Lions International: Addressing Membership and Engagement Issues.

Lions International, an organization committed to community service and development, faces significant challenges that threaten its growth and sustainability. My personal journey with Lions International, especially concerning the Lions Certified Instructor Program (LCIP), reveals systemic issues that need urgent attention.

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As a university lecturer, C-level executive, and holder of a Doctorate, I applied twice to the LCIP, only to face rejection both times. This experience highlighted a lack of academic courtesy from Lions International, particularly from their paid employees who failed to address me as “Dr.” This oversight is more than a personal slight; it reflects a broader issue within the organization regarding the treatment of its members.

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Over the past nine years, I have invested considerable time and resources into Lions International. My contributions include paying over USD 1,000 for a Melvin Jones Fellowship, membership fees, and donations to the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). Despite these contributions, my attempts to communicate with the organization about membership retention and strategic improvements have been ignored. My emails, suggesting strategies to increase membership, were met with silence, demonstrating a worrying disconnect between the organization's paid employees and its volunteer members.

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An analysis of membership trends, both globally and within Sri Lanka’s District 306, reveals a troubling scarcity of professionals and academics, such as medical doctors, lawyers, engineers, top entrepreneurs, and university lecturers, within the Lions Clubs. Those who do join often find it challenging to secure suitable positions within the District Cabinet. This lack of representation and recognition for professionals and academics discourages potential members from engaging with the organization.

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The negative attitudes and mere worker mentality of the paid employees within Lions International seem to be a significant part of the problem. As volunteers who contribute significantly both financially and through service, we deserve acknowledgment and respect. The organization's failure to respond to constructive feedback and to leverage the expertise of its members is a critical oversight contributing to the decline in membership.

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One of the few positive aspects of being part of Lions International is the opportunity to make valuable contacts. However, this alone is not enough to justify continued involvement in an organization that fails to recognize and utilize the skills and contributions of its members.

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Therefore, my personal advice to potential members is to carefully consider the implications before joining Lions International. The organization’s inability to retain and properly engage with professionals and academics raises serious concerns about its internal dynamics and long-term viability. For Lions International to truly thrive, it must address these issues, valuing the expertise and contributions of all its members, and fostering a more inclusive and responsive environment.

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In conclusion, my experience with Lions International underscores the need for significant organizational change. The current approach, particularly by the paid employees, is not conducive to retaining and engaging dedicated members. Addressing these issues is crucial for the organization to halt the decline in membership and to build a more dynamic and inclusive community. Without such changes, the potential of Lions International to make a meaningful impact will remain unfulfilled, and the valuable contributions of its members will continue to be overlooked.