Planting a Million Trees – Do You Believe it Can Be Done?

An important part of our extension of service this year is caring for our environment.  Our goal this year is to plant a million trees around the world. That’s less than one tree for each member. If we can accomplish this goal, it proves once again that we can accomplish anything – just like we did when we exceeded our goal for Campaign SightFirst II. Just like we did when we prevented over 1 million cases of river blindness. And just like we are going to do by helping eradicate measles.

Why trees? It’s no secret that trees help the environment, but you may be surprised by all the benefits that planting a tree can provide.  Trees are like the lungs of the planet. They breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. They also reduce erosion to save soil, help preserve local water sources, and provide habitat for wildlife living under more and more stress. Simply put, planting trees in your neighborhood really is one of the best things you can do for the local environment.

Any of us can plant a tree. It’s a very visible and hands-on way for each and every Lion to make a difference. It’s also a great project to invite your community at-large to join your local Lions club in a collaborative effort. If we can plant a million trees, it will reinforce the limitless potential we all know we have to make a difference as Lions.

So make tree-planting part of your club or district activities this year, and invite your neighbors, friends and members of the community to join you. What better way to be reminded of our gift of service than to watch the trees you have planted grow year-by-year?  Every month throughout the year, we will report the number of trees being planted on this Web site. 

This year, special awards to recognize the outstanding achievements of clubs and districts involved in tree planting projects will be distributed. Also, several resources are available to help us reach our goal of planting one million trees.  I believe that this year we will mobilize Lions around the world to reach this goal and truly make an impact on our environment.

Wing-Kun Tam
2011-2012 International President

2011-2012 GMT/MERO Team

1^st VDG John E. Milas, MERO Team Chair

RC Meg McElroy, District GMT

Dr. Amparo David, Membership Chair

Bob Grover, Extension Chair

PCST Dr. Carole Duquette, Retention Chair

President Lisa Nelson, Orientation Chair

Jean Landry, ROAR Chair

All region and zone chairs are also part of the TEAM.

GMT/MERLO TEAM

PURPOSE & MISSION

The GMT/MERLO Team’s purpose is to assist the Clubs of District 33A with Membership, Retention & Growth activities.   With the help of the Region & Zone Chairs, together with many other Lions throughout the District, the Team provides direction, materials and manpower to all Clubs, regardless of size, who need assistance with Membership Recruiting during Club functions.  We will also help Clubs to organize and accomplish Membership Drives separate from Club functions.

The GMT/MERLO Team assists with Membership activities only.  The Team does not arrange for nor work the SightMobile; that is the function of your SightMobile Representative. We do not work your Club functions, either…those requests should be made to a neighboring Club or through your Zone Chairs.  The Team expects that at least one member of the Club needing assistance to be at the Membership Booth throughout the event, except for the rare cases where a club needs all hands for their function. 

GUIDELINES FOR CLUBS

Clubs are expected to provide certain things for the Team.  Below is a list of items that each Club needs to have on the day of a Drive or Booth:

1.      Peel off address labels with the Membership Chair or President’s contact information

2.      Club brochures

3.      Copies of any flyer handed out inviting the public to a follow-up meeting (Membership Drives, especially…can be waived if none is planned)

4.      Club Information to be hung on Tri-Boards (photos, press releases, etc)

5.      An area for the Team to set up the booth(s), preferably where the pop-up tent can be staked

6.      At least one member for support during a function.  It is important that the entire club attend a Membership Drive because of their familiarity with the town and the potential members

The Team will provide:

1. Membership materials, including application & brochures
2. Sign up cards to request information, clipboards & pens
3. Pop-up tent, banners, triboards & easels
4. Table & chairs, only if Club cannot provide them
5. Staffing

HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE

Clubs wishing to have assistance from the GMT/MERLO Team should make their request by email only to the GMT as far in advance as possible.  Although we will strive to accommodate clubs on a first come, first serve basis this may not always be possible.  Competition for our limited recourses can be stiff at busy times of the year.  The District’s goal is to reach as many potential members as possible.  The Team will make the final determination in case of conflicts.

The request should clearly outline the date and time of an event and the place where it is to be held, as well as contact information for the Lion who will be responsible for the Club’s materials.  This Lion should plan to meet the Team upon arrival and assist with set up. Any special conditions should be noted at the time of the request. 

GMT Meg McElroy          megmcelroy@comcast.net                  508-868-4933

Please feel free to contact the Meg if you have any questions or concerns about the use of the Team.  We are looking forward to serving your Clubs and increasing the membership of the Awesome District!