What’s in this March issue: 
America250AZ, Significant Service Opportunities, Highlights from District Conventions with MORE coming in a Special Edition later this month.

MD21 Leadership Messages
CC Ken Leja

Congratulations to next year’s leadership teams in the Multiple District. At district conventions held these past two weeks, Ed Lopez of Safford Lions and Marsine Perry of Phoenix Asian-America Lions were elected as district governors for 21-South and 21-North respectively for the Lions year 2026-2027. Also elected were Julie Sullivan of Buckeye Lions and Jim Myers of Prescott Sunrise Lions as the first vice district governors for the respective districts.

Congratulations also to Pat Hammons of Mesa Thunderbird Lions and Dereck Davis of Cottonwood Lions for being elected second vice district governors for 21-S and 21-N respectively. They are both experienced Lions who have served as a club president and a zone chair during their individual tenures in Lions.

And special congratulations to PDG Keith Alexander of Safford, announced as next year’s Council Chair for MD21. Having worked with Lion Keith throughout the years, I look forward to his leadership at the state level and to his continuing work strengthening the membership, the clubs, and the services of Lionism in Arizona in LY2026-2027 through the incoming leadership team.

Look for more in this issue of Canyon State Lion of additional highlights of the two district conventions… and a save-the-date for the state convention, June 12-14.

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.

Good news for NEW Members

The Lions International initiation fee ($35) continues to be reimbursed to all NEW LIONS members registered beginning January 1, 2026 and continuing through this June 30. Monies from the Multiple District promotion fund are being used to help with the costs associated with becoming a New Lion.

For all Lions of Arizona, here’s your opportunity to recruit new members to your club and help reduce their costs to join our Association. As many as 200 new member initiation fees (or more) will be reimbursed.

For NEW clubs chartered during this period, the new member initiation fee will be paid as arranged, either directly to Lions International with the chartering documentation or reimbursed to the new club.

For reimbursement, an expectation is that any NEW member will be registered for a full year and will remain on the club roster for LY2026-2027. The club will reimburse the multiple district the initiation fee paid if a new member is not included in the July 1, 2026 club roster.

Significantly, clubs will not have to wait indefinitely to be reimbursed the initiation fee. With verification of a new member posted to the club roster (via the monthly club health assessment, usually by the 10th of the following month) and payment of that initiation fee, the club will receive the reimbursement from the Multiple District.

Both local district, multiple district and international dues are billed twice a year, on July 1 and January 1 of each Lions year. Lions removed from club rosters prior to any billing date are still responsible for local and international dues if reinstated prior to permanent deletion from Lions International (within six months).

Your Servant Leader
CC Ken Leja

Governor’s Report – District 21-N

• Have we strengthened membership?
• Have we served our community with impact?
• Have we supported LCIF?
• Have we developed leadership within our club?

Governor’s Report – District 21-S

After reviewing all of the responses, three themes clearly emerged. Clubs are doing well in providing strong, visible service in their communities, maintaining friendly and welcoming fellowship, and showing growing energy and participation in many areas. At the same time, members identified areas needing attention: recruiting more members—especially younger and more active leaders—and ensuring they stay engaged; eliminating cliques, favoritism, dismissive behavior, and any form of bullying; and modernizing meetings, leadership practices, and decision-making processes. These are the words of your Lions.

The need for more members was one of the most frequently repeated concerns, including the need for more hands to help, new ideas, active leaders, and relief from burnout among officers. However, the feedback also made something clear: recruitment alone will not solve the problem. If club culture does not support new members, they disengage and eventually leave. Several comments directly referenced cliques, favoritism, disrespect, political tension, and even bullying. These behaviors undermine morale and retention and must be addressed wherever they exist. We cannot grow membership if our internal culture pushes people away.

The feedback also reinforces an important point: volunteering attracts new Lions. Service inspires people to join and connects them to our mission. Meetings are important for coordination and communication, but they are a tool—not the purpose. When meetings become the focus instead of supporting service, energy shifts away from what motivates members most. We are, first and foremost, an organization of service, and our meetings should support that mission efficiently and effectively.

Your District is not here to tell clubs what to do. Every club is different, and what works in one community may not work in another. We need your input and want to work with you to determine how the district can support you—not direct you. Our role is to assist, provide tools, share best practices, and remove barriers where possible. Please share your thoughts to me by email (ki6baq@me.com), join an upcoming Roar Room Zoom discussion, or speak with your Zone Chair so we can understand what support would be most useful.

In the meantime, here are a few practices other clubs have found helpful: conducting a club assessment or SWOT analysis (your Zone Chair can assist); encouraging attendance at Orientation on March 5 at 6:30 PM (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85105587935); rotating officers and developing new leaders; giving new Lions immediate involvement in service projects and leadership roles; reviewing service projects annually to ensure continued community need and club interest; and welcoming new project ideas, especially from newer members.

