Special Notices – July 2026
For Club Secretaries
ALL 2026-27 CLUB OFFICERS MUST BE ENTERED INTO THE LION PORTAL!!
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL LIONS CLUBS OFFICERS FOR THE 2026-27 YEAR MUST BE REPORTED TO LCI EVEN IF NONE OF YOUR OFFICERS HAVE CHANGED! PLEASE REFER TO THE EMAIL THAT YOU RECEIVED FROM LION PEGGY TOBIN ON MAY 18, 2026.
THERE ARE TWO METHODS AVAILABLE FOR COMPLETING THIS TASK:
1. Log into the Lion Portal and complete the process online (see the document on montanalions.org/Training & Resources/Other Documents/Secretary-How to Assign Officers)
2. Complete a paper PU101 document available at montanalions.org and send it via email or regular mail to the district secretary, Peggy Tobin, at [email protected] or PO Box 408, Sunburst MT 59482.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS PROCESS, PLEASE CALL PEGGY TOBIN AT 406-461-4206!!
For Club Treasurers
Please remember that all Lions clubs with annual gross receipts less than US$50,000 that are not required to file Forms 990 or 990-EZ must file the e-Postcard (also known as the 990-N). Please be advised this filing relates specifically to the 501(c)(4). If your Lions club has a foundation, which is a separate legal entity, the appropriate form will need to be filed as well. If you are unfamiliar with this process, please see the short video noted below.
District 37 Club Officer Training Videos
These videos are all accessible via the district website, www.montanalions.org under “Training/Resources”:
- All Club officers: Trainer PDG Mike Collins
- Club President: Trainer PDG Mike Tobin
- Club Secretary: Trainer Lion Peggy Tobin
- Club Treasurer: Trainer PDG Mike Collins
Short videos about how to do specific secretary or treasurer tasks:
Filing your 990-N (e-Postcard) (9 minutes)
With the release of the new LionPortal, we have added links to some of the short videos provided by LCI (please note that these were recorded prior to updates that have made changes to the “look” of the pages – but the blue boxes are still there:
District 37 Facebook Page
We all know that Lions serve from the heart, and now we want to see YOU in action! Whether you’re planting trees, organizing a food drive, helping out at a community event, or any other service activity, we want to showcase the amazing work our Lions are doing.
We’re looking for candid shots of Montana Lions actively engaging in service. We appreciate the posed group photos that commemorate events but we want to see how you have captured the real moments that show the spirit of Lionism in action!
How to Participate:
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- Snap candid photos of Lions in action during service activities.
- Share your photos via message to the District Facebook Page (https://m.me/MontanaLions).
- Include a brief description of the activity and the names of the Lions involved.
- Bonus points for Lions wearing Lions Club logos on hats, vests, shirts, etc.!
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Let’s fill our media with the heart and soul of our District’s service efforts. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words—let’s show the world the impact of the MT Lions Clubs of District 37!
Newsletter Information
Any Lions club member can submit information associated with any type of Lions project or general club information. You can submit Club News ANYTIME! You are also welcome to email your news (hopefully with photo) to: Lion Peggy Tobin at [email protected].
Website Updates
In Addition to the “Tri-Fold Generator” for clubs to create their own club brochures, additional documents have been added including Leo Application forms and Club Service Project Ideas. If you have trouble finding a resource and it’s not currently available on the website, please contact Peggy Tobin at [email protected] or call 406-461-4206.
Free Club Websites!
The club-level website is still being offered by Montana District 37 at NO COST! If you don’t already have a domain name, Deanna can provide one for a cost of $20/year after the first year. If you are interested in getting a website for your club, please contact Peggy Tobin at [email protected] or call 406-461-4206.
By Lion Peggy TobinDates to Remember – July 2026
JUNE CLUB ANNIVERSARIES
69 years of service!!!
