April 2025

Dear C2 Lions,
Serving as your Acting District Governor in the wake of our beloved DG Kerrie Molter’s passing has been both a humbling and deeply meaningful experience. As we navigated the remaining Lions year together, I witnessed the true heart of Lionism: our ability to come together in the face of adversity, to support one another with compassion, and to lead with courage and unity.
This past year has reminded us that the strength of our organization lies not only in our service, but in the bonds we share as friends, leaders, and community builders. We’ve weathered difficult times with resilience, and in doing so, we’ve grown stronger as a district.
As we look forward to the 2025–2026 Lions year, we step forward with renewed purpose under our guiding theme: Service – Extending Hands and Empowering Lives.
This theme is more than words, it’s a call to action. It reflects our shared mission to uplift those around us, to create meaningful changes, and to discover new and innovative ways to serve the evolving needs of our communities. Together, we will continue to expand the reach and impact of Lions service across our district.
Your District Team is here for you. We are eager to visit your club meetings, service projects, and community events. Please keep us in the loop with your upcoming dates—we’d love to celebrate your service and offer support in any way we can.
We also want to hear from you! If there’s something you'd like to see featured in our Thursday emails or in the C2 pages of the Wisconsin Lions Newsletter, share your ideas. Your insights help shape the way we connect and grow together.
Let’s make this upcoming year one of renewed energy, deeper connection, and powerful service.

March 20, 2025

Hello fellow Lions , 

March 13, 2025

Aloha,

Dear Lion Leaders:

 The Monthly Club Health Assessment Report is a vital tool for monitoring the health and sustainability of our Lions Clubs. Club Officers and Zone Chairs should be receiving the Club Health Assessment Report. The report can be a challenge to interpret, so I am providing some instructions.

How do we begin to interpret the key components?

1. Membership Health

• Current Member Count: The total number of members in each club.
• YTD Members Added/Dropped: Tracks membership changes over the past year.
• Net Growth %: A positive percentage indicates growth, while a negative means decline.
• Membership Retention: Compare the current count to last year’s to see trends. Let me know if you would like a 5-year trend report for your club.

2. Reporting & Compliance

• Years Since Last Officer Report: If over a year, the club may lack leadership stability.
• Months Since Last Activity Report: Indicates how engaged the club is in service.

3. Financial Contributions & Awards

• Donations for Fiscal Year: Measures club giving, including LCIF contributions.
• Exc Award: Recognizes clubs for exceptional performance.

4. Risk Indicators

• If Net Loss > 20%: This appears as a warning; significant membership decline.
• Clubs Below 15 Members: At risk of losing their charter.
• Clubs in Status Quo: Indicates administrative or financial difficulties.

Ideas to make a shift where your club needs to. Maybe there are one or two you haven’t thought of yet. 😊

1. Revitalize Club Membership

🔹 Engage Current Members

• Conduct member satisfaction surveys to identify retention issues. LCI has ready to use surveys or make up your own.
• Create mentorship programs where experienced members guide new ones.
• Recognize members with awards & appreciation events.

🔹 Reactivate Inactive Members

• Reach out personally to members who haven’t attended meetings or events.
• Offer flexible meeting options (virtual, hybrid, social gatherings).
• Assign roles that align with their interests and skills.

🔹 Develop Club Identity & Culture

• Define a signature service project that makes the club stand out.
• Host family-friendly activities to engage younger members.

2. Targeted Recruitment Strategies

🔹 Identify Key Demographics

• Young professionals & business leaders → Highlight networking & leadership benefits.
• Retirees → Showcase meaningful service projects.
• Parents & educators → Involve schools & family-friendly projects.

🔹 Leverage Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD)

• Map community assets (businesses, schools, nonprofits) and partner with them.
• Promote intergenerational engagement—pair youth with experienced Lions.
• Host "Bring a Friend" events to encourage organic recruitment.

🔹 Strengthen Online Presence

• Optimize social media marketing with success stories & event highlights.
• Run Facebook & LinkedIn campaigns targeting potential members.
• Create an engaging club website with easy sign-up options.

3. Strengthen Community Visibility

🔹 Host High-Impact Events

• Organize community-wide service projects (food drives, free vision screenings).
• Partner with local media to increase publicity.

🔹 Engage Local Influencers & Businesses

• Involve local business owners in networking events.
• Create corporate membership opportunities to gain new sponsors.

