The Secret of Service

Dear Lions,

For my first message to you in LION Magazine, I want to talk about the small things. When Lions Clubs International was started more than 100 years ago, it was founded on the idea that those who can help, should. It was that simple.

I grew up with those same values. I was raised in Brooklyn, where most families worked hard and came home tired at the end of the day. But they saw the value in supporting one another. They knew they were stronger together. And they knew that as tired as they were, or as steep as their own struggle seemed, they still had something to give. So, they did.

It’s so easy to make a difference. That’s the secret that so many Lions already understand and what I wish more people knew. You don’t have to end all suffering for humankind—not on your own. But you can ease one person’s struggle. You can pick up their bag and carry it for a while. And when you think of service in little moments like this, it becomes easier to see just how many ways there are to give back. And it gets even easier when each one of us invites a new member to join our club. That gives us more helping hands. And more service from the heart.

I know we are all busy, and we all have heavy loads—these days especially. But remember that the small things you do as Lions are as important as the big things. The way you serve may look different than how I serve or how your buddy down the street serves. And that’s a good thing. That give us balance and diversity. That makes us Lions.

I am honored to embark on the next year as your International President and look forward to serving from the heart with you.

Sincerely,

Douglas X. Alexander

International President, Lions Clubs International