Revised Financial Suspension Policy
General
General
2026-2027 Club Officer Workshop Materials Available
Leadership
Videos and presentations from the June 6, 2026 Club Officer Workshops are posted under Leadership/Training here. Upcoming Zone Chair material will be posted soon. Service and Membership Chair Workshops will be scheduled after the turn of the Lion s Year.
Lions at the National Memorial Day Parade
General Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lions Clubs from DC, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia to March in the Freedom250 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. — Lions Clubs members from across the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia will proudly participate in the Freedom250 National Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, 2026, in the nation’s capital. The event, organized by the American Veterans Center, honors the men and women who have served and sacrificed for the United States while celebrating America’s enduring spirit of freedom and unity.
Representing one of the world’s largest service organizations, Lions will march together in recognition of Memorial Day and in support of veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. The participation highlights the Lions’ long-standing commitment to community service, patriotism, humanitarian outreach, and support for those who have served the nation.
The Freedom250 National Memorial Day Parade will feature veterans from every era, active military units, youth organizations, marching bands, and patriotic groups from across the country. Thousands of spectators are expected to line Constitution Avenue to witness this national tribute.
“Lions are honored to stand alongside fellow Americans in remembering and recognizing the heroes who have defended our freedoms,” said event organizers coordinating Lions participation. “Service to community and country are values deeply rooted in Lionism, and Memorial Day is a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate gratitude and unity.”
The parade also coincides with the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, making the 2026 event especially significant as communities nationwide reflect on the nation’s history, service, and shared future.
Additional information about the parade can be found at American Veterans Center. Information regarding Lions participation is available at Lions Freedom250 Parade Information.
About Lions Clubs International
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization, with more than 1.4 million members in over 200 countries and geographic areas. Lions are dedicated to serving communities through humanitarian projects focused on vision, hunger, the environment, childhood cancer, diabetes, disaster relief, and other critical causes.
Media Contact:
Lions Freedom250 Parade Coordination Team
Website: Lions Freedom250 Parade Information
2026 Vision Walk – Foundation Fighting Blindness
General ServiceJoin the Fight Against Blindness by participating in the Metro DC Vision Walk. Click here for more information.
2026-2027 Club Officer Workshops
LeadershipDistrict 24-L will conduct 2026-2027 Club Officer Workshops on Zoom on June 6, 2026. Workshop sessions are: Club President - 11:00 am, Club Secretary - 1:00 pm and Club Treasurer - 3:00 pm, respectively. Sessions for Club Service Chair and Club Membership Chair will be scheduled at a later date. Click here to register for the Workshops on Zeffy.
District Governor Dan Visone’s November 2025 Message
District Governor's Message GeneralNovember 2025:
Fellow Lions, Lioness-Lions, and Leos,
As we mark one-third of this Lions year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every one of you for your hospitality during our visits, your outstanding service to your communities, and the fellowship that transforms each club into a family. Your dedication truly embodies the spirit of Lionism.
When Chuck, Greg, and I visit clubs across the District, we emphasize one powerful message — the importance of membership growth and renewal.
Our founder Melvin Jones said,“There is only one thing greater than having the privilege of being a member of a Lions Club, and that is helping build one.”
Growth is not just about numbers — it’s about ensuring that our legacy of service continues for generations to come. If we fail to replace those who leave, our clubs risk fading away, and our communities lose the vital service that only Lions provide.
The need for service is growing — and Lions will be there to SERVE.
Leading to Serve – Serving to Lead
In alignment with International President A.P. Singh’s theme, “Leading to Serve, Serving to Lead,” we are each called to lead with compassion, extend a hand to those in need, and inspire others to join us in service. Leadership is not a title — it’s an action.
Together, we are also “Navigating to the Future,” ensuring our clubs remain vibrant and relevant as we adapt to meet the evolving needs of our communities.
Each One Bring One – Membership Contest
This year’s 24L District-wide membership contest, Each One Bring One, is a fun and rewarding way to grow our organization.
We’re simply asking every Lion to invite one friend, neighbor, or family member to a meeting, fundraiser, or service project.
- Clubs with the greatest percentage of members who bring guests will win a $1,000 LCIF Community Impact Grant — one for clubs over 20 members and one for clubs under 20.
- Details are available on the District 24L website.
- Participating clubs will receive banner patches, and sponsoring Lions will be entered into prize drawings — a plethora of District swag celebrating your commitment to growth!
Resources including onboarding templates, editable membership flyers, and orientation materials are also available online.
For help, contact Past Council Chair Glen Logan, District Global Membership Team Lead.
Reporting Service – Telling Our Story
As we Navigate to the Future, every club is encouraged to report their service through the Lions Portal.
Our goal: 100% of clubs reporting!
These reports are vital in helping Lions Clubs International share the global scale of our service when securing new endowments and partnerships.
Leadership Development – Building Strong Clubs
Leadership development is critical to club success. Training for Zone Chairs, Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, Membership Chairs, and Service Chairs is available on our District website.
When all five officers in a club complete their training, your club will receive the 5-Star Leadership Development Patch!
Strong leadership creates vision, builds culture, and drives both service and membership growth.
For questions or assistance, reach out to Past Council Chair Wilma Murphy, District Global Leadership Team Lead.
We are also seeking candidates for the Regional Lions Leadership Institute (RLLI) — an excellent opportunity to strengthen leadership skills, network with Lions across the region, and deepen your knowledge of Lionism.
Contact Past District Governor Donalda Lovelace for details.
Service Highlights and Opportunities
Mental Health Service Week:
Twenty-eight clubs participated — an incredible show of compassion and initiative in support of our newest global cause!
For service ideas or assistance, contact Lion Evelyn Marr, District Global Service Team Lead.