If you have not received the Monthly Club Health Assessment Report or need assistance in interpreting it contact me. Your District leaders are here to assist you. We are only a phone call or email away.

Thank you for ALL you do to serve your community! You make a difference EVERY. DAY.! Your club makes a difference EVERY. DAY.! Keep up the great cause of service.

 Acting District Governor

Anne Madison

February 20, 2025

February 13, 2025

Good morning Lions,

The Whittlesey Lions are excited to have you join us for the District 27-C2 Convention to be held April 11th and 12th at the Lac Du Flambeau Convention Hall.

Friday night is the Luau and Deal or No Deal Game with music by Whittlesey Lions President DJ Tim Kramas.  Bring your dancing shoes and Luau outfits and join the fun.

You can book your rooms now for the convention. 

Please remember the following deadlines to submit the following forms.

The district convention packet and forms can be found on our 27 C2 webpage: https://www.e-district.org/sites/27c2/

Attached is the Tentative Schedule of Events (waiting for one speaker to confirm) for our District Convention for your information and the list is below.

Looking forward to seeing all of you at Convention:

February 6, 2025

Dear C2 Lions,

Congratulations to our newly Certified Guiding Lions – Barb Rebak, Mike Ostrenga, Mike Lorbetske, and Judy Hatz! Thank you all for attending the certification work shop. Your commitment to helping our clubs is outstanding.

In our Thursday emails we have been writing about the Global Action Team (GAT). This team is a leadership structure that unites three key areas - Global Membership Team (GMT), Global Leadership Team (GLT), and Global Service Team (GST)—to drive club success. The GAT is critical to club success. Consider adding the GAT to your club’s committees, if you have not already done so.

Today’s email is a glimpse of the Global Service Team.

What is the GST (Global Service Team)?

The Global Service Team (GST) is an integral part of the Global Action Team. The GST focuses on empowering Lions to serve effectively, identifying opportunities to meet pressing needs in their communities, and increasing the global impact of Lions Clubs through service projects. By coordinating service activities and inspiring action, the GST supports clubs in planning impactful service initiatives, engaging members, and encouraging measurable, sustainable service efforts​​​.

Why should it be part of your club?

1. Enhanced Service Impact: The GST connects clubs with resources, training, and tools to organize meaningful projects that address local and global needs.
2. Stronger Membership Engagement: Clubs with active service initiatives tend to have higher member engagement and retention. Members feel more fulfilled when they see tangible results of their efforts.
3. Global Network Support: Being part of the GST enables your club to collaborate with Lions worldwide on larger-scale initiatives, boosting visibility and impact.
4. Measuring Success: The GST emphasizes measuring service outcomes, which helps showcase your club’s contributions to the community and attracts new members and partners​​​.

Where to Find Service Ideas

1. Lions International Website: The Lions Clubs International Resource Center offers ideas and toolkits for service projects in areas like vision, youth, hunger, environment, and diabetes​​.
2. Local Community Needs: Conduct a community needs assessment using tools like the New Club Community Assessment to identify areas where your club can make a difference​​.
3. Global Causes: Align your projects with Lions International’s five global causes: Vision, Hunger, Environment, Diabetes, and Childhood Cancer.
4. Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD): Use the ABCD framework to map your community’s existing assets—such as local talents, associations, and institutions—and design projects that leverage these strengths​​.

Next week we will look at the GMT. Stay tuned.

Yours in service,

Anne

January 24, 2025

Dear Clubs,

I am PDG Judy Hatz your District Global Leadership Team (GLT) coordinator. Today is Friday and it is time for our weekly letter. My topic is Why do we need a GLT Team and tell you why they are important to the District and our Lions Clubs.

Why Do We Need a GLT Team at the Club and District Level?

