1 of 46

1

LEO CLUB PROGRAM

2 of 46

-1957-

-1964-

-1967-

First Leo club founded in Abington, Pennsylvania, USA

Leo clubs became an official district project �in Pennsylvania

The Leo club program became an official program of Lions Clubs International

2

A brief history of Leo clubs

The Leo Club Program has been around for over 60 years.

1957 – The first Leo club was founded in Abington, Pennsylvania, United States by the Glenside Lions Club. Local high school baseball coach and active Lion Jim Graver chartered the first club on December 5 with 35 male high school students. The club created the acronym, “Leadership, Equality and Opportunity,” and then chose the school colors of maroon and gold to serve as the Leo club colors. “Equality” was later changed to “Experience.”
1964 – The Leo Club Program became an official district project in Pennsylvania and began rapidly expanding.
1967 – In October 1967, the Leo Club Program became an official Lions Clubs International program when the Board of Directors adopted it as an official program of the association.

3 of 46

-2008-

-2018-

-2019-

Two distinct Leo tracks created, Alpha and Omega

Leo-Lion board liaisons appointed as the first youth representations on the Lions International Board

Leo Club Program reaches 150 countries

3

Recent history of Leo clubs

-2009-

Leo club advisory panel created

Age limits created for Alpha and Omega clubs

4 of 46

4

Leadership

Experience

Opportunity

The Leo club purpose

5 of 46

5

To make available to Lions clubs an activity allowing them to serve the needs of youth in their respective areas.
To provide the youth of the world with an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national, and international communities.
To promote service activities among young people and offer them an opportunity to develop the individual qualities of Leadership, Experience and Opportunity.

As stated in Board Policy Manual, Chapter XXII

Leo Club Program objectives

6 of 46

6

Role of the sponsoring Lions club

Cover the Leo club charter and annual organization fees.
Ensure coverage to Leos under the General Liability Insurance Program provided by LCI and any additional local insurance needed.
Counsel Leo clubs in administrative and service issues.
Set up bank accounts, accounting, community partnerships for the Leo club.
Assign an energetic Leo club advisor, attend Leo club planned events.

7 of 46

Why are Leo clubs important?

7

8 of 46

8

Benefits for a Lions clubs sponsoring a Leo club

Inspire and energize Lion’s members.
Inform Lions about new trends and community needs.
Increase Lions club exposure in the community.
Gain potential new members in the Lions club, with both graduating Leos and their parents/family members.

9 of 46

9

Leo club organization structure

Sponsoring Lions club

Leo club advisor

Leo club board of directors

President
Vice president
Secretary
Treasurer
3 board members

Leo club members

10 of 46

Omega Leos: 18 – 30 years old

Focused on furthering personal and professional skills and creating a direct, positive impact on the community.

10

Alpha Leos: 12 – 18 years old.

Focused on service to the community and creating a strong foundation in leadership and responsibility.

Leo clubs are divided into two tracks: Alpha and Omega. All Leo clubs must be designated either as Alpha or Omega.

Alpha Leos are 12 – 18 years old. This track is designated for teens and focuses on individual and social development by creating strong foundation in leadership and responsibility.
Omega Leos are 18 – 30 years old. This track is designated for young adults and centers on personal and professional development as they focus on building community, furthering their skills and creating a direct, positive impact on society.

While youth and young adults have many things in common, these two groups are in very different life stages, and therefore require developmentally appropriate activities to accommodate their needs. For example, young people in their mid to late teens are likely concerned with graduating from high school/secondary school, while young adults in their mid-to-late 20s are likely preparing to graduate from university and/or begin their professional careers. With this background in mind, the Lions International board of directors determined that it was appropriate for Alpha-aged Leos and Omega-aged Leos to serve separately.

11 of 46

11

Leos at a glance

150,000+

reported

members�

7,400+ clubs

150+ countries

12 of 46

12

Number of clubs by constitutional area

Leos are around the world

Top 10 Countries

Bangladesh

Brazil

Germany

India

Italy

Japan

Malaysia

Nepal

Sri Lanka

United States

1700+

80+

1100+

500+

1900+

700+

200+

13 of 46

13

Mentor
Motivator
Counselor
Liaison
Service Role Model

Role of Leo club advisor

14 of 46

14

Mentor

Advisors teach and support the Leo club officers and help members reach their potential as leaders. They also teach Leos the importance of planning and organizing.