Thank you for your leadership and your willingness to address both our strengths and our challenges directly. Strong service brought us here. Strong culture will keep us here. Let us know how we can assist.

Register for Upcoming Events Now!

March Membership Challenge

21-South Orientation

Global Service Initiative:  Environment

21-N Lions Service Carnival

MD-21 Convention

Here’s your red-white-‘n’-blue opportunity to go one-on-one with next year’s international president for Lions. Mark S. Lyon, our current international first vice president (FIVP) makes a final stop before heading off to the International Convention (LCI-CON) in Hong Kong where he will be installed as Lions 2026-2027 international president.

Less than two weeks after the MD21 state Convention in Phoenix, FIVP Lyon jets off to the Orient to begin his role as the association’s “first Lion” and to encourage us all to support his vision for the new year. Here’s your opportunity to hear first-hand his vision, to go one-on-one with him about the future of Lionism, and to ask your burning question.

Whether at the town hall dinner Friday night, the Saturday luncheon or dinner, or at one of the hospitality suites both Friday and Saturday nights, it’s your opportunity to ask him, “What’s up? And what are your plan for building our Association?”

Get a preview of the new Lions year on June 12-14 at the state convention. Click Below to download the registration form and be one of the first ticketed to meet the gentleman from Connecticut who will be leading this association of 1.4 million volunteers in service.

Special events reign as we feature Lion Mark throughout the weekend: attending the Council meeting Friday afternoon or the casual dinner that evening featuring a Town Hall event in which he’ll answer questions asked directly by you, the Lions of Arizona. We’re planning to “live” stream the event – much like the political town hall events of election years.

On Saturday, FIVP Lyon will be the keynote speaker for the Convention Luncheon. Seating is limited for the luncheon, but we’ll open the room to Leos and Lions for the featured presentation about 1:00pm. Throughout the day, join in workshops, including one led by FIVP Mark (to be announced later). A one-on-one visit with Leos during their afternoon workshops is planned, plus Lion Mark will join us for the Saturday evening semi-formal dinner where he’ll present the International Presidents awards amid the patriotic weekend’s festivities, entertainment and dancing.

Parting comments will include his visits to district cabinet meetings on Sunday, plus a “Challenge” to next year’s Council at the closing session that morning. All-in-all, it will be a fast-paced, fun event featuring next year’s international president PLUS a lot of special activities all three days. For more details, check out the registration form and the Convention outline. And don’t forget to bring your club banner and dress for Flag Day (June 14) in your most patriotic attire.   See you there!  CC Ken Leja

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

We will be posting rules in the coming weeks. Our hope is 4hr simmer before tasting. 

Come on Lions, let’s have some fun and really see just what club/member has the best chili! 

Bring on the next Challenge! 

UPDATE ON THE ARIZONA LIONS DAY AT THE DIAMONDBACKS,

The Arizona Diamondbacks bumped us off the Sunday afternoon game with the Toronto Blue Jays due to a large Little League promotion.  The good news is that we were able to secure the Friday, April 17^th game with the same Toronto Blue Jays, at 6:40 pm.

The updated flyer has the QR Code and Link for purchasing tickets.  I suggest using the link listed on the flyer as a few people have had trouble with the QR Code.  

A big thank you to the Lions Foundation of Arizona for letting us use their non-profit foundation status, and for purchasing ten tickets to the game.

Why is it important to purchase the tickets – QR Code/Unique Link?

1.      To sit together with Lions and their families and friends, from all over Arizona. 

2.      To take advantage of the group sales price for these premium seats. 

3.      Because if we can sell 100 tickets the Diamondbacks will allow us to have a display table in the main concourse during the game, to promote Lion service and membership. If you can help get the word out, we can easily sell the 100 tickets. This is a huge opportunity to promote Lions and show everyone in attendance that the “Arizona Lions Rock and Roar.”

Please come out for a fun day of baseball at the Diamondbacks stadium and be sure to wear your Lion’s attire.

Thank you. PIP Joe Preston

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. Got an hour or two to help? Check your calendar. Pick a date, a community. 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. 

Dr. Seuss Birthday & READ Across America

History of Read Across America Week

The act of reading has been around for thousands of years, since the invention of the written word. In the earliest years, reading was a skill that only a wealthy, educated segment of society had. Over time, more and more people learned to read and write, and reading came to be the common skill that it is today.

Since the first book that was ever written, many authors have made their mark and been remembered for their remarkable work. One such author is Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known by his pen name, Dr. Seuss. He has authored some of the most popular children’s books of all time, selling over 600 million copies.

In addition to being an author, Dr. Seuss was also an illustrator and cartoonist. After publishing his first children’s book, he took a break to illustrate political cartoons and joined the animation and film department in the United States Army. In this role, he wrote, produced and animated several projects and gained recognition for them. Following this, he returned to writing children’s books and how! He went on to write 60 books, a majority of which were critically acclaimed. His work is not only enjoyed by children to this date; it is also a part of many different adaptations in other mediums.

