What’s in this September issue:

MD21 Leadership Messages
CC Ken Leja

Servant leadership is what we do as Lions.  We are not laggards waiting for others to step up, step forward, step out.  We serve as vanguards in our communities… out front… making things happen… getting the job done… filling the need, wherever there IS a need, and whatever that need might be.  We Serve!

 As proud Lions, we ROAR with excitement ’cause we 
Reach Out and we’re Always Ready to make a difference in our clubs,
our communities, our country, and our world.

We’ve completed August with a ‘BANG’ as each district has had a successful Kickoff and almost every club in Multiple District 21 has submitted its first semi-annual dues payment and reported its complement of leadership (club officers).  We can now see the results:  the list of club officers posted on the www.lionsarizona.org website and the monthly club health assessments.  Well done!

Schools are back in session and many clubs are doing vision screening of youth.  Sports activities at school are on many household calendars, as are service and fundraising efforts by clubs engaged with community support.  If your club isn’t sponsoring a LEO club at one of your local schools, you’re missing a great opportunity for engagement and member recruiting.

Save the date — November 8 — for the Mid-Year Conference and Leadership Forum.  Lot’s of exciting things will be happening there…. from a keynote guest all the way from Trinidad, Jamaica, sharing her special presentation, to 36 different leadership classes that will help you be a better Servant Leader!  Look for the class and registration forms shortly.

As a parting shot, please feel free to contact me directly if you have a question or you have a comment you’d like to share.  Call or text me at (928) 830-8236 or email me:  LionKen@LejaFamily.net

Governor’s Report – District 21-N

🌺What a Kickoff!🌴 Thank you Lions! You showed up in force, brought the energy, and proved once again that District Lions don’t just roar… we roar loud in person and in spirit. Thank you for making it such a fantastic start to our year.

Now, grab those calendars (or your phone, tablet, fridge or magnet, whatever works) and mark the date November 7,8 for our MD21 Midyear Conference and Leadership Event. It’s going to be packed with learning, fun, and just the right amount of Lion mischief.

Let’s keep our pride growing Just Ask One new member to join the fun, and Take Care of One so no Lion feels left behind. Together, we’ll serve, laugh, and maybe even compete for the loudest roar in all of MD21.

Please support the Districts 2025-2026 Service Initiatives.

* Humanitarian Efforts Awareness – Strengthen community impact by collaborating with other organizations on Humanitarian projects.

Why it matters: We’re stronger together. Partnering with like minded groups means more hands, more resources, and greater reach, whether we’re responding to disasters, helping the homeless, or uplifting vulnerable families. Compassion grows when we work as one. 

*Childhood Cancer Awareness-September– Partner with one of Lions beneficiary the Children’s Cancer Network to support children and families through awareness,  services and care initiatives.

Why it matters: Together, we bring hope. Whether it’s a care package, smile, or a moment of joy, our efforts remind families they’re not alone. Every act of kindness makes the fight a little lighter for a child battling cancer.

Check out pictures from our 21-N Kick-Off highlighted within this issue and let’s keep our motivation high!

Governor’s Report – District 21-S

At our 21-S Kickoff, 175 guests shared their voices by answering two questions on 3×5 cards:

1. What do you want us to do to help you serve and grow?

2. What do you want us to stop doing?

We received more than 300 responses, which we organized using ChatGPT into priority categories. Here are the Top Five Needs you identified:

1. Better Communications

2. Collaboration Between Clubs

3. Help with Recruitment & Retention

4. Faster Response When Clubs Ask for Help

5. Orientation for Every New Member

Our Response

1.Communications – “Meet Us Halfway”

You’ve told us communication is our biggest challenge, and we agree. We’re improving how information flows through both digital and face-to-face channels. We also know the district has lost touch with several clubs—we must rebuild those connections. Every club matters, and every Lion should feel informed, included, and connected. But communication is two-way: please open that email, read the newsletter, and attend your zone meetings.

2. Collaboration Between Clubs

Our Global Action Team and Zone Chairs will help clubs work together on projects, visit each other’s meetings, and build stronger bonds. We’ll also reconnect with clubs that have drifted away and give you more time for networking at district events.
 

3. Recruitment & Retention

You don’t have to face this challenge alone. Our team is ready to help you create and implement plans to invite, engage, and keep members. Let us walk beside you as you grow.

4. Responsiveness

If district leaders aren’t responding quickly, please feel free to contact me, directly at KI6BAQ@ME.COM. You will not be left without support—your goals matter, and we will help you reach them.

5. New Member Orientation

On August 20th I hosted an online district-wide orientation, which was well attended. I’m ready to present it again as often as needed. The session was recorded, and you can watch it here: New Member Orientation Video.

Servant Leadership in Action

Your district servant leaders have one mission: to help you serve and grow. We don’t lead from above—we lead alongside you, with humility, commitment, and passion for your success.

We are here to serve you.

What else can we do to support you?

Register for Upcoming Events Now!

USA/Canada Forum

MD-21 Mid-Year Leadership Forum

Club Raffle Baskets Needed for Mid-Year

Melvin’s Memo

PDGA – Proud Lion Program

Are you a “Proud” Lion? 🦁

Do you want to become more informed, engaged, and confident as a servant leader in Lions?  You don’t have to go it alone.  What if you had a Past District Governor on speed dial?

At the Mid-Year Conference this November, you’ll have the chance to take the first steps to become a Certified Proud Lion — with mentoring, challenges, and recognition for your growth.

Stay tuned for more details … and get ready to take the next step in your Lions journey!

See you there!
        — Past District Governors Association President Mari Dillard

Childhood Cancer Grant Update

Club Sponsored Fliers for Upcoming Events

Eastern Arizona College Lion’s Club and Safford Lions Club Proudly presents Lion’s Club Mental Health Awareness Run and Ride.