Role of Leo club advisor

Motivator

Advisors should motivate youth, promoting peer acceptance, recognition of accomplishments and a sense of personal achievement.

15 of 46

15

Counselor

Advisors must understand when to counsel the club and when to let Leos take charge and make their own decisions. Also be familiar with Lions Board Policy, Chapter XXII.

Role of Leo club advisor

Liaison

Advisors act as the bridge between the sponsoring Lions clubs and Leo clubs in the district, multiple district, country and internationally.

16 of 46

16

Service role model

Advisors lead by example and demonstrate compassion for their communities and others.

Role of Leo club advisor

17 of 46

17

Specific Leo advisor responsibilities

Oversee initiation and ongoing development of the Leo club.
Report Leo club officers and members in MyLCI and the Leo club’s service activities in MyLion.
Train Leo club officers to use MyLCI and MyLion for reporting.
Promote collaboration between Leos and sponsoring Lions club by regularly updating Lions on Leo club activities.
Attend Leo club and board of directors’ meetings.
Ensure new Leos receive new member materials and orientation.
Recognize Leos for their achievements.
Encourage eligible Leos to become Lions.

18 of 46

18

Difference between Alpha and Omega clubs

Alpha Leo club advisors

Takes an active role in guiding Leos through projects and meetings.
Corresponds between parents, schools and Lions club.

Omega Leo club advisors

Acts as a liaison between the Leo club and sponsoring Lions club.
Less directly involved in day-to-day administration as Leos take on more responsibilities.
Supports the personal and professional development of Leos.

19 of 46

19

Difference between school and community based clubs

Community-based Leo club advisors

Open to any eligible young person in a local area.
Meets at a central location in the community like a community center, religious space or school.

School-based Leo club advisors

Draws members from students of a local school.
Works with a faculty advisor, who may or may not be a member of the sponsoring Lions club.
Meets at school or determined space near the school

An advisor’s approach may also depend on where the Leo club is located.

Community-based Leo clubs offer membership to any eligible young person within the local area of the Lions club. These clubs meet at a suitable location in the community like a community center, religious space or school. They can also meet virtually or have a hybrid meeting schedule

School-based Leo club advisors work as a liaison to the schools. Most school-based clubs require a faculty advisor who may or may not be members of the sponsoring Lions club. Some schools may charge a fee to the Lions club to have a club in their school. Faculty advisors are typically involved in the day-to-day affairs but should update the Leo club co-advisor frequently. Before the Leo club is organized the Lions club and school should agree with procedures for organizing club activities on and off school property, which adhere to school policies and Lion’s policies.

20 of 46

20

Application forms for Leo club membership

Leos interested in joining a club should submit a Leo club membership form (Leo 50A or Leo 50O) to the sponsoring

Lions club.

21 of 46

21

Parental consent for Alpha Leos

The Alpha Leo Membership form (Leo 50A) includes a parental consent section that must be completed

22 of 46

22

Importance of membership and officer reporting

Each year, the sponsoring Lions club president or secretary must report a Leo club advisor, even if there are no changes. Leo club advisors can be reported online via MyLCI, or using the Leo-72 report form. After a Leo club advisor, Leo club president and Leo club secretary have been reported as the Leo club advisor, they can then log into their Lion account and view MyLCI and MyLion to report Leo club members, access member resources and submit service activity reports.

Reporting is one of the key responsibilities of being a Leo club advisor. The advisor must ensure all Leo club officers and members are updated and that the Lions club officers have officially appointed them to the role of Leo club advisor, ensuring that they receive regular communications and program updates. When a new Leo member is added to MyLCI, the advisor can download a Leo membership card and Leo membership certificate for the new member.

23 of 46

23

MyLCI membership reporting access

Officer Title	Reported By	Access
Leo club president	Leo club advisor/ sponsoring �Lions club president	Report members for their �own Leo club
Leo club secretary	Leo club advisor/ sponsoring �Lions club president	Report members for their �own Leo club
Leo club advisor	Leo club advisor/ sponsoring Lions club president	Report members for their�own Leo club
Sponsoring Lions �club president	Lions International	Report members for Leo club �that the Lions club sponsor
Sponsoring Lions �club secretary	Lions International	Report members for Leo club �that the Lions club sponsors
District Leo chairperson	District governor	Report Leo district officers
Multiple district Leo chairperson	Council chairperson	Report multiple district officers

24 of 46

24

Importance of service reporting

In MyLion, Leos and Lions can schedule upcoming service projects and report past service projects, providing the number of volunteers and the number of people served.

