History Archive of the Billings Lions Club

Raw text from the 1983 Orientation booklet

LIONS CLUB OF BILLINGS, MONTANA

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

(Lions Logo)

"WE SERVE"

Jan. 1983

LIONS INTERNATIONAL... is the world's largest service club organization and the first to have achieved million members, Lions in more than
35,000 clubs participate in service efforts spanning the globe. The fellowship goodwill rising from their service to others the International Association of Lions Clubs a natural catalyst for international friendship understanding among people everywhere. As of June 30, 1982, Lions Clubs International had 1,336,558 in 35,785 Clubs and 631 Districts in 155 nations and geographic areas.

A LIONS CLUB... is a group of community-minded people who pool their talents in behalf of local needs. They attend meetings, determine how they may best aid their communities, implement a variety of service programs. They concentrate on helping an individual or a family; they often spearhead community-wide programs involving the support participation of local citizens; and they help support relief projects undertaken by fellow Lions in different parts of the world.

THE LIONS OF BILLINGS... was chartered on November 16, 1921. It was the first Lions Club organized in what is now District #37. As of June 30th, 1982 there were 90 members.

CLUB MEETINGS... are held regularly every Thursday noon at the Elks Club, The meetings start at approximately 10 minutes after twelve and run until 1:30 P.M. There is a half hour program at each meeting. These programs are arranged by the Program Chairman and cover a variety of subjects such as community projects, health, environmental, travel other topics of interest to the membership.

ANNUAL DUES... are $40.00 per year.

THE OFFICERS OF THE BILLINGS LIONS CLUB... are President, A First, A Second, A Third Vice-president and a Secretary-Treasurer. In addition to the above listed officers, there are four directors, who, together with the officers shall constitute the of Directors, Nine (9) in number. The officers and directors of the Lions Club of Billings, Montana are elected as follows; The President shall appoint a nominating committee of five past-Presidents for the purpose of proposing a nominee or for each of the elective club offices. Nominees for these offices Board of Directors shall be members who have served as chairman of at least two (2) major committees, or who by their efforts in behalf of this Club over a period of at least four (4) years have demonstrated beyond question their ability to act as an officer and who shall have been an active member in this Club for at least (5) years proceeding his nomination.

The Nominating-Committee shall also propose nominees for the elective positions of (2) Lion Tamers, and two (2) Tail Twisters, they shall be elected at the time as the regular elective officers.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CLUB... meet once a week at the Elks Club. This meeting is on Tuesday at lasts hour. The meeting is open to all members the meeting is especially informative for newer members who want to just how the club operates. Most of the Club business is conducted at these meetings. New members are encouraged to attend Board Meetings occasionally. Attendance at a Board Meeting can be counted as a "make-up" meeting for those who have missed the regular Thursday meeting.

AWARDS AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION... those Lions who have been members for 10 years or longer are known as Old Monarchs. Key Members are Lions who have brought two or more new into the club. Advancement Key Members, Master Key Members Senior Master Key are awards given for exceeding the two required for a Key Member. Each classification has its own requirements.

HALL OF FAME AWARD... is awarded to those Lions who, for a period of years, devoted outstanding effort for the Lions Club of Billings, The Award is given to any Old Monarch or Key Member, Any Lion who qualifies, may be nominated by the present active members of the Hall of Fame. One or two Lions may be elected each year.

WILLIAM J. JAMESON AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE... is awarded to a Lion who is not an Officer or Director, who performed distinguished service to the Club during the preceding year. The recipient is to be nominated by any elected by majority of the Officers and Directors of the Club.

LIONS COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES... the Motto of the Lions is "WE SERVE". This is our basic philosophy and the reason we join a Lions Club. The Lions Club of Billings has served the community with numerous projects which will be discussed separately by a Lion who is familiar with the project or service.

LIONS CAMP... our CAMP is located in the Beartooth Mountains near Red Lodge. The is located on USFS land, but it is the responsibility of our Club to operate and maintain the camp. The camp is available during the months to various church groups, scouts, YMCA, Salvation Army others at a nominal fee.

SIGHT CONSERVATION... Lions over the world recognize the importance of preventing blindness offer help to those who are blind. Our Club contributes in many of these programs. (Montana Association for the Blind, Low Vision Eye Clinic in Helena, Billings Eye Foundation, eye glasses and eye examinations, Leader Dog Program)

CHARLES CAMPBELL CHILDRENS CAMP... one of the most gratifying programs we have is the weeks camping which we provide for the children from the Montana Center For Handicapped Children. A special Lions Visitors Night on Thursday is a highlight of the weeks activities and the children present a special program for this evening. The Fail-Out Five also plays on Tuesday night for entertainment and dancing for the Children. The camp was named in 1983 to honour Past District Governor Charles K. Campbell. Chuck the driving force behind this camp for over 20 years.

COUNTY HOSPITAL VISITATION... every year around Christmas Time a group of Lions, their wives, children, and grandchildren visit the less fortunate at the County Nursing Home. With the Fail-Out Five providing background music we sing carols and distribute presents to the patients, Santa Claus also his appearance to the delight of the young and old.

