Have you recognized your Leos lately?

August is declared as the Global Youth Month by LCI, with the International UN Youth Day held on the 12th of August! I remember writing something about steps to organize events with your Leos or perhaps other youths in your region or zone? Past International Director Ellis Suriyati once said, "Success is not defined as what you have achieved...It is what your successors can do when they are on their own, and how they could maintain your legacy or in fact, even do better than you!" True words of wisdom from someone whom I respect since my Leo days sometime back. Probably this is the reason why PID has been climbing the "Lionistic Hierarchy" ladder since she was a DG. 

It is true. Our youths today might have a different view point from our methods today. Their methods of doing things, their mentality, energy, view points and enthusiasm sometimes exceed the expectation of a fellow Lion. At times, with their fire building up, we may have the option of either shut them down by clipping their wings, or we go with the flow, and monitor their progress. Have you ever used this phrase before... 

  

"When I was younger, I certainly didn't do it like you!"

"There is no such nonsence during my time"

"Don't do this"

"You have no rights to say that. I demand an apology from you now!"

Sometimes, if we sit down and listen to them.. perhaps we might be able to even learn a trick or two from them. No kidding!

If your Lions Club sponsors a Leo Club, have you ever thought about giving them some forms of recognition via speeches, blogs, Club awards etc? With the advancement of the internet, youths today are exposed to more elements of lifestyles, management, skills, thoughts, opinions and may be more vocal than you think (or you used to be). 

There was a senior Lion who has been a Leo Advisor for ages... told me that at times he just can't cope with the younger generation as they are so energetic and fiery! So I asked him what was his remedy to keep track of the activities done by the Leos. He said, "Well, it's simple. I opened up a Facebook account!" He laughed. Then, he continued, "I may be in my 50's, but I ain't old. As long as we keep our minds young, fresh and open-minded... we'll live a better life, and even get more respect from the kids"

The Leo Advisor, who chose to remain anonymous, added that he even went to the extend of watching Lady Gaga and Britney Spears music videos on youtube.com just to know what this "Gaga" phenomenon is all about! (If you do not know who is Lady Gaga, well... she ain't Teresa Teng!) I was shocked personally! Gaga has never been my favourite and I probably might have just watched once. As the District Chairperson for Leo Clubs, I felt so honoured to have been able to talk to this Leo Advisor. He gave me an inspiration to go on doing what I do.

Well, for those of you who would like to tap into your young ones, do you know  that Lions Clubs International recognizes both the Lions Club and its sponsored Leo Clubs for activities that are carried out together? Click here for the form. You may download this form after your project, fill it up and send it directly to LCI office. You'll get a patch for that effort. Zone Chairperson Alan Cheah, in his term as President, organized a joint project with their Leo Club, Leo Club of George Town Mutiara, and received a special patch from LCI for their efforts!

In addition to that, if your Sponsoring Lions Clubs guide a Leo Club in organizing a mega scale project, you may even submit the project for the Beacon Award! As long as we Serve with Passion, treat the young ones as a source for creativity & energy... we might just bring the LION out in them!

"Serve with Passion"

Lion Alan Thoo

B2 Passion Editor