The National Education Association launched Read Across America in 1998 as a year-round program to celebrate reading. Given Dr. Seuss’ impact on the reading world, his birthday (March 2) was declared Read Across America Day. This also commences Read Across America Week and Read Across America Month.

Tucson Breakfast Club Member Honored

                WINNERS of the 3rd Annual Baby Photo Contest

Current Communication/What do you need?

• Lion Portal – Official Lions International portal which provides every Lion access to key personal information plus access required dependent on the Lion’s role within the Club, District or MD. 
• Lions of Arizona Internal website:  https://lionsarizona.org/  Recommend Bookmarking this link for easy access!  Created and dedicated to expansion of quality content is our own Council Chair Ken Leja!  But he cannot do it alone.  There are several key Lions behind the scenes helping this take form. Within this website lives many items to make your like easier! 
  • Calendar – where all District & MD events are listed on the Calendar plus any Club events, fliers or information shared will be listed!  Fundraisers, Food Banks, Tree planting, etc! 
  • Member Only Section
    • Directory – Access to every member listed in the Portal for Districts North & South.  Password protected with the multiple district number followed by MD21.  Ask your club secretary or look on the Lions Portal under My District/MD/CA. 
    • Club Officers – Access to all Clubs & Officers – password protected with same password as noted above.
    • Club Resources – Links to all e-Books for Officers and Lion Portal Quick Guides such as Adding or Dropping Members, new Membership cards, viewing reports, etc.  
    • Club Websites – Currently those Clubs who have completed or are partnering with free website development.  Templates and information for clubs interested in website development.  
• Canyon State Lions Newsletter (CSL) – Provided on a monthly basis.  Considered the primary venue for sharing information with all Lions in Digital format.  In 2026, everyone should have email and provided to the Lions Portal.  I’ve heard concerns over privacy as a reason not to share the email or “I don’t DO email”.  This is our primary, consistent mode of communication.  Currently, we have 25 – 35% Open rate and even fewer actual CLICKS on the buttons enabling you to print a single calendar summary of all primary Lion events, or a registration form for a kick-off, conference, District & State conventions, Club Service ideas, key District or State Project information, etc.  I’ve now heard “we want a twice a month issue”.  EXCELLENT –  I need feedback on what is desired to include or exclude to properly meet membership needs! 
• Social Media – Key method to connect your Club Service & Growth with the broader community. 
  • AZ Lions Forum – Facebook Private Group.  Perfect place to SHARE your great service with all your other Lions.  We LEARN from each other PLUS it is used for reminders for upcoming events!
  • Lions Global Forum – This is a Facebook Page where Lions around the globe come together, pose questions, learn from each other and provides the catalyst for Clubs/Districts/MDs to change for the future! 
  • Lions USA – A independent group of Lions from the United States and its affiliates, dedicated to recapturing the fun, pride, and unity that define our organization and working together to grow our service through membership growth.  An opportunity to learn how best to GROW our Clubs within the USA. 
• District Level – Our Governor’s this Lion’s Year have been phenomenal with Communication!  Direct emails, Special Online opportunities to discuss key topic for Growth, Expansion and Learning, Creative use of Facebook Messenger for Group Chats.  

What’s missing?  Questions?  Concerns? Ideas? Insights?  Feedback would be greatly appreciated!  Contact me!

Sheila Palazzolo – Editor
Canyon State Lion Newsletter
sdpalazzolo@yahoo.com

Info from your 2025-2026
Global Action Team

LCIF

Emerging Lion Leaders Institute – CANCELLED

Unfortunately,  due to not having enough certified trainers, we are unable to support this event.  

PLEASE take full advantage of our below noted local training! 

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 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.

Plan for the Global Service Week for ENVIRONMENT

Electronic Waste or E-Waste

Citrus Gleening 2026

New Lions, Sponsors & Club Report

Club Charter Celebrations

West Valley Empowered Voices Lions
Charter Celebration

Richard O. Brown Celebration of Life 3/28/2026

PDG Leon Hove

Reminder all State Projects Board Endorsements Due by March 31

Camp Tatiyee

Request for LFA Board Nominations

LFA Board Nomination Form 2026

                    The Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial                                                    Chosen as a Passport 250 Site

HAPPY BIG 250 AMERICA!

The Happy BIG 250!™ is a national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary — a once-in-a-generation milestone honoring the spirit of freedom, exploration, and unity that defines this country.  It’s a movement made for the people, by the people.

Through personalized passports, real-world adventures, a nationwide challenge, and community-submitted events, the Happy BIG 250!™ brings Americans together to rediscover the land we love — and to make history together, one adventure at a time.

Join the Melvin Jones Memorial Board

Vision & Hearing Foundation 
Board Opportunities

21-S District Projects

ALERT – AZ Lions Eyeglass
Recycling Terminal 

AZ Youth Exchange – C Kirby Smithe

Let’s have some Fun!

Word Find & Crossword! Submit to Win