Membership

Updates:
From David Cropper, Global Membership Team/Membership Approach Chair

July 2026 -- Three Requests

Challenges & Ideas:

COMMUNITY VISIBILITY & BRANDING

• What prevents our clubs from being more visible in the community?
  • Lack of communication.
  • Lack of publicity.
  • Lack of service.
• What outreach methods attract younger families, working professionals, and diverse communities?
  • Diverse fundraising and service projects at different times.
  • Maximizing use of social media.
  • Word of mouth.
  • Personal invitations.
  • Participation in service projects prior to membership.
• How can we modernize club presence (events, social media, branding)?
  • Group activities (in addition to meetings).
  • Better use of technology.
  • Less formality at meetings.

TARGETED OUTREACH & BRANDING

• Which community partners are underutilized?
  • Those whose missions match our focus areas.
• How can clubs build year-round partnerships that generate members?
  • Select Lions to be representatives to other organizations.
• What specialty or brand clubs could meet unmet needs?
  • Those that focus on service.

MODERNIZING THE MEMBER EXPERIENCE

• How do meetings and culture affect new-member appeal?
  • Procedures should be simplified and explained.
  • Meetings should have fun elements.
  • Have an agenda and stick to it.
  • Ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak, in an orderly manner.
• What alternative models could help?
  • Lions more involved in other community initiatives.
  • Stress importance of service participation.
• How can technology reduce barriers?
  • Introduce participants on Zoom calls.
  • Use for announcements of meetings and events and for follow up after meetings.

STORYTELLING & PUBLIC RELATIONS

• How can Lions better communicate local impact?
  • Tell how we impact our community and how our service has impacted us.
  • Better use of social media.
  • Local technology bulletin boards. (Nextdoor, etc.)
  • Practice elevator speeches.
  • Invite local community leaders to meetings and events.
  • Volunteer at schools.
  • Local radio interviews.
  • Printed flyers.
  • Bumper and other stickers. (“I have been screened by Lions!”)
  • Lion placemats.
• What stories should we tell and to whom?
  • All of them … to everybody!
  • Testimonials from those we serve.
• How can members use personal networks?
  • Add information about Lions to your email signature.
  • Share on social media and “Like” Lions posts.

CLUB CULTURE AND MEMBER EXPERIENCE

• Why do members stop attending?
  • Some members only want to participate in service projects.
  • Younger people are too busy.
  • Some people do not have transportation.
  • Some service projects are too physically demanding.
  • Sponsors do not follow up.
  • Lack of communications about activities.
• What makes a club welcoming?
  • Greeters at meetings.
  • A program (Proud Lion Program) for first-year members where they are awarded for completing specific actions (i.e. attend a Board Meeting, participate in a service project, etc.)
  • Make sure guests and visitors have someone to welcome them.
  • Consider subsidizing members who cannot afford dues and meal costs.
  • Organize special events that focus on specific interests.
  • Use sign language.
  • Start a new-member mentoring program.
• How do we prevent cliques?
  • Mix up who sits at each table.

ENGAGEMENT & SERVICE

• What projects keep members enthusiastic?
  • Diversity of service activities.
  • Activities in focus areas.
• How can we match skills to service?
  • When people become Lions ask about their interests.
  • Annual member survey.
• How do we retain both new and longtime members?
  • Expand sponsor role.
  • Ask why joined club, desired benefit from membership, and what are interests.

LEADERSHIP & OPERATIONS

• What training is missing?
  • Ongoing training.
  • Communication to new leaders about procedures, what worked and did not work about how jobs have been done in the past, and community contacts.
  • Beware of burn-out. Divide large roles among several members.
• How do we identify future leaders?
  • Look for enthusiastic Lions who are dependable, take charge, and offer solutions.
  • Give some members more responsibilities.
  • Encourage non-Board member attendance at Board Meetings.
• What governance practices frustrate members?
  • Too many meetings.
  • Doing things as they have always been done as opposed to being open to new ideas.

CARING & SUPPORT

• How should clubs check in when engagement drops?
  • Phone contact is best. Determine who should call.
  • Provide transportation for those who need it.
  • Sponsors should follow up with those they recruit.
  • Create sponsor guidelines.
  • Allocate funds to support members during hardships.
• What shows appreciation?
  • Certificates for achievements.
  • Thank you notes.
  • Recognition at meetings.
• How do we make members feel valued?
  • Include them in photos.
  • Ask them to do specific jobs (recognizes their skills).
  • Have speakers tell members how the club has impacted their organizations.
  • Publicize club activities.
  • Melvin Jones recognition.

DUES & COST

• Why do members drop at dues time?
  • A bill is a reminder.
• What flexible options exist?
  • Bill more often so balances are less.
  • Optional meals.
  • Club can subsidize part of dues.
  • Change timing of dues payments.
  • Flexible membership options.
  • Reduced dues for longstanding members.
• How can technology streamline collections?
  • Ability to pay online.