At both the club and district levels, strong leadership is critical for achieving the Lions' mission of community service. Here's how the GLT team makes a difference:

1. At the Club Level:
   • Fostering Leadership Growth: The GLT helps identify emerging leaders within the club and supports them through mentoring and training. This ensures continuity in leadership and long-term success.
   • Encouraging Member Engagement: By guiding club leaders in effective leadership practices, the GLT helps enhance member participation, satisfaction, and retention.
   • Strengthening Club Operations: Leadership development ensures that club officers are well-prepared to plan projects, manage finances, and effectively communicate with members and the community.
2. At the District Level:
   • Supporting Collaboration: District GLT teams work with club leaders to align goals, share best practices, and create a network of support across clubs.
   • Enhancing Leadership Capacity: The GLT develops leaders who can take on district-wide roles, such as zone chairs or district governors, ensuring a pipeline of capable leaders.
   • Driving Strategic Initiatives: The district GLT team plays a crucial role in implementing training programs, facilitating leadership summits, and supporting clubs in adopting new initiatives, including the Global Membership Approach (GMA).

By having GLT teams at both levels, we create a structure that prioritizes leadership development where it is most impactful—directly supporting the individuals and groups who drive Lions' service every day.

Key Responsibilities of the GLT:

1. Developing Leaders: The GLT focuses on identifying emerging leaders and providing tailored training programs to enhance their skills in team management, communication, and strategic planning.
2. Supporting Leadership Transitions: Effective leadership is about continuity. The GLT assists in smooth leadership transitions by preparing successors and providing mentorship opportunities for new leaders.
3. Promoting Collaboration: Working with the Global Membership Team (GMT) and Global Service Team (GST), the GLT ensures a unified approach to achieving Lions' goals across service, membership, and leadership development.
4. Driving Club and Community Success: Through workshops, leadership development events, and online training, the GLT empowers leaders to build thriving clubs capable of meeting community needs.

Why the GLT Matters:

Strong leadership is the foundation of impactful service. With the guidance and support of the GLT, Lions leaders can:

• Lead with Confidence: Receive training and resources tailored to real-world challenges faced by Lions clubs.
• Build Stronger Clubs: Enhance member engagement, retention, and recruitment through effective leadership practices.
• Expand Service Impact: Mobilize clubs to tackle larger projects and reach more people in need.

Our communities deserve inspired and capable leaders who can harness the collective power of Lions to serve humanity. The GLT is here to ensure that leadership at every level reflects our mission and values.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how the GLT can support you or your club, please feel free to reach out.   Together, let’s empower each other to serve with purpose and passion. 

Reminder 2 training opportunities:

1. Guiding Lion training 2/1/25 in Hazelhurst 9:30 – 3:30.
2.  Multiple District Summit Recruit, Retain and Extend Summit 2/14-2/15 with Guiding Lion training on 2/16 in Marshfield.

Lions are making a difference, 1 life, 1 community, 1 world at a time!

Thank you for all you do!

PDG Lion Judy Hatz

District C2 GLT

January 20, 2025

Hello Lions of MD 27 C2. 

We are currently setting up a google group email list for our weekly newsletter for the club officers who are listed on the Lions Portal.  The weekly newsletter will be sent to this group and from the email address Ntwin4@gmail.com.  This is my gmail account.  You have received emails from me with my other email address as ntwin@tds.net.  As we switch over to the new email google group, you may receive duplicate notices as we move forward.  If you have a gmail account, you will be directly added to the google group. 
If you do not have a gmail account, you will be sent a separate email asking you to please opt in and accept the invitation to join this group.  Please accept this invitation so we can begin our progression to one email system and eventually have our documents for you to access through the google drive or the MD 27 C2 website.

Thank you as we move forward. 

Dear Lions,

Today’s message is about opportunities to grow and thrive—personally and as a club. When strong leaders and empowered members work together, they create strong clubs that deliver impactful service to our communities. By prioritizing our growth and success, we’re not just investing in ourselves—we’re building a brighter future for our clubs, communities, and the Lions mission.

Please take a moment to review these opportunities and pass them along to your club members!

Become a Guiding Lion

Guiding Lions play a crucial role in helping new clubs succeed and revitalizing struggling ones. They mentor, train, and inspire club leaders, providing the tools to ensure strong governance, sustainable growth, and alignment with Lions International’s mission.We need more Guiding Lions in our district to strengthen connections, enhance leadership skills, and expand our impact. Free Guiding Lion Certification Training is on Saturday, February 1, at the Hazelhurst Community Center, led by PDG Judy Hatz and myself. Sign up today: Contact PDG Judy at 715-218-0226. More details are attached, or learn about the Guiding Lions Program by clicking here. Together, we can empower clubs to serve more effectively!

