February 1, 2019Celebrate the Art of Service in MilanHello, Lions!When I think of Italy I think of great food, beautiful landscapes, and a rich diversity of friendly people. This year, Italian Lions—more than 1,300 clubs and 40,000 members strong—are opening their doors to the global Lion community in July, and I hope you will consider joining me there.Milan, in particular, has a history of fostering creativity and ingenuity. Home to Leonardo DaVinci and Michelangelo, it is the perfect destination for this year’s convention, celebrating a renaissance of service.The annual convention is a special moment for us all to pause and come together to reflect on what we accomplished as Lions over the past year and what we hope to accomplish in the coming year. It is a chance to see firsthand what it truly means to be an international organization.While not all Lions can make the journey, all Lions will be the focus of this years’ events. We will be looking for ways to infuse the work of all who serve with the creativity and passion that make us who we are. I truly believe Lions are among the most creative problem solvers in the world, and each year the time I spend surrounded by this community inspires my own future service and fuels a renewed dedication to all the work that still needs to be done.I look forward to celebrating the art of service with you in Milan.Yours,Gudrun YngvadottirInternational President, Lions Clubs International