Emerging Lions Leadership Institute

January 16-18, 2026 — Hosted by MD-21

Lions and Leos who wish to pursue leadership roles within their club will benefit from attending the Emerging Lions Leadership Institute (ELLI) that will be hosted by Multiple District 21.

At ELLI, you will learn the history and goals of Lions International and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), develop strategies for becoming and effective leader and collaborate with a diverse group of fellow Lions and Leos.

Eligible Lions and Leos should have successfully served on a club committee, have not yet attained the position of club president, and have not previously attended ELLI. Club first vice presidents are strongly encouraged to attend.

Attend ELLI near you, Jan. 16-18, 2026
at one of three venues:
Phoenix-East Valley; Tucson; Phoenix-West Valley

This will be a special, hybrid edition of ELLI, authorized by the Lions Leadership Development division, whereby three venues of 24 Lions/Leos (max.) will participate both in-person and via telecommunications to the other venues. Leadership sessions will be presented via digital technology by a faculty member to all three venues; related activities reinforcing the learning activity will be moderated locally by other faculty members. Participants will be expected to work within their group to make a presentation to all attendees on the final day.

The projected cost to attend the three-day ELLI, including all materials, lunch and refreshments, is $200. Attendees accepted to the Institute are expected to attend all sessions and encouraged to seek scholarships from their club, sponsor, district, and Lions Foundation of Arizona; any personal payment may be eligible for reimbursement following successful completion of the course.

Each day will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at ~5:00 p.m. and will include both morning and afternoon refreshments and a working lunch. This facilitates commuting to the sessions. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet for the multimedia presentations. Curriculum includes:

Friday
Lions: Past, Present and Future
Change Management
Supporting Lions Teams
LCIF Topic Preparation
Saturday
Communications
Conducting Effective Meetings
Diversity
The Lions Mentoring Program
Sunday
LCIF Topic Presentations
Ensuring Club Success

Interested? Curious to learn more? Contact one of the ELLI faculty for details:

21-S DG Richard Stevenson — ki6baq@me.com
CC Ken Leja — lionken@lejafamily.net
21-N DG MaryJane Barjose — mjane1670@yahoo.com

Registration per venue is limited to 24. There will be pre-course work required. A formal invitation will be sent to accepted applicants and course recognition will be sent from the Institute at Lions International, including certificate and limited edition pin.

Let’s Make our Net.Work!

Faculty Development Institute

If you are an experienced Lions leader and are interested in learning how to share your knowledge, consider attending the three-day Faculty Development Institute. This certified training event will be held October 24-26, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, and is by invitation only.

Go to the lionsclubs.org website to learn more about the course. To be considered, download and complete the application and submit prior the July 15, 2025 deadline. Scholarships for either institute may be available, and we’re encouraging clubs to match funding since the training builds club leadership skills.