Formation of Leo District

[Vincent]

Dear Lions MD 308,

What is the Lions opinion on the proposal to form a Leo District?

Leo Vincent

[amn1717]

A Leo District is a good idea to help coordinate Leo activities and to desseminate information when the sponsoring Lions don't. However, there is always the other side to consider.

Leos are activities of the Lions club for young people. As such, it is entire the Lions club's responsibility to assist, guide and control the Leos. No other Lions club or person has the right to instruct or supercede this without permission from the sponsoring club, even LCI, DG or DC-Leo. However, if a Lions club cannot perform this duty, then it should close the Leo club (or if possible, transfer the Leo club to another Lions club which can).

There is also the risk of misperception by Leos that the Leo officers of a Leo District is more "powerful" or "authoritative" than the sponsoring Lions club. The Leo officers also may assume "superiority" when dealing with Leos. Protocol is already a sensitive issue when not followed, especially by Leos. All these will create confusion and unhappiness. Remember that one of the Lions objects is to unite the clubs. I fear the negative impact will only cause disunity.

There is no way to control this effectively so there will always be objections to a Leo District.

Meanwhile the DC-Leo and his respective DC-Leo in the Regions, if they perform their duties and know their limitations, helps to fill any vacuum should a sponsoring Lions club and their Leo Advisors fail to work. It is not easy but the best solution we have at the moment.

[nicseow]

It is indeed a good idea for a Leo District.

But we need to consider the sustainability and continuity of a Leo District.

As you are aware that Leos are automatically out after 28 years old and maybe they may or may not join the Lions.

Leos may move to another state or country for studies and the actual number of years that they remain in a Club is average 2 years (especially Omegas) if they choose to study abroad.

There are number of Omega Leo Clubs that comes and goes, and the Lions Clubs are having difficulty to retent the Omega Leos and some even choose not to sponsor any Omega Leo Clubs.

The question is always goes back to the sponsoring Lions Clubs, are they committed and supportive enough for it?

[Vincent]

Ya, you are right. But isn't that the Sponsoring Lions District have the authority of all the policy by the Leo District? Because i have seen the Standard Leo District Constitution and i get many information from other district.

[amn1717]

There are policies and terms of authority. But like any law created, there will be people who will break it. Just because the speed limit is 110kph, why do people still exceed it, knowing a fine is RM300. So, better not have roads! Haha!

[Vincent]

oh..haha..yes... human beings are like that. Maybe i should suggest to the Cabinet and try it and see... hope the 308 Leos can be unite...

[summerboy_pg]

Hmmm, a Leo District ? Interesting. I think they already have that in other Districts of other countries. This caught my eyes, as I had a similar focus on this but not at a 'District' level status as yet. After a decade and a half, I've been "off the records" been discussing this idea of mine for those who care or pretend to be interested (??!)..and nodding their heads in agreement to my theory but feeling I should quickly finish off so that they can get back to their food or drinks !! hahaha.

Anyway, I have often noticed with dismay each new term, the Omega Clubs having great 'difficulty' in either retaining their previous term's members or recruiting new people. And then, there's the 'illegal' move towards other Lions-spnsored Alpha Leo Clubs trying to influence them to join up with their Omega Club when the School "stop" them from continuing in the Alpha club, due to "Exam Year". This is especially so, during the Form 5 term. It has been a common practice to have 'students below 18yrs old' inducting into the Omega Club. They have to resort to this because, if they do not-other Omega Clubs will grab them away anyway.....When I was the RCC for Leo Clubs in my Region, I had calls from the School Headmistress or the Faculty Advisors coplaining about 'Outsider Leo Members' coming into their schools on the pretex of discussing Projects but in reality was actually recruiting them to join into their Omega Clubs, with lots of reward promises return if the students join their Omega club.

