SECTION 6

NAME:Simon MossOFFICE:Communication Chair

PROGRESS ACHIEVED SINCE LAST CONVENTION:

Since the last convention there have been some good changes on communication throughout the district. The district web site continues to flourish and information is distributed efficiently via the mailing list.

At club level there has been a noticeable increase in the use of social media and the web to promote events and several successes in attracting members in this way.

The midland news has continued in its monthly format but has been complemented by the addition of a blog where news items can be published straight away and automatically distributed via Facebook and Twitter.

The use of Fuse meeting and Skype has made some meetings less time consuming and more productive.

OVERVIEW OF DIRECTION FOR THE FORTHCOMING YEAR:

For the forthcoming year we will be looking to get clubs to update their websites and to increase their use of social media to include a conversation with the community as well as the advertisement of events.

We will be looking for ways to make communication more targeted without denying anyone information.

We will also be looking to produce online training and informative material using VideoScribe and investigate raising the profile of Lions in the Midlands through the production of a localised community report.

NAME: Joy HaffnerOFFICE: Webmaster

PROGRESS ACHIEVED SINCE LAST CONVENTION:

I attended Multiple District Convention, in Manchester, Autumn Forum, Europa Forum, where I was involved as a volunteer including flag bearer, chauffer, driving a very nice Peugeot that was returned without a scratch, acted as model being just a few of the fun things….., attended Communication Team Meetings and a joint MD Webmasters & PR Meeting. At the beginning of the year, I encouraged all District Officers to update their personal and role profile for update to the website – disappointed to find that after numerous requests – some still haven’t been done. I would also strongly recommend next year’s officers to do the same using their latest job description from the District Governor.

From December 2014 I have produced the DG’s monthly Newsletters and during the past year I have continued to provide a central point for the circulation of (keeping it short) all information around the District and to maintain the District Web Site. The general mailing list has now reached 730 Lions last year it was 450 Lions including all Presidents, Secretaries and District Officers. I would continue to encourage fellow Lions that are on the mailing list to sell it to others to speed up and improve communication around the district. I continue to try and keep the website as up to date as possible but to do that I need the support from the District Officers to send me their latest information. I have helped and given advice when asked and pointed members in the right direction to get their questions answered.

I would like to thank the Lions from around the District for their wonderful support of my chosen charity ‘The Homeless’. I have also enjoyed attending all club visits (and would like others to go visiting – it’s surprising what you can pick up) and Council of Governor Weekends in support of DG Ian and been his PA….. Prepared ‘The Bible’ and presentations for Convention and put together the convention reports.

I have once again enjoyed my role this year. Thanks to the Communications Committee for their support and an enjoyable year and I look forward to handing over to myself next year…

NAME:VACANTOFFICE: PR

NAME:Jaap de JongeOFFICE:Midland News – Lion Liaison

PROGRESS ACHIEVED SINCE LAST CONVENTION:

Regularly submitted the copy for the Midlands Newsletter and started a Midlands News blog where articles can be read as soon as they are submitted by clubs. Also copy was submitted for the Lion Magazine.

OVERVIEW OF DIRECTION FOR THE FORTHCOMING YEAR:

To continue the work started this year and try to make the content not only of interest to Lion members but also to third parties.

NAME:Dave SmithOFFICE:Competitions

PROGRESS ACHIEVED SINCE LAST CONVENTION:

Thank you too everyone who has taken part in the District competitions this year. The standard of the peace poster entries was particularly high this year. Participation in some of the competitions is still fairly low.

OVERVIEW OF DIRECTION FOR THE FORTHCOMING YEAR:

Continue to send out information on the competitions to try and increase participation.

NAME:Mavis CookeOFFICE:District Almoner

PROGRESS ACHIEVED SINCE LAST CONVENTION:

Since Convention 2014 I have sent 2 Congratulations cards, 10 Get Well cards and unfortunately 8 Commiseration cards.

I would like to thank those Lions who sent me the information enabling me to send these cards.

OVERVIEW OF DIRECTION FOR THE FORTHCOMING YEAR:

I am dependant on all of you, my fellow Lions to send me the information which enables me to send a card which I know, from the feedback I have received, are much appreciated.

It is of great disappointment to me to find some time later, when it is too late, that a card could have been sent.

So it is over to you to let me know “good news”, “get well news” and sadly “so sorry to hear news”.

Finally I would like to thank District Governor, Lion Ian, for asking me to continue in this district role.