Over the last weekend in May, the Leos of Multiple District 21 gathered at Camp Pine Rock in Prescott, Arizona for their leadership conference.
As many of you know, as my final task as MD21 Leadership Chairman, I urged the Lions of Arizona to get behind this project and to demonstrate to the young people of our multiple district and the leaders of tomorrow that we were supporting their endeavors.
Thanks to the financial support of the MD Council of Governors and 15 Lions clubs and 1 Lioness club….yes, only 15 out of 160…the Leo Leadership Forum was put on. The important thing was that they didn’t quit. They went forward.
Under the direction of Lion Jason LaChappell, one of the finest programs possible was put together for the 49 Leos who attended. I was asked to be a presenter so I was able to see first hand the many diverse programs they had.
The Leos attending ranged from 6th graders up to two of the finest young adults from the Lumberjack Leo club of Northern Arizona University. These were the cream of the crop of our young people, and truly the leaders of tomorrow.
What amazed me the most was the depth of expertise they brought in to present programs.
For example, for the session on Fund Raising, they did not bring in a few Lions who talked about various fund raising ideas; instead they had the Executive Director of the Yavapai County United Way program who spoke on “Fun Raising, not Fund Raising.” The word on the street has it that this program will be presented again at the November Mid Year Forum.
And when they wanted to talk about “volunteerism,” they had the Director of the Governor’s Office of Volunteers…yes, the State of Arizona Governor’s Office…who drove up to Prescott to talk to these young people about volunteering and giving back to their community.
They then had programs on leadership, meetings, organizing their activities…one of the most well rounded programs possible.
Coupled with this were activities on team building and working with others…sure it involved “water balloon volleyball” but if you haven’t ever tried it, talk about team building.
So, on behalf of the Lions of Arizona, I wish to thank Lion Jason and his staff for this conference, and urge the Lions of Arizona to put this project into their budgets NOW for next year so when the Leos come to us for sponsorships of students we will respond.
This was by far one of the finest programs I have had the privilege of being involved with in my 23 years as a Lion, and I hope that each and every Lions Club will get on board next year.
Thank you Lion Jason.