Club News
‘Challenge to Change’:
Re-branding Lionism
Beverley Jansz
As the International President for 2007 - 2008 of one of the world’s
biggest NGOs, Lions Club International, Lion Mahendra Amarasuriya
brought a singular honour to Sri Lanka as the first Sri Lankan to hold
such an internationally recognized position.
Mahendra Amarasuriya |
During his leadership year, accompanied by his Lion Lady Kushlani, he
was able to instill new thinking and a new sense of direction to the
Lions worldwide. In a display of his strong leadership ability and a
commitment to innovative thinking, Lion Amarasuriya introduced a novel
programs titled “Challenge to Change” to the Lions, spread across 202
countries.
Given his background of steering some of Sri Lanka’s strongest blue
chips towards success, Lion Amarasuriya’s concept of change resonated
well with the current phase of thinking globally. Lion Amarasuriya
strove to “re-brand” Lionism to be more relevant to the 21st century. He
also stressed on inclusion of young people in the clubs “they are the
future and the torch bearers of the Lions Club in the years to come” he
noted.
From small beginnings in 1917 in Chicago, USA with the inspiration of
Melvin Jones, its founder, Lions experienced a tremendous growth in the
20st century. In 1995, the global membership stood at 1.425 million.
From small
beginnings in 1917 in Chicago, USA with the inspiration of
Melvin Jones, its founder, Lions experienced a tremendous growth
in the 20st century. In 1995, the global membership stood at
1.425 million. Although the leadership envisioned further growth
to over 1.5 million, such an increase in membership did not
re-place, with 2003-2004 being exceptions, the other years saw a
decline |
Although the leadership envisioned further growth to over 1.5
million, such an increase in membership did not re-place, with 2003-2004
being exceptions, the other years saw a decline.
Challenge to Change
It stood at 1,292,000 when Mahendra Amarasuriya took over the mantle
of leadership in 2007. Under the slogan “Challenge to Change”, Lion
Amarasuriya’s innovative proposals began to take effect across the
world, among the Lions.
He encouraged the Lions to include new technology - use of e mails
and internet and web based communication were actively encouraged. He
also promoted Internet clubs and a special effort to bring in women into
membership.
Women were first admitted to Lions Clubs in 1987. Under “Challenge to
Change,” Lion Amarasuriya recommended that new clubs include one third
women and one third young people in the membership. He also encouraged
the Lions to plan and execute projects on a well planned basis rather
than going into ad-hoc projects, thus enhancing the visibility and the
success of the project.
“20K team”
Under the Core Programs, a list of challenges that needed to be
achieved were included in the “Challenge to Change” program. Starting
with a challenge to re-brand the Lions Clubs in order to bring them into
alignment with the needs of the 21st century, the list covered many
other aspects such as attracting a young membership.
A challenge to grow in terms of being a quality Lion and a challenge
towards developing quality leadership, able to understand the dynamics
of the 21st century, were among other goals.
Stressing on the need for sustainable projects, he encouraged a three
year cycle and long term planning processes in order to ensure
sustainable growth. He initiated a global team which he called the “20K
team” which spear-headed the membership development programmes with a
target of achieving a net group of 20,000 members. He targeted specific
growth in membership in different regions - from the USA and Canada to
Central and South America, The Caribbean, Europe, The Fast East,
Australia, New Zealand and India, South Asia, Africa and Middle East
region, known as ISAAME constitutional area.
Changes At A Global Level
During his leadership, Lion Amarasuriya visited over 50 countries,
participating in various projects. Having instituted changes at a global
level, he also made recommendations to clubs to initiate change at a
local level. He required the clubs to have short interesting meetings on
a novel platform - including music and karaoke. There would be better
involvement and participation, it was envisaged, with such innovative
changes.
With a target of achieving, 1,250 new clubs, under Amarasuriya’s
leadership, an overwhelming response was seen in the formation of 1,718
clubs, a first ever in the history of Lionism the world over.
