[Blindtlk] NFB and Lions

[David Evans]

Dear David,

I am a Lion with the Boca Raton Lion's Club in Florida.  I know several 
other NFB members who are also Lions.
Every club is different, just as each of us is different.  Some people are 
better and more open minded than others, but for the most part, I know of no 
issues with the Lions accepting Blind members.  I just educate them, just 
like I do everyone else I come in contact with.
The Lions are looking for younger members as many clubs have a lot of older 
members and if they don't bring in younger members, the clubs will die.
I bring them a real and different prospective as a blind person.
They turn to me to ask how they can help blind people better, so I know they 
need and want my input.
I have been a Lion since about 1995, been the club's Vice-President and tail 
twister and a club director.  I was the chair of our Xmas Party for Blind 
Children for about 8 years.  Remember, the lions are a private organization 
and you have to be invited to become a member, it is not automatic.  That 
said, you will know they want you if they ask you to join their club.  The 
Membership has to vote you in, usually after you have attended, as a guest 
and at least a month has passed.
I have found the members of my club to be very supportive and caring.  A 
couple of them pick me up for meetings and give me a ride home afterwards.
I am sure that you will be greeted the same way.
 Lion David Evans
Boca Raton Lion's Club, Florida
A Melvin Jones Award Winner and a Lion Lifetime Award Winner
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Bouchard" <davidb521 at gmail.com>
To: <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 10:43 PM
Subject: [Blindtlk] NFB and Lions


> Hello,
> I am interested in the relationship between the NFB and Lions. I had the 
> honor to be a trumpet p at layer in the Mississippi All State Lions Band this 
> summer, and began considering whether or not to join a Lions club. I've 
> heard that the Federation and Lions had a decent relationship many years 
> ago, but I don't know how that relationship stands now. Since one of the 
> main goals of Lions is to reduce preventable blindness, I wonder how they 
> treat a blind person such as myself who accepts their blindness as just a 
> characteristic. I've heard how wonderful the organization is, but a 
> Federation perspective would certainly be enlightening.
> Thanks,
> David
>
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