Peace Poster & Peace Essay Contests:
Engage local schools in these inspiring youth programs. For guidance, contact Lion Jeff Root, District Chair.
Bland Music Contest:
Planning is underway! Please consider a club donation to support this cherished program. Donations should be mailed to District Treasurer Thomas Rachele.
Questions? Contact PDG Jim Christianson, PCC Shirley Wilson, or Lion Rodney Louis.
Save the Date!
📅 District 24L Winter Conference
🗓 January 10, Winchester, VA
Join us for an OUTSTANDING event with leadership sessions, learning opportunities, and fellowship.
Organized by 2nd Vice District Governor Greg DeRosa.
In Closing
Thank you for all you do to support our great organization and District!
As we approach Thanksgiving, let us reflect with gratitude on our blessings and the lives we touch through service.
Together, as we Lead to Serve, Serve to Lead, and Navigate to the Future, we continue the proud legacy of Lionism — united in purpose, anchored in compassion, and always ready to serve.
Yours in Lionism,
DG Dan Visone
District Governor, 24L
District Governor Dan Visone’s October 2025 Message
District Governor's Message GeneralOctober, 2025:
What a Wonderful September!
I had the privilege of visiting six clubs in our amazing District this month, bringing my total to nineteen visits so far. The common theme at every stop has been clear – fellowship and service. I am deeply grateful for the warm hospitality and humbled to witness the meaningful impact each club is making in its community.
Lion Dorothy and I also had the pleasure of attending the USA/Canada Leadership Forum in Atlantic City. The three days were filled with outstanding leadership training and truly motivational speakers. A highlight was seeing GET Chair Mark Larsen and Lion Jer-Lyn Thomas awarded their bachelor’s degrees from Lions University. These degrees, and the training they represent, are open to ALL Lions, and I strongly encourage you to explore this opportunity for your own growth. If you ever have the chance to attend this Forum, take it—you will leave inspired and energized!
Our Fall Conference was also a resounding success, thanks to the tremendous efforts of Co-Chairs Lion Jane Stoll and Zone Chair Joe Miller, along with the Lions of Aquia Harbour Host, Aquia Evening, and Greater Falls Run. This year was full of exciting “firsts”: our very first one-day conference—affordable, casual, and engaging—complete with speed-learning sessions and an afternoon of powerful motivational speakers.
We were especially honored to hear an inspiring message from International Director David Wentworth during lunch and to celebrate the generosity of our District with more than $6,500 in donations and “Bed in a Bags” for those in need. The evening closed with a truly memorable Dinner in the Dark and the moving testimony of a Leader Dog recipient—an experience none of us will soon forget.
For those who attended, I hope you had a wonderful time, discovered new resources available in our District, felt your heart touched by the impact of Lions service, and made a few new friends along the way.
Special thanks to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for hosting, to International Director David Wentworth and his partner in service Lion Valerie Wentworth, to Lion Joey Johnson and his Leader Dog Tucker, to the seven Lions who presented during Speed Learning, and to our community partners—Empowerhouse, Fairy Godmother Project, Louisann’s Hope House, and the Listen Up program. I also want to thank Lion Carol Byers for capturing photos and Lion Sally Cooney-Anderson for her outstanding work on the program.
Lastly, please remember that October 4-12 is Mental Health and Well Being Service Week. We are asking that every club perform some type of service in this global focus area and report it in the portal during this period. The Lions International Club Excellence award has this as a requirement.
It is truly a GREAT day to be a Lion!
Yours in Lionism,
DG Dan
District Governor Dan Visone’s September 2025 Message
District Governor's Message GeneralSeptember, 2025:
Fellow Lions,
Two months into our journey this year, I continue to be humbled and inspired by the incredible service the clubs of District 24-L provide in their communities. I am also deeply grateful for the warm hospitality shown to myself, Chuck, and Greg during visitations, as well as the open, thoughtful conversations about how we can move Lionism forward together and strengthen our District.
A special THANK YOU to Lion Christine Frescas, the Remington Lions, the Greater Falls Run Lions, and everyone who helped make our Visitation Kick-off and Awards Ceremony such a wonderful success! What a fun way to begin our visitation program—fellowship, idea-sharing, and honoring the outstanding recipients of Visitation Patches, State Achievement Awards, 100% Treasurer, 100% Secretary, and District Excellence Awards. A big thank-you as well to IPDG Jim Cech for recognizing these achievements.
Looking ahead, our Fall Conference is right around the corner:
📅 Saturday, September 27
📍 St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Stafford, VA
The day will include:
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Guest speaker International Director David Wentworth
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Lions Speed Learning sessions
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Presentations from local service partners
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A special Dinner in the Dark with a Leader Dog recipient
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A hands-on service project supporting Hope House with “Bed in a Bag” donations for the homeless
It will be a casual, affordable, and impactful day of learning, service, and fellowship—I truly hope you’ll join us. It’s going to be magical!
I also want to highlight some new award opportunities this year, developed through the Global Action Team:
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Leadership: District 24L 5-Star Leadership Patch – for clubs where all five officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership, and Service) complete officer training (links on our website).
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Service: District 24L Service Week Participation Award Patch – for clubs that participate in the three Global Service Weeks: Mental Health, Hunger, and Environment.
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Membership: Recognition and prizes as part of the Each One Bring One contest—club patches, top-club honors (small & large), recognition for the member who sponsors the most new Lions, and even a gift certificate drawing for sponsors.
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Visitation: Two levels this year—12 Club Visits and 100% Visitation (all active club members make at least one visit).
Please keep an eye out for detailed guidelines and updates from our GAT leaders 😊.
Thank you again for your outstanding service, and I look forward to seeing many of you at the Fall Conference!
In service, DG Dan