The challenge to include at least 25-30% membership of 40 years of
less and to include a 25-30% women in the new clubs formed, saw the
infusion of new blood into the clubs at the end of the year, a net
growth of 15,800 members were achieved, a record in recent times.
A challenge to enhance the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF)
by increasing the number of Melvin Jones Fellowships to 350,000 was also
planned. A donation of Us $ 1,000 to the LCIF recognises a Lion as a
Melvin Jones Fellow and “Challenge to Change”, there was a rapid
increase in Melvin Jones Fellowships thereby enhancing the ability of
LCIF to fund projects in all parts of the world.
Challenge to Change also stressed on the flag ship project of the
Lions worldwide, Sight First. Inspired by the famous Helen Keller to
become the Knights of the Blind, back in the twenties, the Lions Sight
First programmes worldwide have its thousands of lamps for those living
in darkness.
The Challenge to Change plan included a challenge to raise Sight
First funding to US $ 150 million a stretch target of US $ 200 million,
a three year fund raising campaign which was successfully completed in
2007/08, during Lion Amarasuriya’s tenure as Lions International
President, which brought in great honour to Sri Lanka.
Challenge to Change also included a “Challenge” to revive and develop
the Leo Movement which is targeted at the youth, to achieve its maximum
potential. In addition, a ‘Challenge’ to expand the Lions Quest
Programme, a world renouncing youth development programme, to be
extended to 50 countries, was also achieved.
To Re-Engineer The Lions Pr
Challenge to re-engineer the Lions PR effort globally was also
focused, giving a fresh new commentum to the brand of Lionism. It also
targeted bringing Lionism in line with modern thinking and innovation.
In all aspects, “the Challenge to Change” was indeed able to usher in
fresh thinking into Lionism worldwide, motivating the Lions to reach new
horizons, with fresh insights and opportunities. Challenge to Change
inspired Lions to embrace change with a level of dynamism and motivation
not achieved during the recent history of global Lionism.
Wickremasinghepura Lions Project at Koswatte Hospital
The Lions Club of Wickremasinghepura had its Environmental Project at
the Koswatte Hospital Battaramulla.
The Club donated a Grass Cutter, 10 coconut trees, fertilized 40
coconut trees, up graded the toilet facilities, provided 200 bin bags
and offered refreshments to all in house patients and staff. The DMO of
the Hospital Dr. Ms. I. Abeysekara was the guest of honour and Region
Chairperson Lion Ranjan Perera was the Chief Guest. President of the
Club Lion Vernon Dabara and the Chairman of this project Lion H.G.
Premarathne were preset along with many Lions, Lion Ladles, Leos and
invitees from the Club.
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President of the Club Lion Vernon
Dabara handing over the donations to DMO of the Hospital Dr.
I. Abeysekara. |
Lion Lady Chandrika de Soysa of Lions
Club of Wickremasinghepura addresses little ones of
Agramathya Maha Vidyalaya, Thalawathugoda at a service
project held at the school to present computers, exercise
books and other gifts to the children. The donation was made
by the Lions Club of Wickremasinghepura. Seated from left
are chief guest Vice District Governor, Lion Saliya
Kaluarachchi, Club President, Lion Vernon Dabare, School
Principal, S. Jayaseeli and Lion Anslem Fernando. |
A glittering event:
Toastmasters’ National Conference - 2009
Beverley JANSZ
Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full
potential and realise their dreams. Through member clubs, people
throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership
skills and find the courage to change.
Chief Guest, District Governor, Toastmaster, Arunasalam Balraj
(extreme right) and Sarumathy Balraj being conducted in a
colourful parade to the venue of the Toastmasters National
Conference at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. Pictures by Beverley
Jansz |
Chief Guest, District Governor, Arunasalam Balraj addressing
Toastmasters. |
The mission of Toastmasters International is to make effective oral
communication a worldwide reality. Through its member clubs,
Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the art of
speaking, listening and thinking vital skills that promote
self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human under
standing and contribute to the betterment of mankind.
