From the high desert to our urban centers, Lions across the state have continued to demonstrate what it means to serve with compassion, dedication, and community spirit.

Welcome to May. In little more than nine weeks, we transition into a new Lions year. We do so with pride in what we’ve accomplished and optimism for what lies ahead.

Celebrate at State Convention. Before our end-of-year, however, we should begin celebrating what we’ve accomplished. For Lion Karen and me, we’re looking forward to seeing you at the MD 21 State Convention, June 12-14. With your registration (click here), you’ll be able to meet Mark Lyon, International First Vice President, and his wife Lion Lyn as they join us for the Council meeting Friday afternoon, a Town Hall Q&A on Friday evening; his keynote luncheon highlights Saturday activities along with workshops, an exhibitor expo, and an entertaining dinner party that evening.  On Sunday it’s the Convention closing and final recognitions, plus a final farewell before they head to LCI-CON Hong Kong and his installation as Lions International President for 2026-2027.

Looking Forward to May. Before we close out another impactful Lions year here in Arizona, we should remember to begin posting on the Lion Portal our incoming slate of club officers.  Also, we have a final two months at recruiting new members and for earning the Lions Club Excellence Award for 2025-2026. Has your club qualified with its donation to our foundation, LCIF?

Service Impact in April. Arizona Lions clubs collectively delivered thousands of volunteer hours this year, addressing critical needs in our communities. From vision screenings and eyeglass recycling to food drives, youth programs, and disaster relief efforts, Lions stepped forward wherever help was needed.

I’m particularly pleased with Lions’ engagement with the “Road to 250” Traveling Museum service project. More than 100 Lions from Prescott to Tombstone, Safford to Bullhead City, Snowflake to Florence, Tucson and Phoenix provided assistance at America250 events at 31 different destinations statewide.  For the nine weeks from February 12 to April 11, the Arizona Centennial Liberty Bell was featured and visited by an estimated 25,000 students and families at such small-town destinations as Chinle, Window Rock, Clifton, Eagar, Patagonia, and Parker. At sites and towns big and small, Lions served as guides, greeters and docents along with local community supporters. It was so much fun sharing, serving and participating.

Leadership and Development. This year saw great strides in leadership development at the club and district levels. Training opportunities, conferences, and mentoring efforts have prepared the next generation of Lion leaders to carry our mission forward with energy and vision.  During the two-wick blitz of online training sessions in April, 114 Lions participated in the two-a-day sessions. At least three position-specific opportunities for each of eight club officer training sessions were available, from President to Lion Tamer. More than 20 clubs were represented – the overwhelming predominance from 21-South. Kudos to Dereck Davis, Linda Finley and Ellen Yopps for helping with the instruction.

New Member LCI Fee Reimbursed. At the Multiple District, we continue to reimburse the LCI $35 registration fee to NEW Lions members. Beginning this second-half of FY2025-2026, 102 new members in 21-North and 110 in 21-South have been reimbursed this fee, with an additional 18 more returning Lions.  This represents 230 total increase in membership through the four months of this campaign. Well done! Two new clubs were chartered in the North, one in the South, plus one club reactivated in the South. The numbers reflect direct payment of initiation fees from the MD accompanied the charter application.

Celebrating Our Legacy. We continue to honor the legacy of service that defines Lions Clubs, while adapting to meet today’s challenges. Whether through innovative service projects or embracing new ways to connect, Arizona Lions remain a vital force for good.

Looking Ahead. As we transition into a new Lions year, we do so with pride in what we’ve accomplished and optimism for what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to serve, grow, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Again, thank you to every Lion in Arizona for your dedication, generosity, and unwavering commitment to service.