Ayu Ambarini: Lions Club Bali Surya Host 2005 Secretary
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 LCBSH Blog. The Lions Club Bali Surya Host holds its monthly meeting at Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel at Sanur every Tuesday of the first week each month. For additional information contact please email us lionsclubbali@gmail.com
Di copy dari File Ayu di Bali Advertiser
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