These sentiments were expressed by Toastmaster Arunasalam Balraj,
District Governor participating as the chief guest at the Toastmasters
National Conference - 2009 held at Mount Lavinia Hotel on Saturday.
The divisional conferences are of great significance especially this
year, as we will be selecting our division level winners to advance to
the most awaited fully pledged district winner who will thus advance to
the inter-district contest at our International Convention this year for
the first time from South Asia Toastmaster Balraj said.
The Camaraderie and friendship that vibrates in this hall highlights
the immense power that Toastmasters’ program has to offer, to meet,
share our ideas, to build bonds with our new members, and refresh our
old friendships,” Toastmasters District Governor, Balraj said, Balraj
reminded every member of Division ‘A and H’ that their Toastmaster
journey for this year does not and at today’s National Conference.
The Army Cultural Group entertaining Toastmasters’ |
Infact we have to start today in trying our lose ends so that we can
“Dance on the Rainbow” to celebrate achievements and accomplishments to
make our district best in the world, Balraj said. He congratulated
District Governors, M. Z. Saleem and Bhathiya Hettiarachchi for joining
in hosting their division conference.
T. M. Deepak Menon, DTM, Lt. Governor, Education and Training said
“As we celebrate the festival of colours this week in India, I am
reminded of the colour Toastmasters has brought to my life.” “Seven
years ago, before I joined Toastmasters I was leading a lacklustre
existence. Everything was black and white and the various shades of grey
in between, quite like the balance sheets I audited. Toastmasters imbued
colour in my life.
The colour came not just from the speeches I presented or from the
various roles that I volunteered for, but from all of you dear
Toastmasters’ Tm Deepak Menon said.
The Toastmasters’ National Conference - 2009, a full-day program
turned out to be a glittering event. The main hall of Mount Lavinia
Hotel ran to a packed house with Toastmasters from around the coutnry.
Lions Essay Contest Awards ceremony on March 29
Sarath Malalasekera
The awards presentation ceremony of the 17th Annual all Island Essay
Contest on ‘Drug Abuse’ and ‘HIV/AIDS’ conducted by the Lions Clubs
International- District 306 A 2 and sponsored by the Colombo Plan
Secretariat will be held on March 29 at the Global Towers Hotel, Colombo
6 at 9 a.m.
The results were released by the District Co-ordinator for Prevention
of Drug Abuse and HIV/AIDs Lion S. Ramachandran of the Lions Club
Dehiwela North.
The Topis -”Our Goal - Drug Free Sri
Lanka”
The winner of the Sinhala Medium was Master U. L. Arjuna Prabath
Perera, Sri Sumangala (Boys) College, Panadura, first runner-up was Miss
B. Shanika Hemanthi Senaratne, K/Gnanodaya Maha Vidyalaya, Gnanodya
Mawatha, Kalutara South. Second runner-up was Miss. W.G. Thilini
Erandika, Year 11 B, A. Ratnayake Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, Walala,
Manikinna.
The winner of the Tamil Medium was Miss. M.I. Akeela Banu, T/Kinniya
Muslim Girls Maha Vidyalaya, Kinniya. First runner-up was Master M.M.
Mohamed Haris, G.11, Anvarul Uloom Arabic College, Makola Muslim
Orphanage, Haji Fathima Garden, Udupila Road, Makola and Second
runner-up was Miss. S. Karunya, J/Victoria College, Chulipura.
The Winner of the English Medium Miss. Andreen Sulakshi Mariyan
Cooray, Holy Family Convent, Kalutara, First runner-up Miss Fazla Wadood,
K/St. Andrew’s Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Nawalapitiya. Second Runner-up
Master Thanabalasingam Rajhkumar, V/Vavuniya Tamil Madhya Maha Vidyalaya,
Vavuniya.
TOPIc - ‘HIV/AIDS - A killer
indisguise.’