Reasons to report

Showcase impact of the Leo club.
Measure the global growth and impact of Leos around the world.
Service activity awards and recognitions.

25 of 46

25

MyLion service reporting access

Officer Title	Access
Leo club president	For their own Leo club
Leo club secretary	For their own Leo club
Leo club advisor	For the Leo club to which they are assigned as an officer
District Leo chairperson	On behalf of the Leo district
Leo district president	On behalf of the Leo district
Leo district secretary	On behalf of the Leo district
Multiple district Leo chairperson	On behalf of the Leo multiple district
Leo multiple district president	On behalf of the Leo multiple district
Leo multiple district secretary	On behalf of the Leo multiple district

26 of 46

26

Leo club officer roles

Board of Directors

Leo Club President
Leo Club Vice President
Leo Club Secretary
Leo Club Treasurer
Leo Club Advisor
Three Leo club directors

Meetings

Regular meetings at time and place agreed on by club members.
Consider if in person, virtual and hybrid meetings work best for you.

Similar to a Lions club, Leo clubs should designate a Leo Club Board of Directors which includes all Leo club officers and three Leo club members elected to serve as directors on the board. The Leo club advisor should work with the board of directors to oversee the club activities.

Responsibilities of the board of directors include control and supervision of the club’s activities such as project planning, membership growth, fundraising, and leadership development opportunities. The board of directors should present an annual report of these activities and operations to all Leo club members and the sponsoring Lions club each year. The board is also responsible for executing club policies, developing new policies, and submitting proposed policies for approval by Leo club members. Finally, the board of directors oversees committees and officers and also sets the direction of the Leo club. For more overview, visit the Leo Club Advisor page with links to Leo officer overviews. https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/resources-for-members/resource-center/leo-club-advisors

Leo clubs should meet regularly at a time and place agreed upon by club members and set forth in the club bylaws. Meetings should take place regularly at a convenient location. Clubs should also consider whether holding meetings in person, virtually or mixture of the two would work best for their members.

Leo club officers hold various responsibilities in managing club meetings. To start the meeting, the president calls the meeting to order. The secretary maintains attendance records and meeting minutes, while the treasurer provides an update on the club finances. As the Leo club advisor, it is your responsibility to help guide the meetings and ensure that Leos understand their responsibilities and fulfill the demands of their positions. Ideally, the Leo club advisor, or a designated representative of the sponsoring Lions club, should be present at all Leo club meetings.

27 of 46

27

Leo club officer elections

Elections take place during the �fourth quarter of each fiscal year �and elected individuals take office on July 1.

Voting protocol:

Nominations of candidates should be made in writing prior to election or announced from the floor.
Voting is conducted by secret ballot.
Elected candidates must receive majority of votes by members present and in good standing.

28 of 46

28

Officer installation and new member induction

Installing new members and officers is a pivotal part of starting Leos on their journey in a Leo club. Review the Leo Induction Ceremony guide for more details.

29 of 46

29

Leo club fees

International fees

Organization fee of US$100 covers processing and charter kits (one time).
Annual Leo levy of US$100 cover yearly processing, billed in July.

*paid by the sponsoring Lions club

Club/district fees

Leo club membership dues: Determined by Leo club.
Leo district/multiple district membership dues: May be requested by Leo districts/multiple districts.

In an effort to maintain pace with the ongoing growth and development of the Leo Club Program, certain fees are assessed both by the international headquarters office and the local Lions administration. These fees support the development of resources for Leos, such as the Leo Leadership Grant Program, e-Leoclubhouse, MyLCI for Leos, the Leo Facebook page, a refreshed Leo brand and promotional materials, and many more.

