What’s in this April issue: 
Global Environment Service Week, Club Officer Training, MD State Convention Registration plus Highlights from District Conventions & America250 Traveling Museum thus far and so much more! 

MD21 Leadership Messages
CC Ken Leja

April showers may bring May flowers, but March snow and rain did little for Arizona. The East Coast was inundated with snow and blizzard conditions from Georgia to Maine; same for much of the Midwest and Hawaii was almost flooded away. Nary a drop of rain in Prescott.

Good weather. Thankfully the balmy Arizona weather helped both Lions Districts top the leaderboard in percentage of new membership growth in our Constitutional Area. The South was 9.29% and the North at 4.54% through the first nine months of this Lions year. Given the South’s 2:1 mark above the North, the average of 21 districts was a growth of .24%. Let’s keep this growth moment going through these last three months and close on a resounding high.

Looking ahead in April, clubs should be completing elections for the new Lions year. Elected club leaders should be taking training courses (either via zoom or online via the Lions Learning Center). Current leaders should be pushing ahead and verifying requirements for the Club Excellence Award. This prestigious club award is certified by Lions International solely from digital records, no longer requiring the district governor’s nomination and signature.

Online Training Scheduled. Elsewhere in this issue of Canyon State Lion, the schedule for club leader training offerings is listed. Most sessions are weekday evenings, two-a-days via zoom. We start promptly and provide download links for valuable resources. Instructors include graduates of Lions Leadership Institute and many experienced Lions.

Lions Learning Center is Good, but…. While I’ve taken many of the 70-odd classes found in the Lions Learning Center, all have one omission – you can’t ask the powerpoint a question. The LLC offerings are a 30,000-foot presentation of learning opportunities well-scripted and applicable anywhere in the world – hence, there may be modifications locally or slight omissions for cultural geography. I’m jaundiced – I like learning sessions where I can ask a question and even challenge the teacher, but that’s the humanity in me!

Can you help? If you attended the MidYear Leadership Forum in November, please identify the classes you attended so that we can post them to your personal records. The global leadership team has been unable to post to member records; therefore, the Multiple District Admin and I will post to member records. In that way club inventory will reflect training completed, thereby checking that digital box for the club excellence award.

“Road to 250” Well Traveled. The America250 experience in Arizona has been truly remarkable. From February’s launch in Prescott through March’s swing through the southern counties, the Traveling Museum with its Arizona Centennial Liberty Bell and exhibits has been visited by thousands of locals.

And at almost every destination, Lions have served as hosts and volunteers. That includes many smaller communities where the number of participating club members represented a club majority, and neighboring towns discovered that Lions live their motto, “We Serve!” Thank you Lions in Marana, Florence, Tombstone, Safford, Miami/Globe, Show Low… and I’ll be seeing you in the weeks ahead in the four corners region, Flagstaff, Bullhead City, and Lake Havasu City.

Final thought: For the state convention there will be two Constitutional measures on the ballot, as well as board member elections for the various state and district projects. Please remember to look to the website – LionsArizona.org – for details, registration forms, membership directory, and more information.

Your Servant Leader, 
Ken Leja, MD-21 Council Chair
(928) 830.8236

Governor’s Report – District 21-N

As we step into April, once again I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you to each and every Lion who attended and supported our Mid-Winter Convention. Your presence, energy, and commitment truly made the event meaningful and memorable. Please see the Convention Highlights included in this issue of the Canyon State Lion!

We would like to proudly recognize the two Peace Poster entries for their outstanding effort, creativity, and dedication

Your hard work and commitment to promoting peace through art truly inspire us all. Keep shining, keep creating, and continue making a positive difference in your communities, your voices matter! 

To all Lions of District 21N near and far thank you for your continued support and contributions as we approach the end of this Lion year. Your dedication makes a lasting impact in our communities.

But we’re not done yet!

Let’s finish strong by supporting the upcoming events and initiatives:

• Leo Awareness Month, Appreciation & Workshop something we haven’t done in a long time.  Join us on April 4th, 1 – 4pm at the Sagebrush at Beardsley Rec Hall. 

• Our very first Arizona Lions Service Carnival, a unique opportunity to serve and engage our communities. Check out the details within this CSL Issue!

