Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who are the Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions?
The Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions club is a group of men and women volunteers who seek to serve the community of Minneapolis and the bigger world community through activities and projects that help meet the needs of the community. The motto of all Lions Clubs is “We Serve.”
When did the Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions Club form as a group?
The Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions club was chartered in July 2009 at the time of International Lions Convention held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
What kind of activities and projects do the Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions participate in?
For a complete list of all activities and projects, please click on the "Club Projects" on the left toolbar.
A key focus for the Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions and all of the Lions Clubs of the world is the eradication of preventable blindness. Ever since Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become “Knights of the Blind,” Lions Clubs have been assisting needy individuals with eye exams and glasses. Recently, we have expanded that assistance to those with hearing problems.
What are the Lions eyeglass collection boxes that are located in Downtown Minneapolis and what do Lions do with these used eyeglasses?
Lions collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids for cleaning, sorting, and recycling to third world countries. Our eye glass collection location is Visionworks located in the Investor's Building.
The Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions Club conducts fundraisers. What are the monies used for?
Proceeds from the Lions fundraisers are used to support our many community activities, such as eye exams and glasses, scholarships to local students, community projects, etc. Note that all net profits from fundraisers go back to the community. Lions Clubs maintain separate accounts for community projects and for administrative operations of the club.
Do the Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions welcome new members?
Yes! Membership is by invitation as perspective members must be individuals who are willing to provide their time (and even some money) for service to the community. Contact a member to discuss the membership costs.
How often do the Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions meet and where?
The Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions hold an evening meeting (5:30 - 6:30pm) every third Wednesday of the month. There is also a happy hour social once a month on the first Tuesday. Meetings usually include a guest speaker from the community. The club also holds a Board meeting once a month when specific business of the club is discussed.
Location of these meetings and other Lions activities are posted on the Calendar on this web site.
As a member, do I have to attend every dinner and Board meeting, as well as all fundraisers and activities?
People who join Lions are expected to provide their time and effort to support the activities of the Lions Club. However, the club recognizes that there are other priorities in members’ lives and these priorities sometimes conflict with Lions activities. Board meetings are optional, though non-officer members are encouraged to attend.
Who are some of the men and women who have been leaders and members of the Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions Club?
Where can I find additional info on the web about Lions Clubs?
Lions Clubs International Official web site of Lions Clubs
LionNet Listing of Lions Clubs web sites throughout the world
District 5M-5 Lions Official web site of Lions Clubs in Minnesota.
Members of the Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions Club have been recognized for many types of awards. Below is a list of those awards and recipients. Click on the award to view the Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions who have been selected for the award. (TBA)
Everday Hero Recipients:
- 2014 – 2015 Dan Truniger
- 2015 – 2016 Brian Madson
- 2016 - 2017 Rob Rand
- 2017 – 2018 Deb Linder
- 2018 – 2019 Daren Johnson & Marcia Plaschko
- 2019 – 2020 Alissa and Kevin Harris
- 2020 – 2021 Eliot Mahal, Robert Vokes and Ruth Warden
- 2021 - 2022 Amber Georgeson, Erin Burmester, & Leah Ruden
- 2022 - 2023