The Global Action Team (GAT)

The GAT works at every level—club, district, and beyond—to strengthen Lions by focusing on four key areas:

1. Global Service Team (GST): Helps clubs plan impactful service activities.
2. Global Membership Team (GMT): Supports recruitment, retention, and growth of new clubs.
3. Global Leadership Team (GLT): Develops leaders and ensures effective governance.
4. Global Extension Team (GET): Guides the creation of new clubs and branches to expand Lions’ reach.

At the club level, GAT fosters collaboration, builds leadership pipelines, and helps address community needs. Learn more about GAT resources on the LCI website by clicking here. Watch for upcoming emails regarding each GAT area.

Wisconsin Lions Summit – February 14-16

The Wisconsin Lions Summit is a must-attend event for all Lions seeking connection, inspiration, and growth. Here’s what you can expect:

• Networking: Connect with passionate Lions from across the state.
• Leadership Development: Gain insights and skills to help your club thrive.
• Service Ideas: Discover innovative ways to address community needs.
• Club Growth: Learn strategies for recruitment, retention, and revitalization.

This summit will reignite your passion for Lions and equip you with ideas to bring back to your club. When: February 14-16. Where: Hotel Marshfield, Marshfield, WI. Register by February 1. More information on the Wisconsin Lions website. Click here.

Let’s invest in our future together!

In Service,

Anne Madison

January 7, 2025

Good Afternoon Lions,

Dear Lions of C2,

Please share this email and appropriate attachments with your members. 😊

As we bid farewell to 2024 and step into a new year, my hope for all of us is to embrace every opportunity that comes our way. Lions hold a unique and powerful role—serving not only within our neighborhoods but extending our reach to the global community.

Our service matters because people matter.

Let’s approach 2025 with purpose and intention! Let’s come together to brainstorm fresh, creative ways to serve. Sometimes, the simplest acts—a warm smile or a kind word—can change someone’s life in profound ways. We've all heard stories of how small gestures of kindness have transformed lives.We can be that catalyst for change. We can lead as servants, with hearts full of compassion and hands ready to work. We are Lions. Let's continue making a difference!

Information and Action Items for Upcoming Opportunities – Check it Out

The Club Excellence Award is essential because it recognizes and promotes a club's commitment to exceptional service, effective leadership, and meaningful community impact.

Here's why it matters:

1. Showcasing Impact

• The award highlights the club’s accomplishments, demonstrating how its efforts create positive change in the community. This recognition enhances the club's reputation and showcases Lions’ dedication to service.

2. Driving Member Engagement

• Earning the award motivates current members by celebrating their contributions and commitment. It also inspires pride and a sense of achievement within the club.

3. Attracting New Members

• A club recognized for excellence becomes more appealing to prospective members. It signals that the club is active, well-organized, and making a difference.

4. Fostering Continuous Improvement

• The criteria for the award encourage clubs to focus on key areas like service, membership growth, leadership, and reporting. This framework promotes consistent improvement and operational excellence.

5. Enhancing Global Impact

• Recognized clubs contribute to Lions International's mission by setting high standards for service and effectiveness, furthering the organization's worldwide goals.
• By striving for and achieving the Club Excellence Award, clubs position themselves as leaders in service, inspiring others and ensuring lasting community benefits.

If you are already doing the work, be recognized for the work you do. If your club has never checked out Club Excellence, give it a look. Club Excellence criteria are basic club goals that we can all achieve.

Check out the Criteria and Resources HERE or see attached Club Excellence Award Application.

Attention Presidents, Secretaries, and Administrators:

Accurate service reporting is essential for showcasing the impact of your club’s projects. Remember to report your service activities in the portal. Crucially, ensure the "Report Complete" box is checked—otherwise, the report will remain in "Draft Mode" and won't count as completed.

If you've already logged service activities, take a moment to verify that they’re marked as completed. For assistance with logging into the portal or addressing reporting issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out. See the attached example for guidance.

Upcoming Training & Events:

District Guiding Lion Training

• When: February 1
• Where: Hazelhurst Community Center,
• Details: See the attached flyer for registration and training information.

Wisconsin Lions Summit

• When: February 14–16
• Guiding Lion Certification: February 17
• Where: Hotel Marshfield, 2700 S. Central Ave.
• Cost: $50 for the entire weekend (includes hospitality on Friday, Summit sessions on Saturday, and Guiding Lion Certification on Sunday).
  • $25 for Guiding Lion Certification only (Sunday).
• Registration and hotel booking details are in the attached form.

