Making Things Happen

It looks like a promising start to the new fiscal year for my club. In my final act as District Chairperson for 2006-07, a club member who had resigned in Dec was reinstated. At the first general meeting two days back, 8 non-Lions were present. Three were related to club members and being invited under the family membership program. Two were approved for membership invitation as they have been regular participants for the last few activities. Three were attending a Lions meeting for the first time and by the end of the meeting, had expressed interest to continue attending. I hear there were another three persons who could not make it to the meeting but are very keen to join the club.

In addition, President Alan Low presented every member with a green & white t-shirt he designed and sponsored, the first t-shirt the club ever had. As for projects, PP Dr Gurbachan managed to secure 300 injections of flu vaccine (worth RM15,000) for the club to carry out over the next two months (including to an orang asli camp). The proposed skybridge project (our club's second permanent structure) is now in hands of the Mentri Besar of Perak. And our first-ever twinning with another club (Singapore Evergreen) has been confirmed as on 18 Aug in Ipoh. The club also approved plans that practically ensure our busyness until the next fiscal year!

A visitor and potential member asked why was our club so vibrant compared to another club he had previously attended. Our members were more friendlier and the meetings were lively. Have we been so since we started in 2001 or did all these come about suddenly?

I don't think such things happened overnight. I believe they are so because members took responsibility to ask or push for it. The impact of an enthusiastic leader certainly saw results. And members were encouraged by the positiveness and proactiveness of current and past leaders. Camaraderie and friendship also played an important part in strengthening the cohesion and willingness of members to do things together.

It does not matter who the member is: what work he/she does, old or young, education level or language ability. What was important is that the members found a certain bond through the Lions club. This bond kept the members in good spirits, enliven each meeting whether formal or informal, and through difficult times. Members automatically offered assistance and volunteered for chores without coercing or cajoling by the President. This is membership making things happen.

I am proud of every one of my members! Go, Evergreen, Go!