (30th Sub Dt) Lions Convention
1993 – 10th MD308 (31st Sub Dt) Lions Convention
1994 – 11th MD308 (32nd Sub Dt) Lions Convention
1995 – 12th MD308 (33th Sub Dt) Lions Convention
1996 – 13th MD308 (34th Sub Dt) Lions Convention (Sibu)
1997 – 14th MD308 (35th Sub Dt) Lions Convention (Johor)
1998 – 15th MD308 (36th Sub Dt) Lions Convention (Petaling Jaya)
1999 – 16th MD308 (37th Sub Dt) Lions Convention (Kota Kinabalu)
1979 photos of the 17th Dt308 Lions Convention in Kuching, Sarawak.

Progress of Lionism

 

The development of Lionism in the district had been gradual and steady. However, in 1976 there was a rapid proliferation of clubs. The expansion went even into distant rural communities, especially in East Malaysia. By end of 1979, there was a total 73 clubs in our district. The breakdown figures were as follows: 48 clubs in West Malaysia, 8 clubs in Singapore, 15 clubs in East Malaysia, and 2 clubs in Brunei with a total of 2,500 members. At this juncture, the district had fulfilled a notable landmark for a multiple district to be formed in the fiscal year 1979-1980. By LCI’s requirements, each district must have at least 35 clubs with at least 1250 members. Thus, District 308 became District 308B1 and District 308B2. Go Lions Go!

Lioness Club Programme 1975

The wives of Lions were always supportive of their husbands’ role in serving the community. As such, it was a red-letter day when LCI decided to launch the Lioness Club programme in 1975. This programme officially recognised the Lioness Clubs as separate entities in the service movement. We were proud that the Lions Club was the first service club in the world to admit women as members. This historic decision not only led to an increase in membership but more importantly, it allowed family members to spend quality time together while helping the community. Singapore started the first Lioness Club as soon as LCI announced the news in 1975. A few months later, the Lioness Club of Penang was founded. It was jointly sponsored by three clubs, namely, LC Penang Host, LC George Town and LC Butterworth Host. A significant milestone in our journey!