Billings Heights – 07/23/1957
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETING DATES
MT Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation – July 12, 2026 @ 10:00 at the MT School for the Deaf and the Blind, Great Falls, MT
District Cabinet Meeting – July 12, 2026 @ noon at the MT School for the Deaf and the Blind, Great Falls, MT – LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED
District 37 6th Annual Leadership Retreat – October 2 – 4, 2026, Lewistown, MT
2027 District 37 Convention – April 16-17, 2027, Choteau, MT
LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SCHEDULE
2026 Hong Kong – Jul 3-7
2027 Washington DC – July 2-6
2028 Singapore -June 23-27
2029 Minneapolis, MN
2030 San Antonio TX
2031 – Helsinki Finland
UPCOMING USA/CANADA FORUMS
USA/CANADA LIONS LEADERSHIP FORUMS CAN BE RELATED TO ALL AREAS OF YOUR LIFE – NOT JUST LIONS
2026 Memphis TN-50th Annual!! – September 3 – 5
2027 Huntsville, AB – September 16-18
2028 Grand Rapids, MI – To be announced
2029 Shreveport, LA – To be announced
Sidney Lions – 9th Annual Family Fun Trap Shoot
Sidney Lions 9th Annual Family Fun Trap Shoot was held Sunday 6/28/26 in partnership with Sidney Trap Club and Pheasants Forever. The event raised over $11,000, mainly from local business sponsorships, a raffle and a Dutch auction.
Both Youth and Adults participated in the trap shoot competition on this beautiful day.
Sidney Lion George Biebl (also a Pheasants Forever member) assessed eye dominance for youth shoots. Gun safety and proper shooting habits were emphasized and everybody had success breaking at least one clay target! Plus, all walked away with written recommendations for proper practice to enhance their muscle memory for shooting.
Great Falls Sunrise Lions-Tickets on Sale for Annual BBQ & Fundraiser
On Friday, September 18, 2026, the Sunrise Lions Club will be holding our annual BBQ and Fundraiser at 5:30pm at the Moose Lodge located at 401 21st Street NE in Black Eagle, MT. Tickets are $15/person and children under 7 are free. Tickets are available at the event or at Floors & More in Great Falls (406-761-7820). All proceeds continue to support those in our community who qualify for visual and hearing assistance.
Your generous contribution to a silent auction, money donation or attendance will enable us to continue fulfilling our mission.
The children in our local public schools have been a priority of our local Lions. We work with teachers to get referrals for children in need of glasses who qualify financially. The optometry appointment is paid for as well as new glasses if needed. Our local educators have shared how students perform better in school when they receive their glasses. However, we don’t stop there! We also provide services to adults who qualify to supply eyeglasses and hearing aids.
One of our projects has been working with the Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind. With the assistance of a grant from Lion’s Club International Foundation, other Montana Lions Clubs, and local and statewide donations, we were able to purchase 100 digital readers. Digital readers aid the student in classroom participation while greatly expanding reading skills and significantly enhancing the quality of life for individuals who are visually impaired.
Sight and hearing are a blessing that everyone should be able to experience through visual equipment, glasses and hearing aids.
In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lion Clubs International convention. She challenged them to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness”. Since then, Lions have worked tirelessly to aid the blind and visually impaired. Sunrise Lions club is proud to help our community.
Through donations from caring companies and people like you, we will be able to continue to help children and adults in need. Please contact Neil Swift at 406-868-4252 or Gretchen Swift at 868-4250 if you have any quesetions or would like us to pick up your donation.
Thank you for your support.
By Great Falls Sunriser Lions ClubSeeley Lake Lions Sendoff for DG Jon Kimble to Hong Kong
Here in Seeley Lake we have the pleasure of having multiple District 37 officers including our Zone Chair Rob Shaffer and 1st Vice District Governor Gary Lewis, but we also have the distinction this year as one of our members, Jon Kimble, was elected as our new District Governor.
At our General Meeting on June 25, 2026 we had over 45 members on hand to give him a sendoff to Hong Kong where he will be inducted and represent the Treasure State of Montana at the International Convention. Lion Jon is such a hard worker, not only for this town, but for all the clubs as well. He gives so much of his time and inspires others to follow in his footsteps. We wish him well on his journey in this coming year and his trip to the Orient!
By Seeley Lake Lions ClubJune 2026 Newsletter
The publication of the district newsletter is at the beginning of the month, but articles are posted all during the month. A second email notification mid-way through the month will be sent if there are additional posts to share.
You can reply to this email to give us feedback.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!
From the Desk of Governor Corinna – June 2026
“Leading with Heart: Service, Empowerment, and Community”
Fellow Lions and Leos of Montana,
As they say, “the days are long, but the years are short.”
