Do you have what it takes to lead your district? I’m not talking about money or even time. I’m talking about the determination and drive to raise the bar and take your district to a higher level of operation. Lions Clubs International makes a huge investment in the training of your district’s executive officers. Every year, first vice district governors (FVDGs) are given the opportunity to spend a week in February at the Q Center in St. Charles, Illinois to learn the “big picture” of how everything works on the international level. While there, they learn not only the philosophies of Lionism, but also the nuts and bolts that keep the engine running. This week is 100% funded by LCI. There is no cost to attendees other than time and effort. FVDGs are also encouraged to attend the Lions International Convention occurring right before or immediately after the beginning of their district governor term that begins on July 1. The district governor elects (DGEs) attend their final day of training and are sworn into office at the convention. Again, this is fully funded for the DGE. First and second vice district governors also train on the multi-district level attending in-person training each fall that provides them with the information they need to understand state operations, finances, and all of the necessary forms. MD34 sponsors this training and takes care of all expenses. As if all of this were not enough, all FVDGs are, at the beginning of their term, placed into working groups for virtual meetings and training to guide them through a series of video tracks in the LEARN Module of the Lions Portal. There are numerous sessions, worksheets, and exercises spanning several months that culminate in them completing goals and action plans for their upcoming district governor (DG) term. Suffice it to say, if a candidate is not ready to assume the DG role, it is not the fault of LCI. So, first, an observation – if you have not been visited by your FVDG and you have not seen them out and about in your district … now you know what they’re doing. Second, do you have what it takes to lead? The multi-district and your home district need capable Lions like you to step up and assume leadership roles. The monetary cost for you to get there is next to nothing, and the cost after you assume office is the same if you utilize the training you receive to timely file expense reports to recoup expenditures. Take a look at your current FVDGs who will be DGEs after your district conventions. This group of intelligent, hardworking Lions are busy attending training and getting ready to take your district to new heights. Can you help? Will you help? Get in touch with someone on your district team and find out what you can do to qualify for the opportunity to be a part of your district’s future. DG Tracy Thompson