When we started Campaign Membership in Minneapolis, our goal was 200 new members. Not in our wildest imagination, did we think that we would have 234 new members a year later. Our total LITPC membership at press time was 745. Without the 234 new members, our roster would be around 500 members.  However, at one time, our membership was 1000, and with a continued effort by all, we can get there again! It will take a team approach and we sincerely congratulate all of the team members who have invited new members.

At the Annual Breakfast held recently in Denver, LITPC President Bill Sour presented 142 logo pins to 37 sponsors of new members. An important part of this ceremony was the presentation of pins to our newest members: Lion Paul Fugate, who invited his mother, Donna Woods; Lion Dave Armstrong of Montana invited his daughter, Arla Armstrong; Lion Sherman McClutchen was invited by Lion Phil Castrovinci from Arizona. Lion Rich Winget was invited by Lion Dave Armstrong, and Lion Bob VanArt was invited by Lion Nan Blakemore from Missouri. In a very special presentation, LITPC Past President Jim Schiebel from New York was recognized for inviting 50 members! He received 27 logo pins and a special gold pin for inviting his first 10 members. What an outstanding accomplishment. The following Lions also received gold pins for inviting 10 or more members: Clive Reid from Australia (12), Phil Schrack from Virginia (10), Bob Libin from New York (10) and Don Wagner from Georgia (10).

It’s worth mentioning that Lion Jim Schiebel’s 50th member is LCI second vice-president Sid Scruggs. Lion Bob Libin recently invited LCI immediate past President Al Brandel to membership.  Now, there are examples of initiative and thinking outside the box.  Congratulations to all!

In the 3 to 7 category of new members are: Lion Harry Fulwiler of Virginia (3), Lion Mike Gutyan of Indiana (3), Lion John Holland of Nevada (3), Lion Ed Menger of Georgia (3), Lion Jerry Townsend of Mississippi (4), Lion Nan Blakemore of Missouri (5), Lion George Weaver of Florida (6), Lion Chuck Boeding of Iowa (6) and Lion Jim Minnich of Delaware (7).

The following Lions invited 2 members each: Fred Bunch (CA), Dennis Walton (FL), Merle Dutt (OH), Rich Koch (WI), Jay Puls (CA), Phil Baumann (MN), Kent Clovis (OK), Phil Castrovinci (AZ), Dave Armstrong (MT), Dan Smith (CO), and Ken Jones (IN).

Members who invited one member are: Lion Reg Langusch (AUS), Lion Al Stack (CA), Lion Gene English (NC), Lion Joe Terezzo (CA), Lion Ron Jordon (MO), Lion Lance Leak (AUS), Lion Bill Middleton (OK), Lion Bob Walker (SC), Lion Ken Reed (IA), Lion Don Agar (NH), and Lion Lance Balding (CO).

It’s time for the rest of our membership to join the company of the 85 Lions that have invited our 234 new members. Try to imagine our growth if every member would sponsor just one new member.  Lion Dan Smith, President of the Colorado Pin Traders captured the essence of membership when he said, “In the beginning, it was all about the pins, but then I realized it was about the friendship with Lions all over the world.” Make a list of prospective members. Share with them that it IS about friendship, fellowship, fun AND pins. Invite them in person, by telephone, by e-mail, by snail-mail. Take applications with you when you go to Lions functions. The important thing is to get an application into their hands. Recommend that they take a look at the LITPC website: www.litpc.org. 

MENTORING RESPONSIBILITIES

We must not forget that it is the responsibility of all sponsors to mentor their new LITPC members. You can display pin trading friendship in many ways. Call or e-mail your new members to make them feel welcome. Encourage them to “specialize” – lighthouses, covered bridges, birds, airplanes, trains, dogs, etc. Give them some pins to get them started. Show them your collection. Tell them about the friends you have made through pin trading. Remind them that they will be receiving a membership roster of potential traders and friends. Every journey begins with the first step and lives are enriched by the friends we meet along the way.

CAMPAIGN MEMBERSHIP INCENTIVES

In addition to expanding our membership, sponsors will receive awards for inviting new members.

1. For each new members, the sponsor and new member will each receive an LITPC logo pin

2. For 10 new members, the sponsor will receive a gold-tone pin.

3. For 20 new members, the sponsor will receive a silver-tone pin.

4. For 30 new members, the sponsor will receive a bronze-tone pin.

5. For 40 new members, the sponsor will receive a copper-tone pin.

6. For 50 new members, the sponsor will receive an LITPC logo medallion.

7. For 100 new members, the sponsor will receive a variation of the LITPC logo medallion.