Page 22 - District 20-K1 Kings & Queens Fall Edition November 2021

November 2021 Vol IX No. 2

CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP

Cultivate Conversations – Cultivate Service – Cultivate
Relationships – Cultivate Change – Cultivate Partnerships”
~PDG Wendy Cain

USA/CANADA LEADERSHIP FORUM

Des Moines, Iowa

September 9-11, 2021

NEW VOICES FROM THE FLOOR OF THE FORUM

MY JOURNEY TO DES MOINES, IOWA
While attending the celebration party in honor of International President Douglas X.
Alexander, Lion Sharon Elcock, informed me about Lions University and
encouraged me to sign up for some courses. I immediately took her advice and
completed not only the Bachelor’s program, but the Master’s as well. I felt really
proud and excited! My intention was to instantly register to attend the USA/Canada
Forum and fly to Des Moines, Iowa for my graduation. However, I was concerned
about my flight, because of compliance pandemic issues. “Where there’s a need,
there’s a Lion.” That fear was allayed by lion Annette Brathwaite, who persuaded
me to join her on a flight. And I did! On arrival at the Hilton Hotel, I was comforted by the warm greetings
from fellow Lions. I received a welcome tote containing brochures outlining seminar activities. My hotel
accommodation was amazing! During lunch and dinner breaks, I was enthralled by the daily presentations, motivational speeches, live
performances, and spectacular flag ceremony. I had the pleasure of meeting Board Liaison, Leo-Lion Stephanie Vin at the Leos’ training
seminar and I felt privileged to witness our International President induct a new Leo into the Iowa Leos Club. This forum has my
knowledge of Lionism and will definitely serve as the impetus for my future attendance.
Prepared by: Lion Brenda Cox & Lion Valcia King-Clarke, (District 20-K1 Leo Liaison 2021-2022)

A “FIRST TIMER” READY TO ROAR!
I was excited by the pre-planning information shared by the host committee and encouraged to participate in this
learning / growing experience.

Even as a “first timer,” inducted in 2020, I volunteered with the host committee and served at the Welcome Center .
Since everyone had a name-tag, I was later recognized as “the lady from The Welcome Desk.” Lions recognized me
by my name- Dimple! Additionally, I was proud to assert, “I am from the home of the International President, Brooklyn,
New York!” I also participated in The Flag Ceremony and it was gratifying to carry the flag of Guyana, my home
country.

I attended many leadership seminars to deepen my knowledge about various topics related to Lionism and I was
delighted to walk across the stage and receive my Bachelor’s Degree from Lions University. I enjoyed the fellowship of
other Lions as we engaged each other on the shuttle bus, in the hotel lobby, at mealtimes, in The Forum Store, The
Exhibits Hall, The Diabetes Scavenger Hunt, the Silent Auction or during the entertainment by several youth groups.
I was especially impressed by the speakers, including Jessica Cox- the first armless pilot, Michelle Ray- author, and
Brooklyn’s own Lions International President- Douglas. X. Alexander. Although there were about 1,500 attendees, safe
distancing protocols were maintained when we assembled for meals or sessions. Overall, the forum did live up to its It was a proud moment carrying
theme, ‘Cultivating Leaders!’’ My thanks to the host committee and the General Chairperson, PDG Wendy Cain and the flag of Guyana, says Lion
the Lions of Iowa, for their leadership and for affording me the opportunity to volunteer. Dimple Willabus
(Queens Community)
I left the Leadership Forum full of knowledge, optimism and a sense of humbleness of which I hope to impart to others!

Reported by, Lion Dimple Willabus