Basically, the main problem here is Omega Clubs are having great difficulty recruiting potential leo members, other than Alpha leos. Ok, ...on with my proposal:>>>> If given the wish, I would like to 'deregister' all existing Omega Leo Clubs in my Region and form just One (1) Major Omega Leo Club.
Example, like "The Omega Leo Club of Penang Region" This means that all current Omega members will just belong to one main Omega Club.This could be sponsored by some or all the Lions Clubs in this particular Region. And One or
Two or even Three Lions-leo advisors could be proposed or voted into the posts.
Like in a case of a Region Chairman looking generally overall the clubs in that Region, but the Omega Leos running their self administration of their club.

There are so many advantages which outweigh the problems in having only One Omega Club in the Region. Usually, during the normal club or project organising meetings, you find the number of members attending disheartening. Look at your own club-- huge membership number, but how many are actually active or committed at all....it's more of a case of Quantity than Quality. Often you find the current President doing the work of the Secretary. Sometimes even, the Secretary have to do the work of the President !!! The chinese saying : Covering the Mountain and covering the Sea as applied in this cases.
Then when the nomination and election agenda is on, alamak...have to do so much persuasion to member to become the next President...or else, the current one will have to continue another term...!!!
Each new term, there's no worry about getting new members to become an Omega Leo...the Alpha on graduation if still interested, has no other club to join in except the one and only Omega Leo Club existing in his/her Region. And been one and only Omega Club, it will be a prestige and a strong club to voice out their opinions when it comes to changes...And who wouldn't want to be a President of such a huge and only existing Omega club...? why, there will be members clamouring to be the next President or being in the BOD set-up. Think about it...
History has revealed to us that been One has so much benefits...China and her history of individual-ruled provinces, the various political parties under One banner of the Barisan,....so much can be achieved...if all unite under one flag.

Aiyah, maybe this is just a wild dream of a foolish old lion. It won't materialise,and will not get the chance to take off to experiment it out...It will not happen as long as the Sponsoring Lions Clubs stop their leos from Growing and be adventurous.Sometimes I do wonder, if the Lions wanted their leos for themselves or to help their leos to become a better Man, in each own rights....
As a father, I learn sometimes it's better to let go of your children to find their path to manhood...learning through experiences and pains.
Thank you for reading till the end of this. If you still have vague ideas what I'm trying to sound out, c'mon over for a cup of tea/coffee or a beer if you're old enuf,and we can discuss my theory.....It's an interesting thought.

~ Summer King.

[amn1717]

Ya Summer King, I'll take you up on the tea/coffee but not the beer though I am old enough! Haha!

[nicseow]

amn1717...is everyone in this Board is invited for a beer session?

For those under aged, you can join us to have Root Beer too....no worries...

[amn1717]

For some ppl, beer is good for health... cooling and vegetarian! Have to ask Summer King if he is treating everyone on the forum to beer (root and other kinds, of course!)

[summerboy_pg]

..Sure, as long we can hv a relaxing think-tank time to discuss over Leo matters.
Tell you what, I'll even switch the beverage beer offer to a more healthier drink, i.e. Red Wine. Yes, it's a health drink. I'm one of the unofficial spokeman for a private hospital here as a witness to what red wine drinking has done to my cholesterol level of 7.2+ down to an ave. of 5.2 *(plus or minus) constantly for the past 4/5 years. And I didn't hv to give up fatty food too. I drink a glass or two occasionally and my blood tests have shown traces of the red wine chemical ingredients known to 'reduce' away the bad stuff.
Unfortunately, the Hospital concerned are not permitted to 'voice' this finding out due to regulations or some legal tie-down ethics being a health body.

