Why Partner With Prevent Child Abuse

by DG Noah Speer (2-S2)

Lions Clubs International was founded upon the concept of service to our communities. To this day a major focus is service that helps children  in some way. In Texas our shining example of course is the Texas Lions Camp. Lions throughout the state also serve youth by providing glasses, medical care, diabetes awareness, and fun activities for children like “beep Easter Egg hunts”.
On a world-wide effort we help control or eradicate measles and river blindness through distribution of medicine. The key though is “We  Serve”. As I have visited clubs, the single driving force to attract and retain members is that of service. Last year, IP Joe Preston challenged us to “Strengthen the Pride (Lions) through service”.  I firmly believe that by identifying areas of need within their area, clubs offer opportunities for men and women to join in service through membership in local Lions Clubs.

So let’s look at one area within our state that clubs could “Strengthen our Pride”. Back in the early 1970’s my wife (Pat) and I were foster  parents for 3 years. Children were placed in our home in that period from anywhere to 2 days to 2 ½ years. They came from homes that under  any definition were ones of child neglect or abuse. Prevent Child Abuse Texas (PCATX) is a statewide non-profit organization working to prevent child abuse and neglect in all its forms throughout Texas. The 2015-16 Council of Governors has moved to partner with PCATX by requesting each club in Texas to have an event, a program or a project that supports the goal of PCATX to prevent child abuse and neglect in all its forms throughout Texas in the month of April 2016.

Going back to my belief of service leads to membership growth, I would recommend that clubs use these events to publicize their clubs and provide information for membership. The Council will be working to get statewide publicity for Lions in partnership with PCATX. Serve first, but  also let people know what you do and why you serve. Then offer membership in Lions for others also interested in serving. Why partner? It’s a win-win for all of us!