Reflecting on Our Membership Journey: Strengthening Our Roar Towards Mission 1.5
Behind every bar on this chart is a story—a story of passion, people, and purpose. As we reflect on the membership trends of the Lipa Metro Centennial Lions Club from 2017 to 2025, we see more than just numbers. We see the lifeblood of our service. In this post, we take a deeper look at where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how our Club’s path aligns with Lions International’s bold Mission 1.5. Let’s journey together from reflection to revival.
Where We’ve Been: A Story of Peaks and Pivots
The journey of our Club membership tells a compelling story of hope, growth, and reflection. Back in 2017, we began with 20 members—passionate pioneers of service. By 2019 and 2020, we reached a vibrant peak of 37 members, an era marked by enthusiastic engagement and sustained momentum. However, this peak was followed by a gradual but visible decline: 31 in 2021, then 26 in 2022, sliding to 18 in 2023, and dipping further to 16 in 2024.
As of January 2025, we find ourselves at 17 members—an ever so slight uptick, signalling that the tide may be turning once again. The flame remains. All we must do is rekindle it with intention.
SWOT Analysis: A Candid Look Within
Strengths
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History of Growth: The rapid rise between 2017–2020 proves our capacity to attract and engage new members.
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Core Leaders: A committed core remains—seasoned Lions who serve as the Club’s institutional memory and moral compass.
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Identity & Legacy: Our Club’s unique story and local presence provide a solid foundation for revival.
Weaknesses
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Membership Decline: The consistent drop from 2021 to 2024 reveals challenges in member retention and recruitment.
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Engagement Gaps: A smaller membership base may lead to overburdening active Lions, risking burnout.
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Generational Disconnect: Limited youth engagement may be affecting long-term sustainability.
Opportunities
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Mission 1.5: Lions International’s call to reach 1.5 million members provides us not just a target—but a movement to join.
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Digital Tools: We can amplify recruitment through storytelling, social media, and outreach events that attract purpose-driven individuals.
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Community Partnerships: Aligning with schools, parishes, local businesses, and civic groups opens the door to service projects that draw in fresh faces.
Threats
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Aging Base: Without the infusion of new, younger members, we risk becoming stagnant.
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Competing Priorities: In a fast-paced world, volunteering must compete with work, family, and digital fatigue.
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Perceived Relevance: The Lions identity must continually be refreshed and localised to stay meaningful to today's volunteers.
Where We’re Headed: Aligning with Mission 1.5
Mission 1.5 is more than a numeric goal. It is a cultural pivot that asks us to:
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Celebrate Service Impact – Highlight our local achievements to inspire community pride and participation.
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Create a Membership Culture – One where every Lion takes ownership of recruitment, welcoming, and mentorship.
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Engage the Next Generation – Bring in youth, professionals, and families by offering flexible, project-based involvement.
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Support Growth Leaders – Empower our officers and future leaders with training, resources, and recognition.
We must see membership not as a numbers game, but as a reflection of how well we are embodying the Lions spirit: “We Serve.”
The Path Forward: From Reflection to Action
Let us use this chart not as a report card, but as a map. Our past tells us we can grow. Our present tells us we must act. Our future—aligned with Mission 1.5—promises a revitalised club built on connection, creativity, and commitment.
Together, we shall reignite the spark. We shall grow, not only in numbers but in strength, heart, and vision.
Let us roar forward.
Related
Read how our Club came to be — in the words of our Charter Members.
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