District Convention: Mark Your Calendar!

• When: April 11 & 12
• Where: Lake of the Torches, hosted by the Whittlesey Lions Club
• Theme: Tropical Luau on Friday night with food, games, and entertainment!
  Get ready to don your best Hawaiian attire—think grass skirts, flowered shirts, and coconut accessories! Join us for inspiration, learning, and fun. More information will follow in January.

MAHALO NUI LOA! ("Thank you very much" in Hawaiian.) For questions, contact District Convention Chair, PDG Greg Krug.

I am honored to serve with each of you. Let me know if I can do anything to help your club move forward in 2025.

Anne Madison

December 26, 2024

TO ALL LIONS AND GUEST OF 27 C2

Aloha and Mahalo

The Whittlesey Lions Club is hosting the 2025 convention at the Lake of the Torches April 11 and 12. Our International Director for the convention is Hans Neidhardt from Kansas.

December 19, 2024

December 6, 2024

In Memory of  
District Governor Kerrie Molter
It is with heavy hearts that we reflect on the life and extraordinary
service of our beloved District Governor, Kerrie Molter. Her untimely
passing leaves a void in our Lions community,  but  her  legacy  of  
leadership, compassion, and dedication will continue to inspire us.
Governor Molter embodied the Lions’ spirit, tirelessly championing
service projects that transformed lives and strengthened communities.
Her visionary leadership goals set up innovative programs to our
district, addressing critical needs while fostering a spirit of unity and
cooperation among all members. She had a natural ability to bring
out the best in those around her, encouraging Lions to embrace new
challenges and step confidently into roles of service.
Kerrie’s tenure as District Governor was marked by milestones of
growth and impact. Her commitment to empowering the underserved
and supporting humanitarian causes was a beacon for us all. She was
not just a leader but a mentor, friend, and role model who believed in
the power of kindness and action to change the world.
As we mourn her loss, we celebrate her remarkable achievements
and honor her memory by continuing the work she held dear. Let
us carry forward Kerrie Molter’s vision for our district with the same
passion and dedication she exemplified every day.

Rest in peace, Governor Molter. Your light will forever shine in our hearts and in the communities you touched.
Services for Kerrie will be held in the spring.

Lions Club Succession Planning: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

Change can be a challenge for some, while others embrace it wholeheartedly. As the American psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” In the Lions Club, change is not only inevitable but essential for its survival and growth, making succession planning a crucial element.

Succession planning is the process of identifying and preparing new leaders to take on key roles when current leaders complete their terms. While many Lions serve multiple terms effectively, bringing in fresh leadership at various levels ensures several key benefits:

1. Fostering Growth and Progress: New leadership signals that the club is evolving and moving forward. It creates a positive image of growth and keeps the organization dynamic and responsive to change.
2. Bringing Fresh Ideas and Creativity: New leaders introduce innovative ideas for club activities, operations, and service projects. This creativity not only keeps members engaged but also attracts community interest, amplifying the club’s impact and relevance.
3. Expanding Resources and Networks: Fresh leadership often comes with new connections and access to different resources. These new networks can introduce opportunities and foster valuable partnerships both within and beyond the Lions organization.
4. Reinvigorating Energy and Enthusiasm: A change in leadership revitalizes the club with fresh energy and enthusiasm, motivating members to stay active, attend events, and contribute their time—ensuring the club remains vibrant and thriving.

Succession planning is vital to the continued growth and success of the Lions Club. So, who in your club demonstrates leadership potential? Identify members who possess the skills, abilities, or interest in leadership roles. For those eager to learn more, resources like Lions Learn on the Portal and Club Officer Training courses are invaluable. These tools offer a comprehensive overview of officer responsibilities and help members prepare for future leadership.

The Lions Club also provides mentoring programs and leadership development training to cultivate new leaders. Taking on a leadership role is both a privilege and an opportunity for personal and professional growth, making a meaningful contribution to the Lions Club journey.

Successful succession planning is about empowering members, providing growth opportunities, and ensuring continuity. By doing so, we as Lions Clubs can keep our mission alive, thriving, and relevant for future generations.

As John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” Now is the time—step up and Make Your Mark in leadership!

DG Kerrie Molter