The Lions Club Bali Surya Host was established in 2002, and
it now has 29 members that come from backgrounds as diverse
as business persons, professionals and homemakers. One of
the clubs objectives is to discuss any matter of concern to
its members, regardless of their politics, religion, tribe
or nationality. All people from all walks of life are invited
to join, both men and women. The Lions Club was established
in the USA in 1917 and grew rapidly. At present, it has 1,400,000
members in 189 countries. Indonesia alone has 46,000 members.
How did you get started in the Lions Club?
One of my office mates who joined the Lions Club invited me
to come to a Lions meeting and some social activities. I first
came as an observer and learned about the club's vision, mission
and focus. I then decided to become involved. I also became
interested because I could see how the members become such
good friends in this club.
What kind of person generally joins the club?
Lions are people imbued with the spirit of dedication who
voluntarily become members. The club is an international organization
with its head office situated in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA.
The social volunteers like to make friends and they are willing
to give their spare time to help other people in need, while
maintaining the environment so that it can become a better
place to live.
It is often quite difficult for club members to contribute
volunteer time, considering that many are successful workers
and business people in Bali - even the American consul Joshua
Finch is a member. However, since we all are committed to
the community in our spare time, we try to arrange that all
Lions Club social activities are held on holidays or Saturdays.
But even if a social activity must be held on a work day,
a member always tries to make time for it.
Who is eligible to join?
Those who become members are adults before the law who have
a pleasant personality and good reputation in the community,
and who are willing to give up some of their spare time on
our various projects. Membership of the Lions Club is based
on invitation only. Membership almost assures extensive networking
opportunities which often lead to personal business relationships
outside the club.
What does the Bali chapter presently concern itself with?
Since the beginning, public service activities have been emphasized
in an effort to help people who are less fortunate, and we
also concentrate on the main needs of various areas, for example:
aid to orphanages and old folks' homes; a diabetes extension
and mitigation program to market traders/laborers in the Badung
market; an environmental preservation program; reforestation
efforts in Seraya in co-oporation with the Radar Bali daily
newspaper.
We also carry out programs for the younger generation such
as a peace poster contest; youth exchange; education on the
danger of narcotics and drugs; public health programs; free
health checkups; reading glasses for old peoples' homes; health
and HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
We run an educational program, giving out scholarships to
smart students who have limited financial ability to continue
their studies. We gave direct aid for Tsunami victims which
was distributed by the Aceh District Governor of Lions Club
Indonesia and we also contribute used clothes to orphanages
in five regions in Bali.
What work for the club do you personally find interesting?
In my capacity as a Secretary, I have learned unique leadership
skills on how to manage volunteers. We lead a club in which
the subordinates are not paid for their work. Therefore, a
very unique style and method of leadership is required to
manage various members. There's a definite art in leadership
and how to manage people and I have learned many lessons
from this experience.
What is the Lions Club currently involved in?
At present, the Lions Club Bali is preparing to receive approximately
1000 Lions who will come to Bali in May 2005 to hold a national
convention of Lions Club Indonesia. With only 29 members in
the Bali chapter, we have to work extra hard to prepare for
the arrival of our guests. Of course, as hosts, we will also
promote Bali as a destination because many of the members
will be here not only for the convention but also for touring,
shopping and relaxation.
For information on the clubs activities and for the club newsletter,
visit their website: http://www.lionsclubsd307b.org/clubs/bal-suryahost/.
The Lions Club Bali Surya Host holds its monthly meeting at
Sanur Paradise Hotel every Tuesday of the first week each
month. For additional information contact club secretary Ayu
at: hp 081338501953 or (0361) 7408331
For anyone interested in being considered for Siapa, please
contact : pakbill2003@yahoo.com
Copyright@2005 Al Hickey
You can read all past articles of Siapa
at www.BaliAdvertiser.biz
