Lions of District 21-B:

I'm going to depart from my intended message to address a concern that has been brought forth in the last few months and requires comment: COMMON COURTESY AMONG LIONS and internal politics.

During the last several weeks, I have observed or been made aware of alarming situations in which Lions have chosen to abandon civility and courtesy for unbecoming behavior in person and by message / email. These instances have led to disruptions in personal relations, Lions clubs' organizations and operations, and our ability to provide our needed services to our communities. Politics is part of human nature - every group has it to some degree. Let's try to moderate and conciliate. Our missions are too important to be torn apart by petty (and even unintended) conflict.

Emails that may be regarded by a sender as factual and informative may be interpreted by the recipient as inflammatory and corrosive. The response may be couched in civil terms but carry an unintended "attitude", which draws further response, escalating tensions and tempers. Plus, there is a tendency to begin copying others to let others know about the problem. Very quickly, a modest difference of opinion has escalated into a war of words involving far too many Lions.

How about putting that email in the "Drafts" folder and look at it tomorrow or the day after. Are you really offering a positive message? Will it really enhance the situation and the goals of Lionism? Maybe a phone call and a chat over coffee would be better. Maybe it wasn't that important after all.

Likewise, face to face communications break down when common deference and respect are ignored. Tone of voice and body language matter. Let's take a deep breath and "count to 10". Let's try to smile. Nothing new here.

I am asking you as Lions and citizens to COOL YOUR JETS and treat each other as you'd like to be treated. Remember the Golden Rule. Let's put a positive face on our relationships!

Yours In Lionism,

Lion Carl Johannesen
District Governor 2010-2011, District 21-B
International Association of Lions Clubs
Lions: Loving Individuals Offering Needed Service