Anyway, back to the Leos Matter....like I said over n over...the District must hv good committed Lion-leo Advisors, who know their roles well. And The leos should carried out their services becos they want to do it, becos they love to do it, becos they want to give something back to their community...and Not becos they are doing it for the sake of getting points earned for the term-end awards. Sure, it's very nice to receive 'appreciation recognisation' for the actual worthwhile services done.
But, as you can probably noticed....it's the awards most leos are aiming for when they carried out a project. Tell me if I'm wrong on this theory.
Maybe,the District should reconsider about the Leo Clubs or Advisors sending in their Awards Application for each term. Forgive me, but there hv been so many cases their reports are so "make-up" and even had 'additional flavouring'. To make matter worse, some Advisors would go along with these and even hv the nerves to make strong recommendations attesting that what was reported as truth !!...This is more so, as they know that when their leo club does well, the advisor would get an award too...and the sponsoring Lions Club can also claim what a great job they hv been doing for their leos !!! C'mon....you expect us to really really really believe this ?? I've said before : You can fool some people some of the time or all the time, and all the people some of the time...But all the people ALL the time ??
Ha-ha-ha !! One would be a great politician then.

I don't think having a Leo Dist., would be solving whatever problems in the long run ...if we do not start at the very beginning of the never ending story, i.e. Good knowledgable committed Advisors who know their roles. It would be extremely very difficult to 'locate' such advisors....( pity.., I'm getting on in age or I'll help you look for one.) But they do exist in our District. Rare, yes...and they are a dying lot. ...somehow, if no one takes the first daring step we'll never begin our long journey ahead.....and we'll never know how it will end in our lifetime.

~ Summer King ~

[wnka86]

Dear summerboy_pg,

Yes, I would agree with your idea in forming One Omega Leo Club. Have you thought of the consequences of One Omega Leo Club?

1) Commitment - Can all Leos commit themself to that particular one Leo Club. It might draw a total number of members up to 100 or more Leos. Leos come and go as everyone knows about it.

2) Combining all Omega Leo Clubs into one will eventually make the membership smaller. Imagine in Penang, they have Penang Mainland & Penang Island, will the Leos from Penang Mainland travel to Penang Island for meeting and vice versa. Put into the shoes of the Leos in Selangor, will the Leos from Banting or even Klang travel by KTM or any public transport or they drive themself for approx. 30-45 minutes to come to Petaling Jaya for meeting or vice versa? This is hard to predict and this is the biggest problem most Leos are facing in Selangor here today. As an Alpha & Omega Leo, I've been in the Leo movement for approximately 7 years already & I totally understand the problem facing by the Leos here. I've to chauffer many Leos around from near & far for meetings because of the distance or they have no transport at all.

3) By combining Omega Leo Clubs, political problems will arise on who should accend to the throne of the Founder President. This everyone will know that politics happen everywhere today even in very small groups. The bigger the group is, the many headaches will arise as too many ideas to approve. A may suggest this & B will suggest that till Z, you will have a total of 26 ideas to choose from. If the majority chooses A's decision, some might not be happy because of it. As for me, I would rather to have a smaller Leo Club compare to a BIG & Autocrative Leo Club though I understand that the more people, the more things can be done within a short period of time. Think of the consequences.

Well this are the consequences that I think it may be cause a little problem to our Leo Club. I would still think that remaining all Omega Leo Clubs are still the best. It depends on the alertness and the Lions Club if they are responsible and caring enough for their Leo Club or to maintain their existing sponsoring Leo Clubs. WELL, THIS IS JUST MY IDEA & MY RESPONSE ON THE INEFFECTIVENESS OF IMPLEMENTING THE IDEA OF ONE OMEGA LEO CLUB FOR EACH REGION. YOU MAY OR MAY NOT AGREE ON MY IDEA. I HOPE TO RECEIVE REPLIES ON MY IDEA BUT I AM NOT HERE FOR CRITICISM ON ANYONE'S IDEA. PLEASE BEAR IN MIND. THANK YOU.

~ An Omega Leo from Selangor ~

[Simpsonchng]

Erm........just wanna to share my view here. If you said so, how about Lioness club? why they can but Leos cant? ok.......think about it, selangor leo!! then will look forward your reply ok thanks

[summerboy_pg]

No worries here, matey ! This is good. No one is against nor for to anyone's view.
This is what we want - views and opinions of those who have a care for the leo existence. There're not many of us who spare some thoughts or feelings abt. the leo programme.
Your examples of what may happen if there's just an Omega club in Penang is good study case. Maybe we should consider having two- one on the mainland and one on the Island....anyway, I've known quite a number of Leos from BM and B'worth who are members with the Omega leo clubs on the Island !!

There hv been some feedbacks on this matter...some of the sponsoring Lions Clubs are not that willing to give up their 'control' over their leo clubs. They may not have much care abt the clubs but they do need them for various reasons which I'm sure some of the leos know why....

As for the Leos'commitment to one Main Club..?? and who should be the top gun?
well,you are probably right....there will still be those who wants it all and not willing to sacrifice for the cause of maintaining the leos existence with a meaning....
Maybe,..yes maybe it's not that 'Time' to be as One yet. They have not reach that level of total commitment or a caring standard enough to come and work as One at this time. ... maybe not now, maybe it will be so in the future....

If this solution or theory can be put into running...I guess there wouldn't be any more fightings, bombings, killings..etc all over the world. It was an oversight on my part....the same situation's trouble is similar somewhat to all the nations problems around....They cannot be as One under the United Nations flag, and I did not think the leos could not do so too... It was a dream ...an illusion. Yes, as long as there're selfishness and ego, no one would like to see everyone working united as One....it might spoilt the chance for the would-be King to do it their own way !! Be it Leos or Lions or Lioness, the behavior and attitudes of some are similar...
It's always "Me, Me,Me" and "Me'...
Again, I can say it...there aren't many of US left around and I doubt it if more can be found in the future if it remains this bleak...Experience may not count much, but the Facts and Findings revealed the true story...and if we do not Change, it will only get worse....already, if one takes careful notes the rot has already set in or have we turn our eyes away ? maybe someone can give me the the true honorable reason why he or she becomes a leo members....I've heard it all, I've seen it all and the facts are there- be it One main Omega Club or a hundred or even a thousands....if you are not a LEO in the true sense, you are Not.."How can others continue to live, if some refused to sacrifice... Alas Man is Not God....And what should the God do now...?" ( socrates)....We grow,yet we change not. Then have we grown..?hmmmmm,

[wnka86]

Refering to Simpson's post, yes you are absolutely right that the Lioness can come to the solution. They are practically adults for most of them (or even majority). They have permanent jobs. They have the time (for some housewives or working ladies might have the time they ever wanted at night if they are free). Lioness need not to worry as they can co-operate among themselves (omit the politic side).

As for the Leo, Leos are young in their 20's and some are still intent (for as young as 17 years old after they stepped down from their high school's club). Their mind may not be mature for some of them. The idea of integration might not have been achieve at this stage of life. I have known many Leos throughout my life, they still can't co-operate with their own club, what's more if One Club being establish. Of course we must not have the mind that after forming into One Club, I belong to A Club and he belongs to B Club and she belongs to C Club. They are all under one roof. Not many of them ever thought of that. Perhaps, you have your other point of view on this matter?

I have done twinning project with a few International Leo Clubs. I'm awe with their co-operation. Let me give you an example, Leo Majula from Multiple District 306, Sri Lanka, he was the MD 306 Leo President from the year 2003/2004. I have been exchanging ideas with him since he was the District President 306C in 2002/2003. We worked very closely & I had a chance to go to Sri Lanka for their International Youth Camp. I was stunned to see the whole of Sri Lanka Leos co-operate among themselves without setting borders among Districts. If Leos in Malaysia can think about that, we will not have problems in forming Leo Districts 308 A1, A2, B1 & B2 or even Leo Multiple District 308.

Well, there is no right or wrong in this situation. I am contributing on what I myself think is right. If I am given a chance, I would like to bring this matter up to the Lions in the Multiple District during the 45th Annual Convention 2006 in Singapore. Not sure if I am able to go or not (my parents will not sponsor me for sure...hahaha).

Anyway, I enjoy reading the replies here. Take care everyone. To Leo Vincent Khor. concentrate on your SPM 2005 for now. Good luck & Party to the fullest with all the Leos, Lions and the Lionesses after your SPM 2005.