The charter fee of US$100 is billed directly to the sponsoring Lions club at the time of a new Leo club’s organization. Because Leos are considered a service activity of a Lions club, sponsoring Lions clubs may remit payment for Leo club sponsorship using their administrative or activity account. The fee covers charter processing and the charter kits, which includes a certificate of organization (charter), Leo club officers' kit, Leo club sponsor kit and Leo lapel pins for each original Leo club member.

The annual Leo levy is a US$100 yearly fee for each active Leo club. The Lions clubs are billed an annual Leo club sponsor levy of US$100 each July to cover Leo Club Program materials, mailings, club record maintenance, communications, awards, program resources and insurance.

Club and district fees

While International Headquarters does not collect dues from Leos, individual Leo clubs may collect dues or admission fees to offset costs related to the annual Leo levy or other administrative expenses. The Leo club dues are determined by the individual club and should be specified in the club constitution and bylaws.

It is important to keep in mind that any dues or assessments on Leo club membership should be nominal and should only be for the purpose of covering the club’s administrative expenses. Generally speaking, funds for activities and projects undertaken by Leo clubs should not be collected through member dues or fees.

Any Leo club member who has failed to pay their member dues to the club at the time of a vote at any regular or special meeting will forfeit the privilege of voting and be considered as not in good standing until the dues are paid.

It’s also important to note that if a club falls within a Leo district or Leo multiple district, they may assess additional club or member dues.

If a Leo club is no longer active, the Leo Club Termination Form (Leo-86) must be received by the Leo Club Program Department by October 31 to receive a credit of US$100 for the current year’s Leo levy only.

30 of 46

30

Administrative funds versus activity funds

Administrative funds

Admission fees and annual dues from club members.
Used for administration and operating expenses.

Activity funds

Money raised from public fundraising projects.
Must be used for charitable purposes.

How funds are raised	Use for public projects?	Use for admin expenses?
Administrative – �dues and admission fees	Yes	Yes
Public collection – any fundraising event open to the public, public contributions and bequests	Yes	No
Interest	Yes	No

Some Leo clubs use the existing bank accounts of their sponsoring Lions club, while other Leo clubs may open their own bank accounts under the supervision of the sponsoring Lions club. If a Leo club chooses to open a bank account, two signors are required – the Leo club secretary or treasurer and a designee of the sponsoring Lions club. The Leo who is granted the authority to oversee this bank account should be able to open/co-sign a bank account and execute checks in accordance with local laws.

It is important that club have two distinct funds to separate the administrative activity from the public or fundraising account. The administrative funds should be used to support club activities and pay local dues, if applicable. The fundraising account should be used to support the club’s community service activities. With the consent of the board of directors, funds may be transferred from the administrative account to the activity account.

Leo clubs that have bank accounts should specifically state how the account will be handled and maintained in the club’s constitution and bylaws.

31 of 46

31

Lions International privacy policy �and liability insurance

Personal Information Usage

Dues and other billings
Distribution of information/updates
Support of membership growth, extension and retention programs
Convention and meeting planning
Furtherance of public relations activities
Support of Lions clubs, the International
Foundation (LCIF) and other adopted service programs
Special advertising and other purposes as determined by the International Board of Directors

Commercial general liability insurance

All Lions clubs, Leo clubs and districts are named insured under the Lions Clubs International General Liability Insurance Policy.
US$2,000,000 general aggregate coverage is provided by Lions International.
A Certificate of Insurance is available upon request through the Lions International website.
Additional liability insurance is available.

Personal information that is collected by Lions International is used solely for operational activities, which include dues, distribution of updates, support of membership growth, convention and meeting planning, furtherance of public relations, supporting service programs and special advertising.

It is of course our hope that no harm or damage would ever occur as a result of Lions or Leo activities, but the truth is that accidents happen and clubs should be informed of their insurance and liability coverage. Leo clubs have the exact same coverage as Lions clubs and are automatically insured and covered under the general liability insurance policy of Lions Clubs International.

If you have any questions related to the specific coverage policy, please visit the LCI website or contact the Legal Division at legal@lionsclubs.org.

32 of 46

Leo and Lions emblems

32

33 of 46

33

October: Leo Membership Growth Month

December 5: International Leo Day

April: Leo Club Awareness Month

Last week of June:

Lions Clubs International Convention

Important dates

Throughout the year, many special events take place to celebrate the Leo Club Program and recognize Leos for their contribution to the overall humanitarian work of Lions Clubs International.

