By returning to our roots and rededicating ourselves to service, we show the world who Lions are and what they do. This year, International President Mark. S. Lyon invites you to earn presidential awards that recognize your commitment to service and growth.
VDG Challenge
If you are a Vice District Governor who chartered new clubs, your commitment to growth and leadership can earn you recognition at the 109th Lions International Convention in Washington, D.C.
Qualifying Criteria:
- 2026-2027 – First Vice District Governor: Personally extend two clubs during VDG years – the candidate must be named as “extension award nominee” on the award application.
- 2026-2027 – Second Vice District Governor: Personally extend one club during Second VDG year – the candidate must be named as “extension award nominee” on the award application.
Awards:
- Recognition at convention.
- A special plaque or medallion.
Membership Experience Award
Leaders who improve the membership experience and reduce membership drops across their district can earn the opportunity for recognition at the 109th Lions International Convention in Washington, D.C.
Qualifying Criteria:
- Reduce drops by 15% from the 5-year average.
Awards:
- Earn recognition at our convention in Washington, D.C.
- DGs and GAT Coordinators, respectively, will earn a special medallion at the end of the Lion year.
Top Districts Award
Districts with the highest gains in their constitutional area will be honored at the International Convention in Washington, with special distinction for the top district in each area.
Qualifying Criteria:
- The top three districts in each constitutional area with the highest percentage of net gain are eligible for this award.
Awards:
- Recognition at convention.
- Districts #2 and #3 will be recognized with a plaque and a presidential certificate.
- District #1 will also receive the Jesse Robinson Membership Growth (JRMG) cup.
- Awardees will be the elected team including District Governor, Past District Governor, and First and Second Vice District Governors.
Forum Recognition
Earn recognition at ISAME Forum by achieving 70% of your recruitment target (charter members AND new members) by your forum date. Your target includes your new member goal plus 20 charter members for each new club you aim to establish.
You must charter at least one new club to qualify.
Qualifying Criteria:
District Level
- ISAME – 70% recruitment target
Awards:
- Recognition during the forum.
- Special plaque for the DG/GMT and GET.
- MD CC/GMT/GET and area leaders will be recognized if at least 50% of the districts qualify.
Important Information and Dates:
- Help Clubs Grow with the GMT and GET Toolbox
The Global Membership Team (GMT) and Global Extension Team (GET) Toolbox available on our website provides useful resources to support club growth, membership recruitment and new club development. Please encourage your teams to make use of these resources while planning membership growth initiatives:
https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/resources-for-members/resource-center/gmt-and-get-toolkit
- Start Planning for Vision Week of Service – October 8-18, 2026
Please encourage clubs in your area to begin planning activities for the first Vision Week of Service, October 8-18. Resources are available on our website to support clubs in planning and promoting their service projects:
- Reminder: Club Suspension Policy
Please note the recent amendment to the Club Suspension Policy. The suspension period has been reduced from 120 days to 90 days, and automatic cancellation will be scheduled for the second month following suspension. Review revised policy here:
suspension policy
By returning to our roots and rededicating ourselves to service, we show the world who Lions are and what they do. This year, International President Mark. S. Lyon invites you to earn presidential awards that recognize your commitment to service and growth.
VDG Challenge
If you are a Vice District Governor who chartered new clubs, your commitment to growth and leadership can earn you recognition at the 109th Lions International Convention in Washington, D.C.
Qualifying Criteria:
- 2026-2027 – First Vice District Governor: Personally extend two clubs during VDG years – the candidate must be named as “extension award nominee” on the award application.
- 2026-2027 – Second Vice District Governor: Personally extend one club during Second VDG year – the candidate must be named as “extension award nominee” on the award application.
Awards:
- Recognition at convention.
- A special plaque or medallion.
Membership Experience Award
Leaders who improve the membership experience and reduce membership drops across their district can earn the opportunity for recognition at the 109th Lions International Convention in Washington, D.C.
Qualifying Criteria:
- Reduce drops by 15% from the 5-year average.
Awards:
- Earn recognition at our convention in Washington, D.C.
- DGs and GAT Coordinators, respectively, will earn a special medallion at the end of the Lion year.
Top Districts Award
Districts with the highest gains in their constitutional area will be honored at the International Convention in Washington, with special distinction for the top district in each area.
Qualifying Criteria:
- The top three districts in each constitutional area with the highest percentage of net gain are eligible for this award.
Awards:
- Recognition at convention.
- Districts #2 and #3 will be recognized with a plaque and a presidential certificate.
- District #1 will also receive the Jesse Robinson Membership Growth (JRMG) cup.
- Awardees will be the elected team including District Governor, Past District Governor, and First and Second Vice District Governors.
Forum Recognition
Earn recognition at ISAME Forum by achieving 70% of your recruitment target (charter members AND new members) by your forum date. Your target includes your new member goal plus 20 charter members for each new club you aim to establish.
You must charter at least one new club to qualify.
Qualifying Criteria:
District Level
- ISAME – 70% recruitment target
Awards:
- Recognition during the forum.
- Special plaque for the DG/GMT and GET.
- MD CC/GMT/GET and area leaders will be recognized if at least 50% of the districts qualify.
Important Information and Dates:
- Help Clubs Grow with the GMT and GET Toolbox
The Global Membership Team (GMT) and Global Extension Team (GET) Toolbox available on our website provides useful resources to support club growth, membership recruitment and new club development. Please encourage your teams to make use of these resources while planning membership growth initiatives:
https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/resources-for-members/resource-center/gmt-and-get-toolkit
- Start Planning for Vision Week of Service – October 8-18, 2026
Please encourage clubs in your area to begin planning activities for the first Vision Week of Service, October 8-18. Resources are available on our website to support clubs in planning and promoting their service projects:
- Reminder: Club Suspension Policy
Please note the recent amendment to the Club Suspension Policy. The suspension period has been reduced from 120 days to 90 days, and automatic cancellation will be scheduled for the second month following suspension. Review revised policy here:
suspension policy