The winner of the Sinhala Medium Miss. P. Tikiri Pramodi, K.
Gnanodaya Maha Vidyalaya, Kalutara, First runner-up Miss. Vishmila
Oshadee Seneviratne, Gr.10, K/Bandaranayaka Maha Vidyalaya, Payagala.
Second runner-up Miss Ashara Madushani Jayasinghe, K/Bandaranayaka
Maha Vidyalaya, Payagala.
The winner of the Tamil Medium Miss Ann Mareena Thiadore, J/Vembadi
Girls’ High School, Jaffna. First runner-up Miss Tharsika Rajaratnam,
Ng/Wijayaratnam Hindu Central College, Negombo. Second runner-up Miss
Saheerullah Fathima Muhsina, GCE O/L, T/Kinniya Muslim Girls Maha
Vidyalaya, Kinniya.
The English Medium winner Miss. Jayanganie Wasana Weerasooriya,
Gr.10, Royal International School, 652, Kandy Road, Kegalle. First
runner-up Miss Fazal Wadood, St. Andrew’s Balika Maha Vidyalaya,
Nawalapitiya and Second Runner-up Master Thaha Adamjee, Zahira College,
Colombo 10.
Kandy Inner Wheel Club 40th anniversary
Nimal Dissanayake Senkadagala group corr.
The Inner Wheel Club of Kandy District 322 Sri Lanka, the third
oldest club in Sri Lanka celebrated its 40th anniversary recently.
It was founded by wives of Kandy Rotarians in October 1968 and
sponsored by the Inner Wheel Club of Colombo.
The Club received its charter dated 14th February 1969 signed by
Florence Pathinayake as Charter President, and Decima Crusz as Secretary
then being a part of South Indian 11W District 321 - The members are in
contact with Surviving Charter Member Decima Crusz who lives in Colombo.
Presently, the membership is 27 including two honoured active members
namely Rani Ellepola and Vinitha Ranawana and an honourary member
Birgitta Jungner from Sweden - The Club had the distinction of having
three District Chairmen namely Charter President Florence Pathinayake
(1978/79) Nadine Mediwake (1988/89) and Lillian Perera (1992/93). Over
the years many members have also served in the District Committee namely
Vinitha Ranawana (District Secretary), Rani Ellepola and Swarna
Rajapakse (International Service Chairman) and Roshini Peiris (District
Treasurer). The Club sponsored the Inner Wheel Clubs of Matale and
Katugastota in 1976 and 1986 respectively.
With its growth, the service projects have spread to many parts of
Sri Lanka mainly the rural areas, the war torn and Tsunami affected
areas. Funds sent by friends and Inner Wheel Clubs abroad were disbursed
for the “Grant a Smile” programme for Tsunami Relief Fostering 15
children in Matara and Ulle-supplying library furniture and electronic
equipment for the audio visual room of St. Mary’s Convent, Matara.
Science and electronic equipment for Diyalagoda MV and Therese Elizabeth
Girls’ Home, Maggona. Also a house was built for a tsunami affected
family in Matara.
Under the “Gift of Sight Programmes” the club has organised over 15
Eye Camps for Senior Citizens in remote areas around Vavuniya,
Medawachchiya, Agalawatta, Gampola, Maho, Balalle and Mawathagama and in
Bolape, Meemure, Kobonila, Kaikawela, Galwewa and Morawaka with
assistance of HelpAge (Sri Lanka) and International Resources for
Improvement of Sight (IRIS).
At each camp almost 200 elderly were screened for spectacles and
cataract.
Focusing on educating young children in public speaking the club
assisted the Toastmasters Club of Colombo to organise the preliminaries
for the All Island Young Speaker Contest in the Central Province from
2001-2006.
Joining hands with Rotary Club of Kandy on their Water/Sanitation
Projects. Six water tanks and construction of necessary infrastructure
were provided for three schools and three temples in Udunuwara, Handessa. |