As I sit down to write my final newsletter as your District Governor, I find myself reflecting on what an incredible journey this has been. Serving as your District Governor has been one of the greatest honors of my life. The opportunity to visit clubs across Montana, meet so many dedicated Lions, and witness firsthand the impact of your service has been both humbling and inspiring.
The friendships formed during this journey will last a lifetime. Whether sharing a meal after a meeting, working side by side on a service project, celebrating successes, or helping navigate challenges, I have been reminded again and again that Lions are more than members of an organization… We are family.
One of the greatest privileges of this role has been seeing the pride each club takes in serving its community. No two communities are exactly alike, and no two clubs serve in exactly the same way. Yet in every town, I witnessed Lions identifying needs and responding with service that was exactly what their communities needed. From vision screenings and food/garden programs to community celebrations, scholarships, park maintenance, and countless acts of kindness, I saw the very best of Lionism in action.
I also discovered that many of our clubs share common challenges. We talk about attracting new members, engaging the next generation, empowering emerging leaders, and navigating conflict when it arises. These challenges are real, but they are not unique to any one club. The good news is that none of us face them alone.
Lions International and District 37 are filled with resources, programs, and experienced Lions who stand ready to help. Whether your club is experiencing the good, the bad, or the ugly, there is support available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out by going to MontanaLions.org. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather it is a sign of commitment to your club’s future success.
Before I close, I want to offer a special word of appreciation and encouragement to the Leo Clubs of Montana. You are an inspiration to all of us. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and spirit of service are truly exceptional. Throughout this year, I have been continually impressed by your willingness to step forward, identify needs, and make a difference in your schools and communities. The future of Lions in Montana is bright because of young leaders like you. Thank you for your commitment to service and for reminding us all that leadership begins with a heart willing to serve. We are proud of you, we believe in you, and we look forward to watching you become the next generation of Lions leaders.
As I pass the gavel, I look forward to supporting District Governor-Elect Jon Kimble, First Vice District Governor Gary Lewis, and Second Vice District Governor Gary Van Dyke. With two Garys on the leadership team, we may occasionally have to clarify which one we’re talking about, but I have complete confidence that District 37 is in excellent hands. Their passion for service, leadership, and dedication to our Lions family will continue moving our district forward.
As my term as District Governor comes to a close, my service to Lions does not. While this may be my final newsletter as District Governor, I look forward to discovering the ways Lions will continue to call upon me to live our motto, “We Serve,” in our communities and beyond.
One final thought. Throughout these years, I have traveled many miles across our great state, and I have come to appreciate something I’ve always known to be true: Montana is like one small town with a really long Main Street. No matter where I traveled, I found neighbors helping neighbors, Lions serving their communities, and friendships that quickly felt like family. While the distances between our towns may be great, the connections between our Lions are even greater. That spirit of service, kindness, and community is what makes Montana Lions so special.
Thank you for your encouragement, your friendship, your dedication, and your service. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving alongside you this year. May your journey be blessed with fulfillment in service, joy in friendship, and pride in knowing that the lives you touch truly make a difference.
With heartfelt gratitude,
DG Corinna Christensen
District Governor 2025-2026
Montana Lions District 37
“Lead to Serve, Serve to Lead”
By DG Corinna ChristensenFrom the Desk of IPDG Raleigh G. Peck – June 2026
Leo Club Advisor End-of-Year Reminders
With the end of the Lion year quickly approaching, here are a few reminders to wrap up the year:
- Don’t forget to report this year’s service projects, as well as next year’s Leo club officers in the Lion Portal. There are several resources available on the club leadership webpage for new officers.
- There are many awards available on the Leo Awards webpage, including the Leo Award of Honor. If you feel that your Leo club president should receive the Leo Club President Achievement Award, you may download and present this certificate.
- Lions Clubs International Foundation’s Leo Service Grant is available to Lion districts and multiple districts. Consider working with other clubs in your area to apply for the grant!
- Share this blog post on Leo leadership opportunities with the Leos in your club.
- Encourage Leos to continue serving as Lions and share Leo to Lion transition resources with Lions.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for supporting the Leos of SD37, please reach out—I am always happy to connect and visit with all of you.
Thanks for all you do!
IPDG Raleigh G. Peck
By IPDG Raleigh PeckLCI President’s Message-June 2026
President’s MessageLead to Serve, Serve To Leadwith International President A.P. Singh |
Dear Lion,
As we approach the end of the year, this is the perfect time to reflect on our shared experience as Lions. While each of us brings something unique, it is our combined effort that creates the greatest impact.