The mission of the Lion’s Club Mental Health Awareness 5K/10K Bike Run is to raise awareness of mental health issues and raise funds that improve access to care.

The annual Eastern Arizona College Lions and Safford Lions 5K and 10K Community Mental Health Awareness Run will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at the EAC Discovery Park Campus. Bring your family and friends to run, walk, jog or race around the groomed path circling Discovery Park. We are proud to present the proceeds of this event to local entities that help maintain community outreach in providing mental health plans and awareness.

For the Bike Race only BMX or Non Motorized Mountain Bikes are permitted. Bikes with any type of Motor will not be permitted.

9/11 – Never Forget

National Grandparents Day

History of Grandparents Day

In 1969, nine-year-old Russell Capper sent President Nixon a letter suggesting that a day should be set aside in order to celebrate grandparents. On June 12, 1969, he received a letter back from Rose Mary Woods — Personal Secretary to the President — reading,
      “Dear Russell, Thank you for your letter to President Nixon. Your
       suggestion regarding a Grandparent’s Day is appreciated, but the
       President ordinarily issues proclamations designating periods for special
       observance only when a Congressional resolution authorizes him to do so.
       With best wishes,
       Sincerely, Rose Mary Woods Personal Secretary to the President.”

Following this letter, Marian McQuade was recognized nationally by the U.S. Senate and by President Jimmy Carter as the founder of National Grandparents Day. McQuade wanted to educate the youth about the importance of seniors and the contributions they have made throughout history. She urged the youth to “adopt” a grandparent and learn more about their lives, challenges, and desires for the future.

In 1977, Senator Randolph, with the help of other senators, introduced a joint resolution to the senate requesting the president to “issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as ‘National Grandparents’ Day’.” Congress passed the legislation, proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparent’s Day. On August 3, 1978, Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation, and the day was finally celebrated the following year.

Lions Calendar

Remember to Sharpen Your Axe

Contemplating the narrative from the perspective of a Lion

We are often so focused on serving others — organizing events, delivering aid, cleaning communities, mentoring youth — that we may forget to renew our own tools, both literal and spiritual. In our case, that axe could be:

• Our skills — Are we continuing to learn and grow?

• Our vision — Do we take time to reflect on why we serve?

• Our health and energy — Are we caring for ourselves as we care for others?

• Our teamwork — Do we sharpen each other through collaboration and encouragement?

Sharpening the axe means:

• Attending training and leadership development programs

• Reflecting on past projects and learning from them to improve for the next.

• Taking time to rest and reconnect with our purpose

• Listening, encouraging, and lifting each other up as a global family of Lions. This should not be a competition but collaboration.

As Lions, we do not just serve — we serve with excellence, and that means taking time to sharpen our minds, our hearts, and our methods.

Let’s remember: Passion without reflection leads to burnout. But passion with purpose and preparation leads to lasting change.

Info from your 2025-2026
Global Action Team

LCIF Recognitions

Global Action Team – Extension

New Club Officer Guide

Club REBUILDING

Mid-Year Conference & Leadership Forum
November 7 & 8, 2025

MD-21 Zone Chair Training

Global Action Team – Membership

Tucson Breakfast Club Hybrid Club Meetings 

Passing the Torch – While Sharing Wisdom

Maui Membership Contest

GST MD 21 – PDG Bruce Bushey

New Lions, Sponsors & Club Report

Club Charter Celebrations

Camp Tatiyee
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

This generous person has been a longtime friend of Camp Tatiyee and wanted to ensure the Camp’s continued success and autonomy for generations to come. The introduction to our camp came with the friendship they have developed over the years with Camp Tatiyee Board 21S VP PCC Bill Menard. Through their friendship, they learned about Camp Tatiyee. A visit to the camp helped solidify the decision to make this donation.

Lions Foundation of Arizona
VRATE Expo

• November 14, 2025
• Ability 360 Sports & Fitness Center, Phoenix
• Keynote starts at 8:00 am
• Exhibit Hall opens at 9:00 am

VRATE invite you to become a catalyst for change by exhibiting or sponsoring at the upcoming Vision Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Expo (VRATE) Conference for individuals who are Blind, have low vision or combined vision/hearing loss taking place on November 14, 2025 at Ability 360 Sports and Fitness Center.

This is more than a conference—it’s a powerful platform to connect, collaborate, and create lasting impact.

As an exhibitor or sponsor, you will:

🔹 Showcase your solutions to a highly engaged audience of professionals, educators, advocates, and individuals with vision loss seeking transformative technologies and services.

🔹 Position your brand as a leader in accessibility, innovation, and inclusion—values that resonate deeply in today’s conscious marketplace.

🔹 Network with key decision-makers in rehabilitation, healthcare, education, and advocacy who are actively looking for tools to enhance independence and quality of life.

🔹 Demonstrate your commitment to social impact and community empowerment while gaining meaningful exposure and media attention.

We believe that progress is powered by partnerships—and your support can help shape a future where barriers are broken, and opportunities are boundless.

Sponsorship packages:

🔹 Diamond Sponsorship $5,000.00

🔹 Platinum Sponsorship $2,500.00

🔹Gold Sponsorship $1,000.00

🔹 Silver Sponsorship $750.00

👉 Secure your sponsorship or exhibit space today and be seen as a driving force for accessibility and innovation: www.vrate.org

Let’s build this future—together.

Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial

Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial   |   

15756 West US-70   |   Fort Thomas, Arizona 85536-0163 

District Projects

ALERT – AZ Lions Eyeglass
Recycling Terminal 

AZ Youth Exchange- C Kirby Smithe

21-N Kick-Off

21-S Kick-Off

Let’s have some Fun!

Lions Trivia