The mission:
MISSION 1.5 is the drive to grow worldwide, so we can better meet the growing needs of our communities and serve more people than ever before.
Challenge accepted by:
Lions Club of Land O’Lakes, Canada
Summary:
The Land O’Lakes Lions are on a mission to rebuild their 57-year-old club. With only seven members in 2013, the club knew it was time to step up its recruitment efforts. By 2020, they were up to 28 members and today, they are 78 Lions strong — and growing.
About the club:
Chartered on January 22, 1969, the club was founded with a clear purpose: to bring neighbors together and strengthen community ties. Over the years, the small-town club has become so much more than a social hub. It’s
established itself as a response team, ready to serve when times are tough.
After two powerful storms tore through the town in 2022, the club offered a safe haven for community members. The Lions raised more than US$200,000 to convert their clubhouse into an emergency shelter, providing warmth, Wi-Fi, drinking water and restrooms. The club continues to expand its Emergency Preparedness Plan so they can help keep their tight-knit community safe when the next disaster strikes.
The Land O’Lakes Lions also provide necessary services to a town lacking easy access to health care. They conduct vision and hearing screenings, collect eyeglass donations and raise funds to support the seeing eye dog program.
Though the club has expanded beyond its founding purpose, it remains the heart of community life. With weekly darts, bingo nights and a presence at summer farmers markets, the Land O'Lakes Lions bring the energy to their fun-loving community.
The Club’s Five Tips for Growth
- Do projects that matter.
Find ways to do meaningful service while bringing people together and having fun. - Celebrate your wins.
Share your achievements proudly. Your success stories can inspire others to join you. - Show the Lion experience.
Help your community see that being a Lion is so much more than volunteering. - Be welcoming.
Create an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued. - Just ask!
A personal invitation is often all it takes to bring in a new member.
Learn more about the mission at lionsclubs.org/mission1.5.
Kristin DiMaggio is a senior copywriter for Lions International.