When we come together in service, we achieve meaningful goals and show our communities the kindness and commitment Lions are known for. As Lions, we are never alone — we support one another, inspire one another and overcome challenges together.
There is still time to join forces this year and do something great. I look forward to seeing what you and your clubs accomplish together.
Together in service,
A.P. Singh, International President
The Lions 108th International Convention is Fast Approaching!
This notice will serve as a reminder that the Official Convention Call has been published in the LION Magazine in compliance with Article VI, Section 2 of the International By-Laws.
All Lions can review the 2026 Official Call and Notice of Amendments on the Lions’ website or the 2026 Official Convention Call and Notice of Amendments in LION Magazine.
2026 Official Convention Call
Convention Call In compliance with Article VI, Section 2 of the International By-Laws, I hereby issue the Official Call for the 2026 International Convention. The 108th Lions International Convention will be held in-person July 3-7, 2026, with some events available on demand after convention. The purpose of the convention is to elect a president, first vice president, second vice president, third vice president and 18 members of the International Board of Directors, and to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
The 2026 convention will be held in Hong Kong, China — a city alive with energy and possibility, where towering skyscrapers rise alongside ancient temples and every street hums with life. From vibrant markets and eclectic cuisine to breathtaking harbor views, Hong Kong offers a sensory experience at every turn. It’s the ideal setting for Lions International’s biggest event of the year.
Over five uplifting days, you’ll experience dynamic plenary sessions featuring world-class speakers and entertainment, a captivating international show and engaging seminars. You’ll also explore a lively exhibit hall, celebrate meaningful recognition moments and connect with Lions from around the world.
Convention brings together fellowship, fun and learning on a global scale. Join us as we celebrate our impact and ignite our passion for the year ahead.
A.P. Singh
International President
Official Notice – 2026 International Convention, Hong Kong, China
The following proposed amendments to the International Constitution and By-Laws will be reported to the delegates for vote at the 2026 International Convention.
The following lists the three proposed amendments to the International Constitution and By-Laws that will be reported to the delegates for vote at the 2026 International Convention. Please click the link above to see the entire document!
ITEM 1: A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE CLUB DELEGATE FORMULA TO REQUIRE PAST DISTRICT GOVERNORS GRANTED VOTING RIGHTS BY A DISTRICT OR MULTIPLE DISTRICT TO BE MEMBERS OF A CLUB IN GOOD STANDING IN ORDER TO VOTE BY VIRTUE OF TITLE.
(THIS AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS REQUIRES A MAJORITY VOTE TO ADOPT)
ITEM 2: A RESOLUTION TO INCREASE SEMI-ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DUES TO BE PHASED IN OVER FIVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS BEGINNING IN FISCAL YEAR 2028-2029. A MODEST, PHASED IN DUES INCREASE WILL ALLOW THE ASSOCIATION TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THE MEMBERSHIP BY MAINTAINING EXISTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AND INVESTING IN NEW INITIATIVES IN THE FUTURE.
(THIS AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS REQUIRES A MAJORITY VOTE TO ADOPT)
(Note: Effective July 1, 2028 – through July 1, 2032 (five years), dues would increase by $2/year from the current $50 (paid $25 semi-annually) to $52 effective July 1, 2028, $54 effective July 1, 2029, $56 effective July 1, 2030, $58 effective July 1, 2031, $60 effective July 1, 2032).
ITEM 3: A RESOLUTION TO INCREASE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORS BY ONE AND REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BOARD APPOINTEES BY ONE. IT WOULD ALSO REDISTRIBUTE DIRECTOR POSITIONS BY REDUCING THE NUMBER OF DIRECTORS FROM THE UNITED STATES, ITS AFFILIATES, BERMUDA AND THE BAHAMAS BY ONE IN EVEN YEARS AND ONE IN ODD YEARS; ADDING ONE DIRECTOR IN EVEN YEARS FOR SOUTH AMERICA, CENTRAL AMERICA, MEXICO AND THE CARIBBEAN; AND ADDING TWO DIRECTORS IN ODD YEARS FOR INDIA, SOUTH ASIA, AND THE MIDDLE EAST.
(THIS AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION REQUIRES A TWO-THIRDS VOTE TO ADOPT)
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