April, 2026
Fellow Lions, Lioness-Lions, and Leos,
What a wonderful and incredibly active month of March it has been across District 24-L! As we enter the final quarter of our Lions year, I am inspired by the momentum we are building together through service, leadership, membership growth, and our commitment to developing the next generation of Lions leaders.
This past month truly reflected International President A.P. Singh’s theme, “Lead to Serve, Serve to Lead.” Every training attended, every new member invited, every Leo empowered, and every service project completed demonstrates that leadership in Lionism begins with service.
Chuck, Greg, and I had the privilege of attending the final day of the MD-24 Regional Lions Leadership Institute, where we watched our thirteen District 24-L participants deliver their final presentations. I could not be more proud of their efforts and grateful for their dedication to strengthening their leadership skills for the future of Lionism. Their commitment reminds us that strong clubs are built by strong leaders, and leadership development remains essential to our continued success.
Chuck and I also had the opportunity to visit the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind. Our purpose was to learn more about this outstanding organization and explore ways we can partner in the future. The meeting was extremely successful, and I am excited about the strong partnership that is beginning to take shape between our organizations—one that will expand our ability to serve.
With the outstanding support of our District Leo Chair, Lion Pam Martinov, we held a Virtual Leo Forum, bringing together Leos from across the District to discuss their service projects, challenges, successes, and leadership journeys. It was inspiring to hear their passion for service and leadership, and this forum will be the first of many. Leo development is not just youth engagement—it is the future leadership pipeline of our District.
We also held a virtual training session on creating Leo-Lion Clubs, led by Past Council Chair Linda Zaneski, MD Leo Chair for Pennsylvania. Too often, we lose our Leos—our future Lions—when they graduate from school. Our goal is to create Cyber Leo-Lion Clubs in our District, giving these young leaders a pathway to continue their service and leadership journey. This initiative is a vital part of both membership growth and leadership development, and I am excited about its potential.
I also had the honor of helping train our incoming District Governors in Roanoke. I am proud to say that our District will be in excellent hands with District Governor-Elect Chuck. Leadership succession and development are critical to a strong future, and I know District 24-L is well positioned for continued success.
A special thank you goes to Past Council Chair Shirley Wilson and Past District Governor Jim Christiansen for doing an outstanding job leading our District Bland Contests. I look forward to seeing our gifted winners represent us at the State Bland Contest during our upcoming convention.
One of the major highlights of March was our March Madness Membership Contest. I challenged every club to bring in at least one new member—and at least two for special recognition at the State Convention. I am thrilled to share that 16 clubs brought in at least one new member, and one club, the McLean FilAm Lions Club, brought in an incredible 12 new members! Thank you to every club that participated.
Now, I want to personally challenge every remaining club: bring in at least one new member before June 30. More members mean more hands for service, more leaders for tomorrow, and more impact in your community.
To celebrate all new members brought in this Lions year, our District Global Membership Team Chair, Past Council Chair Glen Logan, will host a Virtual Worldwide Induction Day on April 25, where new Lions will have the opportunity to renew their commitment to Lionism alongside International President A.P. Singh. What a wonderful way to reinforce that membership growth fuels service.
Speaking of growth, with the outstanding leadership of Lion Cathy Cutright, we are very close to chartering a new club in Colonial Beach. I am excited to watch this club grow and begin making a meaningful difference in its community.
From April 18–26, Lions Clubs International will celebrate Environment Week of Service. Our Global Service Team Lead, Lion Evelyn Marr, has already shared project ideas with clubs. I encourage every club to join Lions around the world in serving through environmental projects and to share photos and videos of your impact. This is another meaningful way we live out Lead to Serve, Serve to Lead.
Our MD-24 State Convention in Bristol this May is quickly approaching, and I strongly encourage you to attend. This is our opportunity to support incoming District Governor Chuck, incoming First Vice District Governor Greg, and our Second Vice District Governor candidate. You will also meet incredible Lions from across Virginia, hear from incoming International President Mark Lyons, learn through sessions on leadership, service, membership, and technology, and participate in a hands-on service project supporting homeless veterans and domestic violence survivors. Most importantly—you will get to see me 😊
Our MD-24 Lions Clubs International Foundation statewide fundraiser is also underway: a Virtual Duck Race. The winning duck purchaser will receive a $1,000 donation in their name—or their club’s name—to LCIF for a Melvin Jones Fellow. Ducks are only $5 each and can be purchased online through our website. I encourage everyone to participate because LCIF is our foundation, and every dollar extends our ability to serve around the world.
I encourage all members of District 24-L to join us in representing Lions in the Washington, DC Memorial Day Parade alongside our fellow Lions from MD24 and MD22. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a meaningful day of fellowship, increase visibility for Lions in a high-profile setting, and showcase our commitment to service as we work toward Mission 1.5. Marching together not only strengthens our bonds across districts, but also highlights the incredible impact Lions have in our communities. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something special!
As we enter these final three months, I want to reinforce the importance of a strong last-quarter finish. Our District goals are tied directly to:
- LCIF donations
- Club service reporting
- Officer leadership training
- Membership growth
- Leo development and retention
I ask for your full support in helping us finish strong:
- Make a club or personal donation to LCIF
- Ensure your club’s service is reported in the portal
- Confirm all current and incoming officers complete their training
- Continue inviting new members
- Support Leo growth and the Leo-Lion transition
Together, we can finish this Lions year with strength, momentum, and pride. By focusing on service, growth, and leadership, we are not only meeting goals—we are building a stronger future for District 24-L.
Thank you for all you do to lead through service and serve through leadership.
Yours in Lionism,
District Governor Dan