SALVATION ARMY... each year at Christmas our Club helps the Salvation Army "ring the bell" at several locations .throughout the City.

FALL-OUT BAND... this illustrious group of Lions musicians has played at more functions than cam be remembered: District Conventions, the International Convention, social functions, salesmans breakfast, Y Olympica, and many, many others. In late 1978 "cut" their own record and have sold hundreds to Lions Friends. Proceeds from the sale of records go to Lions Camp, There are seven Lions in the group. Instruments include Trombone, Saxophone, Trumpet, Accordion, Banjo, Drums, and the Tub Bass.

BOY SCOUTS... our Club has sponsored several Boy Scout Troops, The last one was at Yellows tone Boys Ranch.

BILLINGS LIONS FOUNDATION... a non-profit foundation founded February 3, 1971, The foundation founded to allow Lions and others to contribute to a tax free organization dedicated to helping others. One human being helping another. The Foundation is administered by nine directors, elected by the Club Membership, Contributions to the Foundation are not limited to Lions. We encourage and solicit contributions from outside sources.

OTHER SERVICE PROJECTS... our Club was responsible for starting the "Miss Montana Pageant" and the "Midland Empire Horse Show". Both of these projects are still in existance.

LIONS FOUNDATION... L.I.F. as it is known, was formed several years ago to help in countries and areas that were stricken with disasters such as earthquakes, floods, etc. Our Club has contributed to L.I.F.

BOYS CLUB... our Club "Backs-A-Boy" each year.

HEARING... a more recent worldwide program added to Lionism is helping those with hearing impairments. Our Club has supported the Hearing Dog Inc., furnished Yellowstone County Nursing Home with a special-captioned T.V., and supported District 37 Hearing Foundation.

YOUTH EXCHANGE.... the Youth Exchange Program authorized by Lions International in 1961. The objects of this program are:

A. To bring young people into contact with youth and adults of other countries;

B. To share family and community life of another culture;

C. To promote international understanding and good will throughout the world of Lionism.

In the of 1982 our Club participated in this program for the first time. We sponsored a West High student, Eric Davis, who visited West Germany. We also arranged for three families to host Knut Maass from Cuxhaven, West Germany. The program was highly successful and we hope it will continue.

LIONS FUND RAISING PROJECTS... the aggressive programs carried out by our Club need funding. This is accomplished through fund raising projects held during the year. Our biggest fund raiser is the BINGO BOOTH at the fair. The booth is open during the week of the fair and is "manned" by Lions, their wives, and children. This is our biggest and -most profitable project. It needs the support of the entire membership. Other fund raising projects include Halloween candy sale and broom sales.

LIONS SOCIAL FUNCTIONS... Lionism is not all work with no play. Starting with the Thursday meeting where a Lion enjoy the fellowship of fellow lions. The meetings are stimulated with good singing and "zany antics" of the TAILTWISTERS topped off with great programs. Other social events during the year include;

Childrens Christmas Party
Valentines Sweetheart Luncheon
Awards Stag Party at Camp
Installation of Officers
District Governors Visitation
New Years Eve Party
Family Picnic
Work Parties at Camp
Spring and Fall Socials

OTHER LIONS ACTIVITIES & FUNCTIONS...

LEO CLUBS - youth groups of Boys and Girls of high school and college age, with a primary purpose to community betterment.

LIONESS CLUBS - an official organization for the ladies interested in service club work. Members do not have to be wives or related to a Lion.

DISTRICT CONVENTION - the Big Lion event of the year, held in late May or June and attended by 1000-1400 Lions and Ladies, Convention includes business sessions, election of new District Governors and social functions,

MID-WINTER CONFERENCE - a mini-district convention held in late January. Attendance can be as large as 1200 Lions and Ladies. Business includes planning for District Convention, business and social functions.

ZONE MEETINGS - meeting of officers of various clubs in Zones, "Chaired" by Zone Chairman. Purpose is to discuss club activities and to find solutions for problems clubs may be encountering.

BOWLING TEAMS - Our Club has two bowling in Mustang League on Monday nights.

OLYMPICS - fun night sponsored by YMCA, All service clubs participate. Events include bowling, cards, swimming, volleyball, archery, ping-pong, liar contest, barber shop quartet and many others.

SERVICE CLUB GOLF TOURNEY- day includes golf with prizes and banquet.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF MEMBERS...

1. good attendance - This is essential, A good Lion will attend a minimum of three regular meetings a month. Make-up attendance can be attained by attending a Board of Directors meeting or a committee meeting.

2. participation in Fund Raising Projects, In order to carry out our community service we need the cooperation and participation of All Lions when a Fund Raising Project is under way.

3. visit to Camp - Since this is our largest project All Lions should familiarize themselves with the camp and become familiar with its operation.

4. attendance at social functions - Social Functions present a good opportunity for Lions and their wives to get better acquainted as well as enjoy the fellowship these events offer.

5. attendance at District Conventions or Mid-Winter Conference whenever possible.

LIONS PLEDGE

I am a Lion, God help me preserve liberty, intelligence, our nations safety.

 

Additional materials attached to above text included a Lions organizational chart (International down to club) and MD-37 map.