SELF IMPORTANCE

There are many Lions who feel lost outside the Lions circle. This is because they have built up a level of importance within the circle. Unfortunately, this importance is often 'perceived' and is 'self-centered.'

Unless the Lion is also well-known outside the Lions movement, a community leader and is at the top of many other organizations, he/she may find himself/herself a nobody when attending another organization's or a non-Lion function. So what if he/she is a Region Chairperson (a pretty high rank among Lions) or a Zone Chairperson (wah, a 'supervisor' of 3-4 clubs!). The general public knows nuts about the Lions hierarchy and cares even less about the Lion leader, especially if the Lion does not conduct himself/herself well. Then the Lion feels offended that he/she is not recognized appropriately. However, since it is not a Lions function, Lions protocol does not apply. A Lion who is a Dato' holds higher status than a non-Dato' Lion even if the non-Dato' Lion is a Cabinet Officer and the titled Lion is not. Even a District Governor, when attending a non-Lions affair, could find himself/herself placed quite low in the order of precedence. There was the case of a District Officer (the government servant, not a Lions Cabinet Officer) who told the organizer off for placing the Lions DG above him in recognition and seating during a government function, and he is right! And there are also Lions clubs that try to please both by mixing the government and Lions protocol! Everyone wants to be important so explain to the non-Lions that Lions protocol must apply during a Lions function but be gracious to accept even non-recognition when attending others. We can be important in the Lions community but we cannot insist on our importance when attending another organization's function. Don't let our self importance put us in a bad light to others.

A person who is truly important will receive respect and recognition. If he/she is a Lion, I am sure he/she adds value and prestige to our organization. The Lions of yesteryears were renowned community leaders and properly vetted before being invited into the club, a great honor for both club and person. Today, there are many 'Lions' who join the Lions movement because of the advantages or recognition he/she will get by becoming a Lion! As such, they do not add but take away such value and prestige.

I have come across such persons who were rejected by other organizations becoming Lions. Probably the club was desperate for membership growth or did not vet the candidate properly. In the end, the 'Lion' hangs on to his/her club membership by paying dues on time (but usually not attending a single meeting), and the club and our organization suffers when the person continues misusing Lionism for personal gains or to feel self important.

And there are those who, having gained importance through the Lions club, uses the position to gain recognition from other organizations. Organizations that value their membership or those associated with them would certainly deny the 'Lion' of such privileges, a sign that importance in the Lions movement today is meaningless to those outside.