The MD21 State Convention where we come together once again as a larger Lions family. The Registration Information is both on the LionsAZ.org website and within this CSL. Please sign up now!

Important Reminders:

• All clubs must submit their incoming officers through the portal by May 15.
• Begin working toward achieving the Club Excellence Award, your efforts matter and deserve recognition

Governor’s Report – District 21-S

How New Lions Engage and Succeed

Every new Lion joins with energy and a desire to serve. What happens next determines whether they stay, get involved, and grow—or quietly disappear.

The introduction of a new Lion is one of the most important things we do, and too often we treat it like a quick step instead of the foundation of their experience. If new members are not properly introduced to how Lions works, they are left to figure things out on their own. Most won’t. They sit through meetings, don’t understand the bigger picture, and never really connect. That is how we lose people. And the reality is, it is easier for someone to just walk away than to tell you what is missing from their hoped-for Lions experience.

When we do it right, everything changes. New Lions understand why they joined, see the opportunities, and begin to feel like they are welcome and that they belong. They get involved sooner, and they stay. Orientation is not extra work—it is the work. If we want stronger clubs and real growth, we have to start by keeping the members we bring in, and motivating them to lead. This is Job One and begins on Day One.

Below is a list you can use, to make sure every new Lion gets started the right way, and feel free to alter to suit your needs.

NEW LION SUGGESTED ONBOARDING CHECKLIST

☐ Sponsor or mentor introduces the new Lion to the club and members

☐ New Lion is formally inducted and receives their Lions pin, materials, club roster, and attire

☐ New Lion is welcomed at meetings and service projects and treated with warmth and respect

☐ New Lion learns about club service projects and begins to serve

☐ New Lion takes on a role in one or more service projects

☐ New Lion takes on a role in club operations (committee, officer support, or meeting role)

☐ New Lion receives club and Lions orientation

☐ Club leadership encourages the new Lion to bring ideas, help shape the club, and invite others to serve

Every strong Lion we have today stayed because someone took the time to bring them in the right way, and make them feel welcome and part of the Team.

The District provides a one-hour Lions orientation. This is offered monthly on Zoom, and all Lions are welcome. The next district orientation is April 2 at 6:30 PM on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85105587935

As always, if I can be of service, just email me at ki6baq@me.com

Register for Upcoming Events Now!

21-South Orientation

LEO Appreciation & Workshop

Club Officer Training Schedule

Global Service Initiative:  Environment

21-N Lions Service Carnival

MD-21 Convention – REGISTER NOW

Print State Convention Registration Form
& Hotel Information

State Convention Program Ad Space

108th Lions International Convention
HONG KONG

Future Host International Convention Locations

USA/Canada Forum

Register Early for Savings
Memphis Tennessee
September 3-5

PDGA’s PROUD LION Program

Mark Your Calendar to Support Club Events

Arizona Lions Day at the Diamondbacks

UPDATE ON THE ARIZONA LIONS DAY AT THE DIAMONDBACKS,

Congratulations, Arizona Lions.  We have sold over 100 tickets to the Arizona Diamondbacks game against the Toronto Blue Jays, on April 17th at 6:40 pm.

Because we hit this threshold, we will have a promotion table on the main concourse inside the stadium where we will be answering questions, giving out brochures, and promoting membership and service.  Plus, this will be a fun day at the ballpark and a great opportunity to let the attendees see the Lions out in full force, ready to serve where needed.

Come out and root for the Diamondbacks and roar for the Lions.

Joe Preston, PIP

TriFold Brochures Available

Global Environment Service Initiative

Just show up and bring your items. We’ll have snacks for you while you wait! FREE Do you like to fix things or tinker? Do you have a specific skill? Please come and bring your tools! We have plenty of room. If you volunteer, you will be fed lunch! 

What is Repair Café?
Repair Café is international, but community driven.   We are all volunteers!
Donations are accepted and 100% goes back into Chandler Repair Café. Chandler Repair Café is held 4 times a year, the third Saturday of Jan, April, July & Oct. at 301 N Hartford Rd, 9am – noon.

