Membership

Did you know that 50% of new Lions drop out within their first three years of membership?

Ideas:

This list was generated from participant responses to table-top discussions at the 2026 Winter Conference.

• Community Visibility & Branding
• • What prevents our clubs from being more visible in the community?
    • Lack of communication.
    • Lack of publicity.
    • Lack of service.
  • What outreach methods attract younger families, working professionals, and diverse communities?
    • Diverse fundraising and service projects at different times.
    • Maximizing use of social media.
    • Word of mouth.
    • Personal invitations.
    • Participation in service projects prior to membership.
  • How can we modernize club presence (events, social media, branding)?
    • Group activities (in addition to meetings).
    • Better use of technology.
    • Less formality at meetings.
  • Targeted Outreach & Partnerships
    • Which community partners are underutilized?
      • Those whose missions match our focus areas.
    • How can clubs build year-round partnerships that generate members?
      • Select Lions to be representatives to other organizations.
    • What specialty or brand clubs could meet unmet needs?
      • Those that focus on service.
    • Modernizing the Membership Experience
      • How do meetings and culture affect new-member appeal?
        • Procedures should be simplified and explained.
        • Meetings should have fun elements.
        • Have an agenda and stick to it.
        • Ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak, in an orderly manner.
      • What alternative models could help?
        • Lions more involved in other community initiatives.
        • Stress importance of service participation.
      • How can technology reduce barriers?
        • Introduce participants on Zoom calls.
        • Use for announcements of meetings and events and for follow up after meetings.
      • Storytelling & Public Relations
        • How can Lions better communicate local impact?
          • Tell how we impact our community and how our service has impacted us.
          • Better use of social media.
          • Local technology bulletin boards. (Nextdoor, etc.)
          • Practice elevator speeches.
          • Invite local community leaders to meetings and events.
          • Volunteer at schools.
          • Local radio interviews.
          • Printed flyers.
          • Bumper and other stickers. (“I have been screened by Lions!”)
          • Lion placemats.
        • What stories should we tell and to whom?
          • All of them … to everybody!
          • Testimonials from those we serve.
        • How can members use personal networks?
          • Add information about Lions to your email signature.
          • Share on social media and “Like” Lions posts.

• Club Culture & Member Experience
  • Why do members stop attending?
    • Some members only want to participate in service projects.
    • Younger people are too busy.
    • Some people do not have transportation.
    • Some service projects are too physically demanding.
    • Sponsors do not follow up.
    • Lack of communications about activities.
  • What makes a club welcoming?
    • Greeters at meetings.
    • Initiate a program (Proud Lion Program) for first-year members where they are awarded for completing specific actions (i.e. attend a Board Meeting, participate in a service project, etc.)
    • Make sure guests and visitors have someone to welcome them.
    • Consider subsidizing members who cannot afford dues and meal costs.
    • Organize special events that focus on specific interests.
    • Use sign language.
    • Start a new-member mentoring program.
  • How do we prevent cliques?
    • Mix up who sits at each table.
  • Engagement & Service
    • What projects keep members enthusiastic?
      • Diversity of service activities.
      • Activities in focus areas.
    • How can we match skills to service?
      • When people become Lions ask about their interests.
      • Annual member survey.
    • How do we retain both new and longtime members?
      • Expand sponsor role.
      • Ask why joined club, desired benefit from membership, and what are interests.
    • Leadership & Operations
      • What training is missing?
        • Ongoing training.
        • Communication to new leaders about procedures, what worked and did not work about how jobs have been done in the past, and community contacts.
        • Beware of burn-out. Divide large roles among several members.
      • How do we identify future leaders?
        • Look for enthusiastic Lions who are dependable, take charge, and offer solutions.
        • Give some members more responsibilities.
        • Encourage non-Board member attendance at Board Meetings.
      • What governance practices frustrate members?
        • Too many meetings.
        • Doing things as they have always been done as opposed to being open to new ideas.
      • Caring & Support
        • How should clubs check in when engagement drops?
          • Phone contact is best. Determine who should call.
          • Provide transportation for those who need it.
          • Sponsors should follow up with those they recruit.
            • Create sponsor guidelines.
          • Allocate funds to support members during hardships.
        • What shows appreciation?
          • Certificates for achievements.
          • Thank you notes.
          • Recognition at meetings.
        • How do we make members feel valued?
          • Include them in photos.
          • Ask them to do specific jobs (recognizes their skills).
          • Have speakers tell members how the club has impacted their organizations.
          • Publicize club activities.
          • Melvin Jones recognition.
        • Dues & Cost
          • Why do members drop at dues time?
            • A bill is a reminder.
          • What flexible options exist?
            • Bill more often so balances are less.
            • Optional meals.
            • Club can subsidize part of dues.
            • Change timing of dues payments.
            • Flexible membership options.
            • Reduced dues for longstanding members.
          • How can technology streamline collections?
            • Ability to pay online.