In October, Leo clubs host membership drives and individual Leos will receive recognition for inviting youth into the club.

On December 5, the chartering of the very first Leo club in 1957 is commemorated. Known as International Leo Day, December 5 is a day of celebration and promotion of the Leo Club Program.

April is Leo Club Awareness Month, which calls on Leos and Lions to spread the word of Leo clubs and the great services that they provide to their communities and the leadership opportunities available to youth through this program.

And finally, at the end of the fiscal year Leos gather at the International Convention, where they participate in events, seminars, celebrations, and service activities

34 of 46

34

Online resources

35 of 46

35

Leo club marketing and recruitment resources

36 of 46

For printed Leo recruitment materials:

Search “Leo Club Program Publication Order Form” on lionsclubs.org for printed Leo recruiting materials.

Submit completed form to leo@lionsclubs.org.

36

37 of 46

37

Leo club items from the Lions Shop

Available from the Lions Shop (https://lionsclubsinternational.myshopify.com/collections/leos):

Leo new member kits
Leo apparel
Leo club meeting accessories
Leo certificates and plaque
Leo club officer lapel pins
Leo membership pins

38 of 46

38

Leo eNews

Quarterly eNews sent by leo@lionsclubs.org with up-to-date information and announcements about the Leo Club Program.

eNews is sent to every Leo club and Leo club advisor that has an email address recorded in MyLCI.

39 of 46

39

Leo UPCOMING EVENT:

40 of 46

40

Leo Facebook page

41 of 46

41

Leo Club Advisory Panelist

The Leo Club Advisory Panel is a 32-member board, made of two Leos and two Lions from each constitutional area.

Applications are due August 15.

42 of 46

42

Leo or Leo-Lion Cabinet and Council Liaisons, Leo-Lion Board Liaisons

The district governor/ council chairperson can appoint a Leo or Leo-Lion to serve a one year term at the Lions District/ Multiple District as a district liaison. This position represents the interests and perspectives of Leos and Leo-Lions and facilitate communication and connections.

The Leo-Lion Board Liaison is an international opportunity for two Leo-Lion members to serve as part of the Lions International Board of Directors. The liaisons are selected by the Lions International President to serve a one-year term as a non-voting appointee.

To learn more about each role, refer to Chapter III and VII of Lions Board Policy.

43 of 46

43

Lions Learning Center

Lion Account needed
Updated courses from Lions Learning Center

44 of 46

44

Provides financial assistance to Lions multiple districts, sub-districts or single districts interested in organizing a Leo leadership event.

US$2,000 reimbursable grants
Up to three grants per constitutional area
Leos present or co-present sessions
Leos serve on conference planning committee
Standalone event
Lions and Leos collaborate

Leo Leadership Grants

Accepted between �July 1and May 1.

First come first served.

The Leo Leadership Grant offers Leos an opportunity to develop their leadership skills through a training or conference created with the specific needs of Leos in mind. Grants to help fund such conferences or trainings are available to Lions districts, multiple districts and constitutional areas. These trainings must address the development of Leos’ leadership skills, specifically in the areas of project management, teamwork, communication, innovation or planning community service projects.

Lions International awards up to US$2,000 each fiscal year. To be considered for grant funding, grant applications must be submitted and approved prior to holding the event. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received beginning July 1 and are accepted on a rolling basis until May 1 of each fiscal year. Grants are awarded to eligible applicants based on the content and quality of the planned Leo leadership event. Applications are found on lionsclubs.org/leogrants

45 of 46

45

Provides financial assistance to Leo service projects implemented by Leo clubs in a Lions multiple district or district.

US$1,500 to US$5,000 to a Lions district or multiple district
25% matching requirement collected locally
Should include:

Hands-on service
Collaboration between Leos and Lions

LCIF Leo Service Grants

Accepted between �July 1and May 1.

First come first served.

46 of 46

46

Leo awards

Lions International offers various awards to recognize Leos and Lions active in the Leo Club Program. Below are just a few award types, but for criteria and more details, please visit the Lions website at https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/resources-for-members/resource-center/leo-awards-and-recognitions

Individual

Leo of the Year

Club

Club Excellence Award
Serving Together Award

District/ Multiple District

Leo District President Awards