PDG Deyann McDonnell ANZI Forum Ballarat - 2017 What are the alternatives? w

Diversity inTO our organisation? Can we WELCOME Diversity inTO our organisation?

Diversity can be a Special Interest Lions Club

Lions have been forming special interest clubs for decades Did you know? Lions have been forming special interest clubs for decades

Special interest clubs are clubs that bring together Lions with common What are they? Special interest clubs are clubs that bring together Lions with common interests or similar circumstances.

They are Flexible Special interest clubs offer a flexible format that lets Lions accommodate today’s volunteers in a way that fits their ever-changing lifestyles

Pathways for formation Special interest clubs need to be sponsored by an existing club and go through the usual charter process. They can also be chartered as a Club Branch, a Cyber Club, a Breakfast Club.

Often the projects reflect the specialty club’s area of expertise. Lions Against Violence Club Branch Carers Club Branch Quilters Lions Club Mackay Pacific Island Club Branch Mackay Spirit of Youth Australian Lions Pin Traders Club Australian Motor homing Lions Club

Lions Club of Quilters Victoria The Lions Club of Quilters Victoria was formed with quilters whose main goal is to raise funds to establish a permanent Quilt and Textile museum for the Victorian Community.

They have donated over 30 quilts to the victims of the Scotsburn fires Making a Difference

Lower Clarence Carers Lions Club Branch of Yamba Forming a Club with people with similar interests makes it easier to find members. Lower Clarence Carers Lions Club Branch of Yamba

Diversity can be a Lions club branch

What is a Lions Club Branch? PDG Deyann McDonnell (MD GMT) 2017

A Club Branch enables a small group of people to form a Lions club and start making a difference in their community sooner than later.

Why form a Club Branch? Forming a Club Branch creates an opportunity for Lions clubs to expand in communities where it is difficult to reach the 20 member minimum necessary to charter a new club.

A Club Branch operates under the Lions Umbrella linking it to: Lions Club International, Lions Foundations, Lions Insurance and the authority to fund raise.

It also provides a window into all Lions’ Category A and B projects. As well as supporting the Sponsor Club’s projects.

It also serves the purpose of orientating a group of members into the Lions Organisation over a period of time. This will help to facilitate the longevity of the club once it is chartered.

It can give the group of people the opportunity to develop skills individually, through officer and leadership training within the district.

It can also lead to personal development and future leadership pathways in employment and within the Lions Organisation.

How does it work? A Club Branch requires a minimum of five members to open and elects a Branch Co-ordinator who serves as its President. He or she serves on the parent club’s board of directors. A Branch Vice Co-ordinator is also elected and serves as a Secretary.

Branch members are part of an existing “parent” club, BUT hold independent meetings and select their own projects and activities. Consultation with the parent club avoids overlapping.

The Parent Club The parent club appoints a branch liaison to serve as the go-between for the parent and branch, providing monthly reports to the parent board (proforma in the kit) and assistance to the branch.

Branch Club Members become a member of the Parent Club with Club Branch entered in My LCI. Dues remain the responsibility of the parent club but usually members pay the same dues as members in the parent club.

The District Governor can appoint a Guiding Lion to support and guide officers.

Own Bank Account Club Branches now have permission to open their own Bank Accounts and pay their accounts. They can elect a Treasurer to do this. They follow the same procedures as the parent club.

Charter Night Once the club builds to 20 members or preferably more, the branch may charter as a new Lions club.

Can a Lions Club have more than one Club Branch? The answer is Yes! Mackay Spirit has 3 Special Interest Club Branches

Mackay Pacific Island Club Branch

Mackay Spirit of Youth

Mackay Seniors Club Branch

What Special Interest Groups are in your community? Women’s groups 000 emergency services Other cultural groups Eye Hospital Swimming Clubs People with Disabilities

Will you take up the challenge to embrace diversity? What special interest groups do you belong to? What other doors can you open in your community through Lions?

How can you increase service in your community? ‘Welcome Diversity’

Q & A Time