|
December 2007
(Click Here for Newsletter Archives)
From the Desk of
District Governor Jim Merritt
|
 |
Hello Fellow Lions!
There are some very important flyers in the newsletter. Please look over very carefully so you will have all the correct information for our Mid Winter Convention on January 19th, 2008.
We have been talking about the Camp Walk and how important it is to our Campers from District 2X2 for the last couple of months. Now let's all get on board for the Walk! We can't say there will be a problem with the weather because Lion Patricia Guy has already addressed that problem for us with Plan B. We will walk inside if weather does not permit outside. The Lions from Pittsburg have worked very hard making all the necessary plans and preparations for this event. We are looking forward to some fun and excitement, as well as hearing from our Panel of Experts who will speak to us from three different points of view but all are equally important and inspirational.
I want to commend the Ore City Lions Club and the steps they took to help Mr. Sisco obtain his Leader Dog and the luncheon they had for him on December 10th. In addition to his dog, they provided travel expense money for his trip back to Missouri. Way to go, Ore City! It makes me proud to be a Lion to see what you are doing!
Keep in mind; we will be working on the formation of new clubs this coming year 2008 and the retaining of our members also. Please let me know if you have ideas or suggestions for implementing the push for growth. Also, please contact me if I need to make an official visit to your club what a pleasure it is to visit with you Fellow Lions.
Please accept my wishes to each of you and your families for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.!
Yours In Lionism,
DG Jim
Nature Photos
|
Time to get out and take those nature pictures! Anything in nature is acceptable, but NO people.
Send your picture to Lion Nancy - nancyv43@yahoo.com - by January 15.
Let's beat last year's entries of 12 photos.
|
|
Quips and Quotes
|
 |
What is MERL?
MERL is an acronym for chairpersons of Membership, Extension, Retention and Leadership Development. These four chairpersons form a team, identified as the MERL Team.
What is the MERL Team? A group of appointed Lions working together for a common purpose who must rely on each other to achieve mutually defined results.
The multiple district and district level MERL Chairpersons are appointed for three-year terms. The multiple district MERL teams receive training at a LCI sponsored seminar during the first year of their term. The multiple district MERL then trains, coaches and inspires the district MERL teams.
The district MERL team receives direction, training and inspiration from the multiple district MERL team. The communication of multiple district goals and action plans establish priorities for the districts. Districts may have additional priorities depending on their district goals. The district MERL team works in cooperation with the district governor and the district cabinet.
Team Definition: A group of individuals working together for a common purpose, who must rely on each other to achieve mutually defined results.
Teams may include other functions/chairpersons based on multiple district or district needs or based on local custom. Additional team members can include:
- Campus Club Chairpersons
- Guiding Lions
- Orientation Chairperson
- Public Relations Chairperson
- Women's Development &
- Participation Chairperson
Each of the four chairpersons or team functions (membership, extension, retention and leadership development) may have a subcommittee dedicated to carry out its designated responsibilities. Members of the subcommittee may vary from year to year depending on the specific objectives and accountabilities. The team coordinator provides support and promotes communication and collaboration among team members.
The district MERL team receives direction, training and inspiration from the multiple district MERL team. The communication of multiple district goals and action plans establish priorities for the districts. Districts may have additional priorities depending on their district goals. The district MERL team works in cooperation with the district governor and the district cabinet. Effective MERL teams will secure our association's future through sustained membership growth, new club development, increased member retention and quality leadership development. KEY TO SUCCESS IS FINDING KEY INDIVIDUALS IN EACH CLUB TO TAKE THE LEAD, AND DON'T BE AFRAID OF CHANGE OR TO TRY SOMETHING NEW.
VDG LION JOHN SAMPLES
New Members
The following is a list of new members for District 2X2 for the month of November:
- R P Burnett- Edgewood
- Mark Fuller- Judson
- Bobby Burrow- Linden
- Cindy Speight- Marshall
- Virginia Butts- Tyler
- Ira Hicks- Windom
District Calendar Of Events
December 11 - Christmas Party - Wake Village and Nash
December 19 - Deadline to register for Camp Walk
December 19 - Deadline to register for Camp Walk
December 30 - Deadline for 2-X2 Hall of Fame nominations
January 5 - Joe B. Craig Memorial Jackpot Show, Henderson
January 15 - Environmental Photo Essay deadline
January 19 - Mid-Winter, Pittsburg
January 19 - Camp Walk, Pittsburg
July 31 - Harry Wickersham Golf Tournament-, Fredericksburg
Have your Club's events listed here: email Lion April McCright at aprilm128@aol.com
District 2X2 Obituary
|
|
Lion Neal Brooks, Charter President - Edgewood
Lion Leon Slaughter - Edgewood
Lion Gordon Barlow - Edgewood
Phil Bird - Jefferson
H. R. Slack - Marshall
PDG Jim Williams - Marshall
Lion Martin Foye - Pittsburg
Lion Howard Skelton- Tyler
Ronald Serber - Tyler
A Word From International President Mahendra Amarasuriya
Change does not come easily to any large organization especially an organization with a history as long and successful as Lions Clubs International. But the challenge to change we have embraced during this, our leadership year, is nothing to fear. It is simply our way of holding fast to our fundamental ideals while recognizing the reality of change in our world.
I am asking our clubs and members to embrace this change by recognizing that the benefit of adding more women and young people to our clubs is exactly what Lions have sought for all 90 years of our association's existence more and better service to our communities and the world.
During this year I have stressed that to truly live up to our ideals, we must serve our communities as they really are, not as we imagine them to be. To clearly understand where our energies and resources will do the most good, our membership must more accurately reflect the communities we wish to serve. In addition to this vital insight, greater diversity in our membership will also give us greater access to the means and methods needed to fulfill our mission in today's world.
I hope that you are also carrying this message to the clubs in your district. As you know, this year we have put special emphasis on increasing the number of women and young people in our ranks. There are a great many resources available to help your district successfully meet this challenge. For information about inviting family groups, students and Leos into full Lions membership you may direct your clubs to:
http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/programs_mem_student.shtml
http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/programs_mem_family.shtml
http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/programs_mem_leoconversion.shtml
...The "best practices" for membership growth and retention available at http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/programs_mem_practices.shtml are also sure to provide ideas and inspiration.
In addition, many of the actions needed to help "re-brand" Lions Clubs International can be encouraged through this year's Challenge to Change Awards. Nominations are due by November 27.
As you also know, as part of our efforts to grow and diversify, we have reemphasized the October Growth Awards. Please remind your clubs that new members must be included on the current WMMR to receive proper credit for their advancement.
As always, it has been a pleasure to see many of you on my travels and to hear of your successes. You have my complete faith as Lions Clubs International's most important agents of change.
Thank you for all you do for the Lions of your district and our entire association.
CSFII Donationa
The following is a list of clubs in 2X2 that has contributed to Campaign Sightfirst II:
Paris - $1000.00
Canton - $1400.00
Hawkins - $1000.00
Tyler - $2000.00
Daingerfield - $100.00
Henderson - $125.00
Hughes Springs - $1000.00
Jefferson - $902.00
Judson - $14,000.00
Mar-Tex - $1000.00
Pittsburg - $2000.00
Wake Village - $100.00
Winnsboro - $200.00
Other - $500.00
Total - $26,227.00
Get your Pins!
District and State pins are now available. The cost is $4.00 a piece or $7.00 for the pair. See Gov. Jim to purchase them.
|
