1. PDG Deyann McDonnell ANZI Forum Ballarat - 2017
What
are the
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2. Diversity inTO our organisation?
Can we
WELCOME
Diversity inTO our organisation?

3. Diversity can be a Special Interest Lions Club

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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

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

11. 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

12. Diversity can be a
Lions club branch

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

14. 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.

15. 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.

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

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

18. 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.

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

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

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

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

26. 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.

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

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

29. Mackay Pacific Island Club Branch

30. Mackay Spirit of Youth

31. Mackay Seniors Club Branch

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

33. 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?

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

35. Q & A Time