July 14, 2016

We are starting a new Lions' year that I know will be filled with challenges, as well as many accomplishments. I am sure you all will join me to look forward to the year with great excitement; ready to meet those challenges and celebrate the accomplishments.

 

In late June Annette and I traveled to Japan for my District Governor Elect training and the International Convention. While I was there I forged some new friendships with fellow DGE's from around the World. It was interesting to talk with them and find we face many of the same challenges but how there are many ways to work through those challenges.

Of course a big part of the training was to be enlightened on the new International President, Chancellor Bob Corlew's theme for the 2016-2017 Lions' year."New Mountains to Climb." President Corlew hails from Tennessee and they are known for the Smokey Mountains, but nothing as magnificent as our own Rockies!  Since Colorado has 54 mountains that are over 14,000 feet high I feel Lions members of Colorado know how to climb mountains; we will be successful in climbing each mountain we face this year.

The Centennial Challenge continues through June 2018 and as of June 16, 2016 Lions around the world have helped  over 90 million people. 30 million in the area of Engaging Youth, 25.5 million in Protecting the Environment, 14.5 million Sharing the Vision (interesting it is the smallest amount yet we are" Knights of the Blind"), and 19.5 million Reliving Hunger. These numbers are with only 59% of Lions Clubs around the world engaged in the activity. My theme I chose for this year is "Together We Succeed." I firmly believe if we all work together towards a common goal we will succeed!

We have a challenge set out by the International President to have every member in our District sign the Centennial Banner that was given to me in Fukuoka. Next year , at the International Convention in Chicago, 1st VDG John Ballagh will present 6 West signed banner. Colorado again knows about centennial as we are known as the "Centennial State" having become a state  August 1, 1876 100 years after the United States declared their independence. So we have so much going for us this year! With that said we will have one state convention in May of 2017 celebrating the Lions Centennial. Plan nopw on attending.

What are some of the District Challenges? We have several communities that currently do not have a Lions Club to assist their community. Even some of the communities that are served by a Lions Club they need more help to reach even more individuals. LCI has stated that each lion touches 50 individuals. If we wish to reach more individuals in the four Centennial areas we need more help.

Lions Clubs International Foundation continues to help people around the world. Since its inception LCI has provided over 12,000 grants totaling nearly 1 billion US dollars to help  those who need it. Starting this year all donations made towards contributing member pin can apply towards a Melvin Jones Fellowship.  

Important upcoming dates to remember are:

MD 6 Leadership Institute September 23-25, 20-16 at the Colorado Lions Camp, application deadline is September 1, 2016

USA / Canada Forum September 15-17, 2016 Omaha, Nebraska

This  year will pass quickly and will be a memory soon. I strongly recommend to those who have a passion about an specific area to get involved in that area. Whether it is LCIF, KidSight or any other area get involved at the Club, District or Multiple District level. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing you made a difference in someone else's life.

Just remember what Melvin Jones said nearly 100 years ago "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else."

I thank everyone in 6 West for all the hard work they do for their communities and Lions worldwide. As your District Governor  I am here for each and every one of you at anytime you need me!

Respectfully submitted,

Dennis M. Pulley

District Governor

MD 6 West 2016-2017

970-227-9619

pulleyd1953@gmail.com

Lions Clubs International News
Connect with Us Online