An Introduction to Lions Quest

As a business leader, what are some of the skills you see as being necessary to

work in today’s marketplace?

Overview of Lions Quest

Lions Quest is a school based, positive youth development program encompassing:– Drug and bullying prevention– Violence prevention and conflict resolution– Teaching Social and Emotional skills– Building Character and teaching Values– Using Service as a way to apply topics

learned in the classroom

Lions Quest Programs

• Lions Quest Skills for Growing

(Ages 5 - 10)

• Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence

(Ages 11 – 14)

• Lions Quest Skills for Action

(Ages 15 – 20)

Program Goals

• Engage students, families, the school, and community members,

• Provide opportunities for young people to learn essential social and emotional skills,

• Engage young people in the practice of good citizenship through service learning and philanthropy and

• Strengthen young people’s commitment to their family, positive peers, school, and community.

Life Skills Development

Lions Quest programs emphasize essential life skills such as:

• managing emotions and resolving conflicts,

• self-confidence and self-discipline,

• responsibility and good judgment,

• effective communication,

• decision-making and problem-solving,

• strengthening relationships,

• resisting negative peer pressure,

• higher-order thinking and goal-setting, and

• community and civic engagement.

Five Program Components

1. classroom curriculum to integrate within classes such as language arts, health or social studies or as a stand alone course (includes service-learning projects),

2. parent involvement,3. community involvement,4. a positive school climate (teaching

techniques and subject themes to be integrated into all subjects), and

5. professional development and training.

Past International President Clement Kusiak

How do I get started?

• Learn about the program: – review website – on-line chairperson training– attend a workshop (for free) – talk with teachers or Lion champions in your

area

• Reach out to educators, administrators, university personnel, or community leaders about Lions Quest. Start with who you know.

What resources are available?

• Contact the office in your country – if none, contact LCIF

• Promotional Grants available - $1,000 to Districts or MDs without Core 4 grants; no matching funds necessary

• Core 4 grants

LCIF Financial Support

• Core 4 Grants– Initiate or expand programs– Commitment of MD/district funds– $100,000 available to Multiple Districts– $25,000 for sub-districts

• Seeking additional funding through governments, multilateral organizations and foundations

LCIF Additional Support

• Streamlining procedures and coordinating international workshops

• Bringing country programs together to share ideas and collaborate on projects

• Administrative Support, Training and Technical Assistance

• Developing innovative materials

New Country Implementation

• All stakeholders agree on the suitability of the program for local implementation

• Steering Committee formed• Initial implementation plan designed• Program translation and adaptation

undertaken • Pilot workshop conducted

How do I choose a Lions Quest Chairperson?

• Choose someone with education, social work or other similar background

• Choose someone interested in youth programs

• Choose someone with energy (the most important qualification!)

Past International President

Rohit Mehta

Why should Lions support Lions Quest?

Why is Lions Quest Important?

• Research has shown that when students’ emotional needs are addressed, children do better academically. SEL programs can improve academic performance by at least 11%!

• LQ addresses issues such as drugs and violence not in isolation but together in a holistic, coordinated approach.

• LQ teaches 21st Century Workforce Skills – Cultural literacy and global awareness– Higher order thinking and reasoning– Real world application of planning and management– Personal social responsibility– Inventive thinking; creativity

• LQ supports Character Education – teaching values based skills such as ethical decision making and social consciousness.

• LQ uses civic engagement and service learning as a hands-on tool to teach these Character and SEL skills.

Lions and Lions Quest

• Lions Quest is a practical extension of the service ethic of Lionism

• Lions entities manage LQ programs at the national level

• Local Lions are critical to introducing the program to schools and raising funds

• Creates ongoing partnership between local Lions and schools and communities

Lions Quest Strengthens Lionism

• Reaching children and students in need• Leveraging LCIF funds• Creating a world brand and reputation

for Lions and their youth work• Enhancing Lions membership by

attracting individuals committed to youth involvement (New: Lions Quest Clubs!)

Lions Quest in India

• Run by the Lions Quest in India Foundation

• Council of Governors of each MD appoints one trustee to represent that MD at the Foundation

• Foundation appointed a steering committee to make changes to the program to suit local culture, language and education system

LQIF Role

• Foundation runs teacher training workshops, makes presentations to Lions, coordinates with government and local NGOs

• Monitors the program countrywide• Promotes the program with Lions and

education officials• Manages Core 4 grants• Runs administration of the program: selling

materials, organizing workshops, paying trainers

What are my first steps?

• Write down one way to find out more information

• Write down one person you will contact when you return home

• Write how you will present LQ to your club

• Write one idea you have to involve other Lions