Lions Quest

Lions Quest is a comprehensive, positive youth development program offered by Lions Clubs International Foundation to thousands of schools and millions of young people throughout the world.

Lions Quest Programs Lions Quest Skills for Growing (Grades K-5/ Ages 5 – 10) Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence (Grades 6-8/ Ages 11 – 14) Lions Quest Skills for Action (Grades 9-12/ Ages 15 – 20)

Program Objectives Lions Quest programs support the development of healthy and responsible young people by creating a caring learning environment and promoting connections between the school, family, and community through: Life Skills Character Education Positive Behavior Service-Learning Social & Emotional Learning

Program Goals Engage students, families, the school, and community members Provide opportunities for young people to learn essential skills Increase protective factors and reduce risk factors Engage young people in the practice of good citizenship Strengthen young peoples’ commitment to school and service

Program Components Classroom Curriculum Service-Learning Family Involvement Positive School Climate Community Involvement Professional Development and Training Follow-Up Support

Values Promoted Self-discipline A healthy, drug and alcohol-free lifestyle Respect for self and others Commitment to family Kindness Responsibility Honesty Courage Service to others

Life Skills Self-confidence and self-discipline Responsibility and good judgment Effective communication Making healthy decisions Managing emotions/resolving conflicts Solving problems & thinking critically Resisting negative peer pressure Setting goals Serving others

Skills for Growing Grades K-5 Ages 5-10 Positive school climate Family involvement Community involvement Service-Learning

Skills for Adolescence Grades 6-8 Ages Life Skills Resisting Negative Behavior Peer and Adult Relationships “Yes” to Positive Behavior & Service

Skills for Action Grades 9-12 Ages Service-Learning Personal, Social, and Thinking Skills Career-related skills

Evaluations & Recognitions CSAP - Center for Substance Abuse Prevention/SAMHSA “MODEL” Program National Registry of Evidence-based Programs & Practices (NREPP) Collaborative for Academic, Social & Emotional Learning (CASEL)- “SELECT SEL” Program U.S. Department of Education Safe & Drug- Free Schools “PROMISING” Program Search Institute Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

Lions Quest Results Increased knowledge of risks associated with drugs and alcohol Decreased use of harmful substances Improved academic performance Reduction in discipline problems Professional and personal educator development Noticeable increase in respectful behavior and improved school climate Lowered risk for dropping out of school

Benefits to Schools Shared vision among all staff Developmental, research-based curricula across grade levels School-wide thematic units and events Family involvement through materials, meetings, and participation Correlations with state and national learning standards

Benefits to Communities A united and focused effort by families, schools, and local citizens Progress in reducing youth involvement in drinking, drugs, and violence Improved educational environment in local schools Increased youth involvement in community service and volunteerism

Lions and Lions Quest Lions entities manage the program at the national level Creates partnership between Lions, schools and communities Joint service projects with young people - a practical extension of the service ethic of Lionism Complements Leo clubs, youth camps and the peace poster contest Enhances Lions reputation and membership efforts Local Lions are essential components, introducing Lions Quest to schools and raising funds

25 Years of Effectiveness Evidence-based, research-validated programs Professional staff development Lions network and reputation Partnerships LCIF support

LCIF Support Core 4 Grants: Established as a catalyst for Lions Quest activity, with long-term involvement and monitoring by Lions crucial to the sustainability of the program. * Initiate or expand programs * Commitment of MD/district funds * Up to $100,000 for MD’s, $25,000 for sub-districts Community Partnership Grant This grant was created to give districts and multiple districts funding that goes beyond the Core 4 Grant program. This program can be used to start Lions Quest programs in new areas, or reactivate dormant programs. * Available for up to $10,000 each * Maximum of one grant award per Multiple District per fiscal year

LCIF Support cont’d Additional United States support: * Partner for marketing & outreach * Administrative support/ technical assistance * Training and workshop coordination * Informational seminar at USA/Canada Forum * Attendance at Multiple District Conventions as requested

Lions Quest Chairs The LCI Board asked that all Districts and Multiple Districts name a Lions Quest Chairperson, reflecting the International Officers’ commitment to Lions Quest. This also promoted a broader effort to organize, and to generate enthusiasm among Lions districts and multiple districts for Lions Quest participation. The appointment of a Lion with the necessary interest, drive, and commitment to the program will be critical to achieving success.

Lions Quest Chair Functions Become familiar with the Lions Quest programs as described on the website ( and informational CD. Speak at Lions club meetings, district cabinet meetings and other Lions gatherings and conferences about the Lions Quest programs. Know what resources are available from LCIF and provide information to Lions clubs that request it. Network with educational institutions and other organizations involved in education in your district/multiple district.

Functions…. cont’d Learn about the scope of current Lions Quest activity in the district/multiple district, including clubs that have sponsored the program in recent years and schools that utilize the program. Encourage clubs in your district/multiple district to promote the program to school officials in their communities. Encourage clubs in your district/multiple district to sponsor Lions Quest training or material purchases for local schools.

Functions…. cont’d Assist clubs involved with Lions Quest to identify local sources of funding to support and sustain the program Generate publicity about Lions Quest activity in the district/multiple district. Regularly inform the District Governor, the LCIF Lions Quest department, and the LQ country office (where applicable) of progress in the district. Assist with coordination of Lions Quest workshops in your district/multiple district and the drafting of Lions Quest Core 4 grant proposals as appropriate.

Lions Quest Chair Support LCIF will provide the necessary tools, tips, and strategies for promoting and sustaining the program LCIF will provide: - How-to Guidebook - Online training course - Personalized reports of current activity in individual states and districts - Marketing materials and local contacts - Participation in state and national education conferences

Lions Quest Strengthens Lionism Reaching children and students in need Leveraging LCIF funds Creating a world brand and reputation for Lions and their youth work Enhancing Lions membership by attracting individuals committed to youth involvement

Next Steps Learn more about Lions Quest programs Create ongoing local partnerships Begin/strengthen relationships with educators Be a champion for young people Review program materials Locate additional funding sources Stay in contact with LCIF and Lions Quest Encourage state Lions Foundations to support Lions Quest

Contact Us! For more information contact the LCIF/Lions Quest Department: (630) x 6960 (United States) (630) x 6965 (International) Lions Quest Program Manager: Matthew Kiefer To schedule a workshop or order materials in the United States call: Lions Quest Website: