Youth Portfolio reports to Convention 2024
Youth Team - PID Phil Nathan
I am pleased to present the second report of the Youth Review to Convention.
The review team members are PID Phil Nathan (Chair), Philip Goodier (Secretary), Richard Allen (105SW), Richard Morris (105CE), Susie Morris (105CE) and Alastair Joel (District 105A).
THE NEED FOR AND BENEFITS OF LIONS' YOUTH PROGRAMMES
Our research suggests that by the time a child turns 18, they will have spent just 9% of their waking life in a classroom. Our Youth programmes can help young people make the most of the remaining 91%.
Research shows that participation in extra-curricular activities can positively impact on attainment, increase a pupil's positive identification, build self-confidence and resilience. Research also shows that children that do not have access to these opportunities fall behind, lack confidence, and fail to develop career aspirations. The resulting attainment gap is so significant that 25% of children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds achieve below expected attainment levels.
Background
Council 2022-23 recognised that we do not have a cohesive plan for our youth programme and that some programmes have not developed over the past few years. Council 2023-24 approved a 5-year programme to develop a new way forward for our youth programme.
There is genuine consensus across the MD that we have good youth programmes, but, participation has fallen and there does not seem to be an integrated approach.
'Youth' are an essential part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Vision
The primary goal of "Changing Tomorrow, Today" is to foster growth and rejuvenate the Lions Clubs in the UK. By embracing our robust youth programmes, we aim to inspire a new generation of leaders and community service advocates. Meeting the parents will be key to this initiative's success.
Mission 1.5 is the key driver for the Association. An attractive and engaging youth programme, presented in a structured manner, will deliver Club Branches and new members thereby assisting the Multiple District achieve its Mission 1.5 targets, but, more importantly, enable our Association to serve a larger community and be recognised and respected for that.
In addition, our youth programmes can play a significant role in achieving 'Challenge10K', our membership campaign to restore membership levels to 10,000 across the Multiple District which will, in turn, contribute towards Mission 1.5.
Key Components of the Initiative
1. Engagement and Empowerment: as a Multiple District we have developed exceptional youth programmes designed to engage, recognise and empower young people and enthral parents. In 2024 a questionnaire was circulated to approx. 30% of Clubs in the Multiple District; the results from that questionnaire showed that Clubs support the continuation of the programmes, but that there had been a lack of communication over recent years leading to fall off in knowledge and understanding.
**Focus Areas**: Personal growth, leadership development, and community service.
2. Presentation evening: having built a relationship with schools and teachers through involvement in one or more of our youth programmes, the presentation evening is an opportunity to engage with and develop a relationship with parents, local media and civic leaders.
Introduce Lions to age groups we seem not to be to access readily. If used wisely could revitalise members hands on service, base around Vision Screening but include Peace Poster, Lifeskills, YLIS, Young Ambassador, Leo's, ROAR and Wild Tribe books to emphasise environmental issues. Address Headteachers Groups but match schools with Clubs. MIAB presentation for parents/grandparents with medical conditions.
Community and Media Engagement:
**Service Partnership**: Lions to children, schools, and parents.
**Recognition**: Engage with community civic leaders and media for broader recognition.
**Exportable Tool**: This initiative can serve as a model for other nations.
2. Training and Development: prior to the full launch, we will conduct comprehensive training across the multiple district, engage in trial events with Clubs, evaluate the results and fine tune the implementation programme. The timeline is set for the second half of 2025 once schools have returned from their summer holiday.
**Preparedness**: ensuring all members are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully implement the initiative.
3. Collaboration with GET: we will collaborate with GET to enhance our efforts in forming branch clubs.
**Resources and Support**: This partnership will provide additional resources and support, making the expansion process more efficient and effective.
Current Position
a. 'How to …' guides have been received from the respective Multiple District Officers, reviewed for consistency of approach and will be incorporated into the Review publication 'Changing Tomorrow Today'.
b. As requested by Council, the booklet is to be produced in loose leaf format so that it remains a live document and can be amended by the replacement of individual pages rather than a full reprint. Each page will be version controlled for accuracy. A flip book is being designed and developed for simultaneous distribution.
c. The text and images are currently with our graphic designer, who has undertaken the design and layout work to date, so that they can be formatted for an A5 loose-leaf binder as opposed to an A4 booklet.
d. Short promotional videos are being developed by Lion Rich Morris.
e. Templates, in the form of guidance notes, have been developed and will be made available to all Clubs. sed correctly, there will be opportunities to form Club Branches at parent's evenings; this will again contribute to Mission 1.5 targets and Lions service opportunities.
Outcomes
The Team has already made several recommendations to Council which have been accepted and are being implemented.
Future Work
a. Leo Clubs - We are aware that, in some countries, Leo Clubs have been formed using the term 'Leo Cubs' with members at a younger age. With the lower age for YLIS participation now 8, we will research with the MD Leo Officer the possibility of forming community or school-based, Alpha, Leo Clubs with members up to 12 years of age.
b. Communication - Whilst our Officers are knowledgeable on their youth disciplines, they may not be skilled in putting articles together and would need help on technology to get articles on various mediums to put the word out. We believe that a youth newsletter, in the same way as we do the international convention newsletter, will be beneficial in keeping Clubs and members aware. Bringing back the logo mascot we used to have for Lions opportunities for youth will improve youth branding. There will be liaison with the MD Opportunities for Youth Lead 2025-2026.
c. Communication – our conversations and meetings with the MD Youth Officers reveals that they are essentially working in 'silos'. There is little, if any, interaction between the various Officers and they are not able to cross promote the various projects.
d. Our work has enquired into the Handover between MD Officers and how good is it?
There is an absolute need for effective, efficient handovers to take place between Multiple District Officer in all disciplines. Whilst we can't change past practices, we need to learn from them and move on.
Summary
This is a five-year project; however, I am delighted by the positive start and wish to thank all members of the Team for their contributions.
We are excited about the opportunities that **Changing Tomorrow, Today** presents. This initiative is a significant step forward in ensuring the growth and sustainability of Lions Clubs in the UK. We invite all members to embrace this vision and actively participate in the training and implementation process.
**Changing Tomorrow, Today** is more than just a concept; it is a commitment to the future of Lions Clubs in the UK and our young people. By working together and embracing innovative youth programmes, we can achieve our goals and make a lasting impact on our communities. Watch this space for more updates and get ready to be part of this exciting journey.
I acknowledge with grateful thanks the support and work of all youth leads and especially the youth review team.
Young Leaders In Service - Lion Colin Marsh
Once again, an increase in the number of clubs participating albeit a very small one. At the date of writing the number of clubs, this year, stands at 29 – only 5.4%. Having said that, a total of 313 certificates have been issued.
The results of changes made to YLiS over the past couple of years are now coming through. The introduction of the "Platinum" award has, since February 2024 produced 23 recipients. The number of participants requesting "intermediate" certificates during their twelve months of service is on the increase, although the majority continue to request just the one at the end of their twelve month period.
Whilst an easy youth project to participate in, at minimal cost, only a very small percentage of clubs, as mentioned above, participate. I would encourage all clubs to consider seeking out local youth organisations, or individuals, who might benefit from this project. Many Young Ambassador candidates are found through YLiS.
In taking part in Young Leaders in Service young people experience the rewards of giving service to their community, become involved with local Lions and Leos, make new friends and find new interests, as well as having the opportunity to enhance their C.V. Besides the benefits to the young people themselves, Lions will experience the rewards of supporting them, gain publicity from YLiS activities thereby increasing the profile of Lions in their community and, possibly, identify potential new members.
A change in producing the awards took place several months ago when my printer suffered a malfunction. National HQ came to my rescue, and whilst I still maintain the records, and carry out the routine administration, the awards are now dispatched from HQ. My thanks to them.
A big thankyou must go to all YLiS District Officers, and all participating clubs. I look forward to receiving those certificate requests.
Finally, please take the opportunity to visit the Youth Display Stands, and please seek me out if you have any questions or queries regarding YLiS.
Young Ambassador - Lion Paul Murphy
1. Brief details of progress since last report:
- A huge thank you to Lion Sally Marsh for her help and guidance as I took over the role at the start of this Lions year.
- Our Young Ambassador weekend happened and was a huge success, with many positives!
- We had a candidate from each district, which was fantastic!
- Please take a look at the YA Facebook page for photos of the whole weekend, including the candidate introductions and their inflatable instruments!
- Having made changes to the format of the Sunday morning, including a musical performance by Youth Onstage, I am pleased to report that I have received many positive comments and some valuable ideas for improvement, which will be acted upon for next year's event.
- A huge thank you to our District Officers for all their hard work, before, during and after the event!
- A huge thank you also to the MD Foundation for their financial support for the weekend – as I said on the Sunday morning, the power of £6 is immense when you consider how much good is being done by the young ambassadors we were there to celebrate.
- Our winner was Shelby Robinson, sponsored by Goole Lions Club and the Shipshape award was presented to Charlie Vasse, sponsored by Jersey Lions Club. I'm pleased to say that all attendees at MD Convention will meet Shelby and learn about her project on the Sunday morning of the convention weekend.
- The Village Hotel, Dudley is booked for next year's event – the date for your diary is: 20th February to Sunday 22nd February – if you can't attend the whole weekend, please make attending on the Sunday a priority – as it will really confirm why we do what we do!
2. Proposals or decisions:
None
Plans /Objectives going forward
Having spoken to Lion Robyn Banks about GDPR implications and having discussed with Lion Sally Marsh, European YA Lead, I will move forward with creating a Microsoft/google form application form. I hope to do this by the end of this Lions' year, so it can be tested and implemented for 2025-2026.
Youth Exchange - PCC Philip Goodier
TO CREATE and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.
1. Background
Fact: the state of the Youth Exchange programme in MD105 in July 2024 when I was appointed was a disgrace and an embarrassment.
Following my appointment, I had several conversations with PDG Doreen Allen, the MD Youth Portfolio Lead, and we agreed that I would, effectively, be building the MD Youth Exchange programme from scratch.
Before applying for the Youth Exchange Officer position, I made enquiry as to what resources were available; 'not much' was the consensus and that was being generous!
For very many years MD105 had an enviable reputation as the provider of an excellent youth camp and associated hosting; in addition, Clubs throughout the MD invited and sponsored young people in their communities to participate in youth camps & youth hosting overseas.
It used to be that our youth camp was over-subscribed, but we had a ready pool of experienced Lions willing to participate in family hosting, so those applicants not selected for the Youth Camp had the opportunity of being hosted in different parts of the country. We used to be strong enough to offer family hosting over Christmas & New Year to youth exchange participants from Australia & New Zealand.
Over the past few years and especially post-covid, that has all been lost. Our youth camp programme was operating on a hand-to-mouth basis, there were no camps planned beyond 2024. We have lost 'host families' and they have not been replaced and very few Clubs sponsor young people in their communities to attend camps overseas.
We had become the poor relation: in 2024, MD103 France, hosted no fewer than nine youth camps.
There was an almost total lack of knowledge and understanding about what is one of the Association's greatest programmes.
2. Progress
I have developed pages for the MD website and they are being updated.
I drafted the original 'Guide to Hosting' in 1997, I know it was reviewed in 2003/4 and I believe it was reviewed at least once subsequently. After that the trail goes cold, if not icy! I had to start from scratch and develop a new Guide to Hosting, which is now available.
As an MD we are not good at retaining a library of reference documents. Liaising with the MD Youth Lead, PDG Doreen Allen, she made the following comment on reading the Guide to Hosting:
I am certain had there been a document like this available at the start of this year's process then the bid to host and proposed budget would have been much easier to facilitate. PDG Doreen Allen - June 2024.
3. Current Situation
The Multiple District should be grateful to District A for taking on the challenge of the 2024 Youth Camp and associated family hosting; without their efforts it is quite possible that the Youth Exchange programme in MD105 would have totally collapsed.
I attended the Youth Exchange meetings at the Europa Forum in Bordeaux.
I sincerely thank District A, who, having hosted the 2024 Camp more than stepped up and agreed to host the 2025 MD Youth Camp at the Royal Masonic School in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire between the 11th & 21st August. A programme of activities has been developed for the 10 days of the Camp that includes free time, team building and Service activities.
3.a Inbound Exchange
There are, as at 31st March, 27 applications from 19 nationalities. The gender mix is 21 female: 6 male and includes 3 Leos and ages range between 18 & 22.
Participants will arrive & depart from London Heathrow and will be welcomed by the Host Committee. Onward transport to Host families will be arranged.
There are currently, as at 31st March, only 5 family hosts in place. There is an urgent need for additional host families.
3.b Outbound Exchange
For many years MD105 used to send 50+ youths outbound annually.
In 2023 only one individual was sponsored by a Club in MD105 to a youth camp overseas.
I am delighted to advise that in 2025, 14 individuals have been sponsored and will be participating in programmes as diverse as Europe, Japan and Canada.
The majority have been sponsored by Ringwood & Fordingbridge Lions Club, through the work of Lion Stephen Sherring.
It has been challenging at times trying to get responses from camps before the March month end deadlines. I have had to negotiate carefully with my counterparts in Spain and Japan this year as the camp organisers received substantially more applications than they had places available, however, we have candidates accepted in both countries.
One young man from District SC had the misfortune to select popular camps and received 6 rejections before being accepted; conversely two applications received in the last week in March received acceptances almost by return. It has been an interesting learning curve.
4. Future Focus
Council accepted my recommendation that we develop a rota of future youth camp hosts, by District. Every District has the capacity to host a Youth Camp and Lions with the necessary skills.
District CE will host the MD105 Youth Camp in 2026 at Loughborough University from the 10th – 20th August. Jacqueline and I enjoyed a very good visit to Loughborough in March 2025 meeting the Host Chair Lion Sue Hibbert; the facilities are excellent and some of the best Jacqueline and I have seen over our many years involvement with Youth Exchange.
Family hosting in 2026 will be from 31st July to 10th August.
District CN will be the host District in 2027 and I will offer every assistance and support.
Objectives 2024-25
I set 5 objectives for the role and I am pleased to say that most have been achieved.
1. To increase the level of understanding of the Youth Exchange & Youth Camp programme in Clubs & Districts.
2. To ensure that we have volunteer Clubs or Districts to host youth camps in 2025, 2026 & 2027.
3. To increase the pool of members willing to host youth exchange participants and to increase the number of participants being sponsored to travel to overseas youth camps.
4. To draft a new 'Guide to Hosting' and associated 'Bid to Host' so that clubs/Districts know what the hosting expectations are and have approved guidelines to work to.
5. To provide a flow of information, working with District Officers, to improve knowledge and awareness of the youth exchange programme to Clubs and individual Lions and encourage Clubs or Districts to bid to host future youth camps.
Peace Poster Competition (includes Essay Competition)
Action since last Council meeting
Lions via this competition have provided an important reminder to the world that we are striving to live in a peaceful world and we can give and receive so much—joy, kindness, hope and PEACE. This year again more than ever some glimmer of hope from that this competition which may help to lift the mood of both the public and our own members
Our winner 2024-25 and family had a fabulous day in London culminating in a visit to join Lions at The Palace of Westminster UN Day and he received his award from PIP
Lion Doug X. Alexander.
The theme for the 2025–2026 Lions International Peace Poster Contest is "Together As One." This inspiring theme invites young artists to envision a world where unity and collaboration transcend boundaries, fostering peace through shared purpose and understanding.
For clubs wishing to participate, Peace Poster Contest kits—available in both digital and physical formats—can be ordered from National HQ. These kits include all necessary materials to host a successful contest in schools or youth groups.
Leos (Alpha) - PDG Doreen Allen
I thank those Clubs and Leo Advisors who encourage and support the Alpha and Omega Leo programmes both community and school based. We need to re-enthuse schools and local communities to encourage young people and give them the opportunity to serve.
The Alpha Leo Clubs number nine on the L I website but only 6 are in active mode with a combined membership of 102. They are especially supportive of the global Hunger and Environment causes. There has also been a number of inquiries from Clubs across the UK asking about Leos and how to start a club.
We have one Omega Leo Club -Heston in District A with a membership of 12. Regretfully I am not aware of any other potential Omega Leo formations. Heston Omega Leos are enthusiastic young people heavily involved in service under our Hunger Global cause collecting and distributing surplus food weekly to their local Food Banks and other outlets. Their members helped set up the District Senior Citizens Celebration in February.
If you know young people aged 18 -32 why not give them the opportunity to serve alongside your Club – more hands mean more service…please just ASK them.
