News

Global and Montana Membership – February, 2026

We Are A Community

Mostly, Montana Lions clubs live within their own world.  However, we are joined together in International Lions District 37.  We have a chance to meet other lion members at our district convention each year.

I ask the question ”Is this enough?”  What can be gained by getting together more often?  Lion clubs have a basic structure and motto “We Serve”, and another “Where there’s a need there’s a lion”.

As I have visited clubs I noticed the similarities and differences.  My next question is “can we help each other be all we want to be?”  By visiting other clubs, you might be introduced to great ideas from recruiting new members, service ideas, resources and more.  You might be able to receive guidance on issues your club is dealing with.  Will you visit a neighboring club?

Another way to interact is to invite a neighboring club to share a function, NOT A MEETING.  A pot luck or a program of Lions endorsed projects or information from a knowledgeable person or persons about an issue that is related to our mottos or another issue in your community.

“Together we will overcome” has become a catch phrase that has been used in recent times when communities have been impacted by an adverse event.  This is a way to connect a wide cross section of the community toward solving the situation they find themselves in and moving forward together.  “Stronger Together!”

Why do we wait for trouble and not start before disaster has occurred or is knocking at our door?  This must be our humanity some would say.  Why wait, when sharing and asking for help could prevent a troublesome journey?  Too many questions you might say.  My response would be to overcome your embarrassment of nonaction and ask for help.

I challenge every Lion member and club to participate in getting to know one another so we can overcome whatever we want to achieve as a person and as a club.  A relationship first makes asking easier and with better results.  Let us commit to getting to know one another, member or club, to make each of our clubs and our district the best we can be.

I look forward to members and clubs reporting how getting together has made you and your Club stronger and more successful in whatever you and your clubs pursue.

GMT Lion Richard Gessling