More information available at repaircafe.org and Facebook: Repair Café – Chandler, AZ.  More Questions? Please call or text, Lion Cathy at (480) 236-0519  

America 250-AZ Traveling Museum

Lions Support “Road to 250” Traveling Museum

The “Road to 250” – our 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – is being celebrated throughout the state.

From Bullhead City to Safford, Mesa to Yuma, and most points in between, Arizona’s Centennial Liberty Bell is on a “Road to 250” journey in this traveling museum. Destinations are Arizona communities preparing to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.

Lions are serving as volunteer hosts and visitor guides at locations throughout our state. Such phenomenal turnouts at every site!  We’re quickly winding down with our April dates listed below! There’s still time!  Go online and volunteer to help. Wear your vest and showcase how “We Serve!” by helping showcase America’s and Arizona’s history.

The online signup is https://volunteersignup.org/ + (location code). Click the button below for a list of dates and locations, plus the five-digit signup code. Make it a road trip to remember! And look for information about America’s Picnic – a family celebration (and community service effort) planned for July 5. 

Here’s a sneak peak of what you can see….or may have missed!  
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1490994562493505

Arizona Lions have really stepped up to support this worthy event!  Thank you Lions in Prescott, Marana, Florence, Tombstone, Safford, Miami/Globe, Show Low and CC Ken looks forward to Lions in the next few weeks as the Museum heads to the four-corner’s area,  Flagstaff, Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City! 

Earth Day 2026: Our Power, Our Planet

Lion Karen Walker – Peoria Sunset Lions

Lion Richard (Dick) Sartor – Buckeye Lions

Passing of a great Lion. Richard (Dick) Sartor of Buckeye Lions passed away the evening of March 27^th. He was in an assisted living facility on the way to hospice when he left us. He was a Lion for over 40 years.

I met Dick in 1975 while I was with Buckeye PD and he joined us. We were two of the seven members of the department. He became the DARE officer extraordinaire in the state and was also a catalyst of the torch run for Special Olympics. He retired as a Sergeant after 30 years of service. He was at almost every service project of the club and was a mentor to most members. Once services are arranged I will advise all. Please message me if you want the address to send cards to the family.

PDG Richard Hopkins

Phoenix Valley of the Sun Lions Honor
Lion Joseph Jones

Info from your 2025-2026
Global Action Team

LCIF

MD21 Club Officer Training
* Options available to ensure all can Attend

Club Leadership Training Opportunities

The calendar is now available to sign up for club leadership training opportunities in late April for most positions in the club. Each 60- to 90-minute training topic will be held at least three times weekday evenings or Saturdays from April 13 through April 25 ONLINE and via Zoom.

Register by using the attached QR Codes or clicking on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn’t work) for the signup sheet: volunteersignup.org/W7HCR To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page. It only takes a few seconds; you’ll receive the Zoom link by email prior to the training, and are encouraged to take advantage of the position-specific online powerpoint orientation on the Lions Learning Center. That link will be forwarded to you after registering, along will all training materials prior to the online event.

Thank you for volunteering to take the leadership development session for club position in the new year!
Ken Leja, council chair

March Madness Membership Challenge

Reach Out to Former Lions 

Want to bring a few more Lions back into the pride? Start with a simple step — reach out. Contact members who have dropped over the past few years and check in. Ask how they’re doing. Thank them for the service they gave. Ask if the circumstances that led them to step away have changed — and whether they might be open to reconnecting and volunteering again.

Global Week of Service – ENVIRONMENT

Electronic Waste or E-Waste

Maricopa Lions’ Annual Shop With A Cop

New Lions, Sponsors & Club Report

Club Charter Celebrations

21-N  Verde Village Lions Charter Celebration 

21-S New Club COMING SOON

Potential 21-N First Responders Lions Club

State Projects Board Endorsements EXTENTION
ACT NOW

Camp Tatiyee

Camp Tatiyee Work Weeks

Camp Tax Credit

2026 Camp Tatiyee Schedule

Request for LFA Board Nominations

LFA Board Nomination Form 2026

Join the Melvin Jones Memorial Board

Vision & Hearing Foundation 
Board Opportunities – Extention

21-S District Projects

ALERT – AZ Lions Eyeglass
Recycling Terminal 

AZ Youth Exchange – C Kirby Smithe

21-S District Convention Highlights

21-N District Convention Highlights