Apr 2022: SABN LC leaders attend the Emerging Lions Leadership Institute

In early April, San Antonio Bexar Necessities Lions Club leadership attended the Emerging Lions Leadership Institute (ELLI) in Austin, Texas. The ELLI was an interactive, 3-day institute that provided valuable leadership skills and the necessary knowledge to establish a successful club.

Lions who attended learned the history and goals of Lions Clubs International (LCI) and the Foundation, developed strategies for being an effective leader, and collaborated with a diverse group of fellow Lions. Over the 3 days of institute coursework, Club President Jai Merchant, Vice President Ann Islas, and Treasurer Martin Padron Jr. participated in coursework that focused on Communication, Diversity, Creative Thinking , and Ensuring Club Success.

The institute was led by experienced leaders who all had different journeys through Lions Clubs International. The faculty included LCI Governors, Directors, and Chairs. The wealth of knowledge that each brought was invaluable and their dedication to LCI was infectious. The faculty did an amazing job expressing interest in each club’s representatives and took time to answer club specific questions, solidifying club success.

While at ELLI, club leaders in attendance were able to network with Lions from other areas of Texas, some of which belonged to clubs celebrating their centennial anniversaries. Our club learned a great deal from the other clubs who were eager to help us with information and resources to ensure our club’s success. As Rev. Lion David Greene from Katy Lions Club expressed to us, “sharing resources means more Lions have the tools needed to serve more people and communities.” We left the institute with great friendships that we hope to continue as our club grows, and in time we hope to extend, and be extended, invitations to visit the other clubs that participated in ELLI.

Attending ELLI was a great opportunity for our club and gave us the tools to grow in the spirit of all Lions. Our club plans to pursue more of the many opportunities Lions Club International has to offer. “We are excited and motivated to share what we have learned at ELLI with our club leaders and members,” said Treasurer Martin Padron Jr., “the institute opened our eyes to all the resources available to our club and I’m so grateful that LCI supports us as we continue to serve our diverse community.”

We will be encouraging our club members to get involved in these opportunities because we would love for all of our club members to become leaders at all levels within Lions Club International.

Receiving our certificates at the end of the institute was an honor that we will not take for granted and want to thank our District 2-A2 leaders for giving us this gift of being part of the ELLI Class of 2022.

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