Fellow Lions, young people are enthusiastic about hunger projects, environmental issues and supporting their local communities. Are you a teacher or school governor? A Scout or Guide Leader? A parent or grandparent of young people 12-18 years? Do you know are you in contact with a youth volunteer organisation, a uniformed youth group or Young Leaders in Service applicants? Are there young adults in your community who would like to serve as Omega Leos? Why not give them the opportunity to serve alongside your Club talk to your local schools – they are all keen to promote volunteering and citizenship. More hands mean more service…please just ASK them.
The MD 105 Convention 2024 passed a resolution ensuring that Leo-Lions pay just half of the MD Dues and in March 2025 District A reduced their Leo-Lion dues by Half. We are doing all we can to support Leos in their transition to Lion membership.
I'm here at Convention. Please visit the Youth tables to discuss increasing our Leo members.
ROAR - Lion David Skinner
Lions ROAR is an inspirational education competition run in partnership between Lions Clubs of the Multiple District and 8billionideas.
The Lions ROAR program began as a face-to-face competition between local schools in District SC in 2016; interest grew within Districts. That growing interest, followed by the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, led to a rethink, and the ROAR online programme was initiated. Lions ROAR was adopted as an MD Youth Project in 2022. There has been a year on year growth in the number of schools and clubs taking part and last year, all 8 Districts were not only involved but thanks to the support of the District Governor teams also ensured that a dedicated District Officer is in place and actively serving as part of the Lions ROAR Team.
What began with a few schools has developed into a Nationwide competition and last year one, hundred and forty-six schools, sponsored by 75 Lions Clubs from across our Multiple District were represented, and took part, in the online National Awards Day in December. Since its inception over 125,000 children have taken part in Lions ROAR.
This unique program inspires children to think big and dream bigger and through the process, they actively learn skills that will benefit them both in their educational journey and in life.
The group of year five boys from one school who went on to win the District Competition in 2024 learned that listening to each other was important, as was the need to negotiate, to work as a team to build a prototype, and then to recognise that refining the design could be a positive—also gaining an understanding of the presentational skills of voice, language, persuasive text and catchy jingles when "selling" their ideas to an audience.
Lions ROAR benefits everyone involved. Teachers like ROAR as it follows the curriculum for Excellence in Scotland, the CWRE skills for the curriculum of Wales and many areas of Language, Design Technology, PSHE and Citizenship in the National Curriculum of England and they are provided with a clear set of structured lesson plans from which to work. Children have fun and enhance life skills by learning how to work as part of a team, boosting self-confidence, and developing communication and problem-solving skills along the way and Lions Clubs benefit from participating in a fantastic service and gaining exposure within their local community.
Now is the time to make the most of any contacts Lions have with local schools.
It is as easy as one, two three.
Clubs explain ROAR to schools and gain agreement from them to run the programme.
1. Clubs collect the registration information for each school and register the school on the ROAR Typeform system
2. Club Treasurers forward £185 per school to the District Treasurer
3. 8Billionideas enrolls the schools on to the Lions ROAR system, sends the Teacher Pack, and provides system access to schools ready to begin in September
Why take part in Lions ROAR – well because.. children are our future
And "Lions ROAR" helps them to use their imagination in new and exciting ways, they acquire - a broader understanding of the world and its challenges and they develop aspirations for the future for their communities and themselves!
Taking part in Lions ROAR helps to improve children's resilience, confidence and levels of self-esteem and as Lions we are privileged to witness the growth and development of the students involved.
To access resources on Lions MD105 Website, go to: https://lionsclubs.co/MembersNews/index.php/roar/
To go to the Lion ROAR website, go to: https://www.lions-roar.com/
| District ROAR Officers | Primary Contact | |
| A | Lesley Spence | lesleyspence124@yahoo.com |
| CE | Sue Denton | suedenton54@hotmail.com |
| CN | John Chambers | lionjohn@theoldevictorianpicturehouse.co.uk |
| CW | David Houghton | liondavidhoughton@gmail.com |
| N | Bob Garton/Belinda Thompson | bgassociates1@hotmail.co.uk / belinda.bt6@gmail.com |
| SC | Eric Warner | ericjwarner@outlook.com |
| SE | Viv Diggens | diggens2000@hotmail.com |
| SW | Ann Whitehouse | ann.whitehouse1910@gmail.com |
