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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?

2009 Charter members:
Pati Canfield                         Cindy Lathrop
John Filek                             Sue Lee
Tony Gleason                       Joseph Lieser
Stephanie Gunderson           Marcus Macke
Ashley Gustafson                 Juan Merino
Patrick Hewett                      Josh Moore
Patrick Holmay                      Ellen Munsell
Maripat Holt                           Medora Schmidt
Alisa Huebsch                       Daniel Truniger
John Jacobson                      Ruth Warden
Linda Johnson                       Joe Wilkie
Nancy Keyes                         Jill Zellmer
 
Past Presidents of the Minneapolis Downtown Next Generation Lions Club include:
Tony Gleason March 18, 2008 - June 2010
John Filek 2010-2011
Mark Rice 2011-2012
Dan Truniger 2012-2013
Dan Truniger 2013-2014
Rob Rand 2014-2015; District Governor 2018-2019
Rob Rand 2015-2016; Council Chair 2019-2020
Brian Madson 2016-2017
Brian Madson 2017 - 2018
Marcia Plaschko - 2018 - 2019
Marcia Plaschko - 2019 - 2020
Daren Johnson - 2020 - 2021
Amber Georgeson - 2021 - 2022
Amber Georgeson - 2022 - 2023
 
Other District / Multiple / International Positions held:
Robert Vokes, District Governor 5M-10 1996-2997
Ross Thorfinnson, District Governor 5M-5 1996-1997, Council Chair 1997-1998, International Director 2001 - 2003.

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 
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