Promoting the New Dues Adjustment Resolution at District/MD Conventions
International Board of Directors Approves Revised Dues Adjustment Resolution
Dear Lion Leader,
Lions Clubs International supports clubs and members around the world so we can advance our global mission of service together. Our international support and the work of Lions Clubs International is fueled by the international dues of our incredible members.
In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that the services Lions Clubs International has been able to provide to members with the available budget is no longer in line with what Lions need and expect.
The International Board of Directors voted in October 2019 to approve an international dues adjustment resolution that would be voted on at the 2020 International Convention, but it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The board recently approved a new dues adjustment model that will be voted on at the 2021 International Convention.
The Board of Directors undertook an extensive review of Lions Clubs International’s financials, including the implementation of substantial budget reductions. After much consideration, the board proposed to adjust dues by $7 over a three-year period.
Under the proposal, international dues would be adjusted according to the following schedule:
- $3 increase on July 1, 2022
- $2 increase on July 1, 2023
- $2 increase on July 1, 2024
Why an international dues adjustment is needed
We realize the association has been reluctant to adjust dues over the years, and we have not adjusted international dues since 2011. The proposed adjustment will help cover our costs and allow us to suitably serve our members’ needs. With that said, the Board of Directors did not take this issue lightly, nor are we minimizing the value of each dollar that our members contribute.
As we consider this dues adjustment, it is essential that we keep in mind that our global efforts and initiatives support more than 1.4 million members in 50,000 clubs around the world. Through the support of staff, we are able to serve globally on the level that we do, keeping members and clubs fully supported with service resources, training events and software, club operational support, international meetings, language services, technology, Foundation support, leadership support, and everything else we have come to expect as Lions.
A dues adjustment will allow Lions Clubs International to provide improved support to Lions and to continue to invest in improving programs and digital products such as our website and MyLion. It will also allow us to invest in new programs such as the Learning Management System (LMS), development of new curriculum such as digital literacy, training videos, global advertising, marketing automation, digital and video storytelling and others tools and initiatives that will enhance our impact, our brand and our membership.
Why your help is needed
Essentially, we have to decide whether or not we want Lions Clubs International to continue to grow and thrive. Lions is more than a way of life. It’s also an investment of money, time, energy and passion. As with any good investment, the more we put in, the more returns we see.
We need you to help our members and leaders understand why this adjustment is needed. We have developed an international dues adjustment FAQ and PPT to help you present it to your Lions.
I hope that you will see this adjustment as we do: as an investment in the future of Lions. Through your support, we can ensure that Lions are positioned for success in the future.
Regards,
Dr. Jung-Yul Choi
International President