🇺🇸 WE DON’T DO LIONS LIKE WE USED TO — and that’s a good thing! 🦁✨

You might not have noticed yet, but Lions is changing. And it’s changing fast — for the better. More inclusive, more diverse, more connected to today’s needs and tomorrow’s dreams.Let’s move past that old “back in my day” talk. Our time is now.

Want an example?

For a long time, people believed there was only one way to be a Lion — one club model, one “correct” way to do things. However, the truth is that to continue growing and serving with relevance, our movement had to — and still has to — embrace the many different ways of living the Lionism experience. There’s no longer a single formula for being a Lion.

Lions Clube São Paulo ELOS is living proof of that.

For nearly 5 years now, we’ve followed the principles of Lions International’s “Your Club, Your Way” guide to the letter — and gone beyond. We’re a hybrid club, combining aspects of a virtual club and a special interest club. We pay all the dues and follow all the rules, just like any traditional club.

Our board and general meetings don’t follow the old formal protocols: they’re simplified, with minimal structure and focused discussions. Light, dynamic, and enjoyable meetings. Our monthly social gatherings — which strengthen our bonds of friendship and fellowship — are held virtually, except for symbolic events like the induction of new members, officer installations, or the founding of our LEO Club. In these moments, we gather in person and follow all the formalities and traditions.

But there’s one non-negotiable principle for ELOS: all of our campaigns, actions, and activities are held in person, directly in the communities where our members — our beloved ELOS — live.

We’re also a Special Interest Club, not defined by profession, but by shared life stages and experiences. We are former LEOs, students, young professionals, and families united by the desire to serve. Our members include regular Lions, family members, students, and LEO-Lions.

Since our founding, we’ve developed annual plans with semiannual reviews. We don’t wait for the District to set our goals — we lead our journey. Today, we have members in 10 cities across 4 states — and that number was even higher before. Yes, some members live in other Districts or Multiple Districts, and Lions International has no rules that prevent that.

In just over 4 years, we’ve already earned 3 Club Excellence Awards, plus several recognitions at the district, multiple, and Area 3 levels — including Best Club in Public Relations and Communications.

And we’re paving the way for a historic milestone: in 2026/2027, Lion André Cazaroto — our founding member — may become the first former LEO to serve as Governor of District LC-2.

Our new way of being and doing Lionism has inspired clubs, districts, and leaders across the country. We've been invited countless times to share how we work. We've helped launch new clubs inspired by the ELOS model and continue to support those who want to innovate. Many Lion leaders come to us for ideas, inspiration, and guidance. And we've shown — with humility, consistency, and results — that it’s possible to innovate without ever losing the essence of service.

Still, now and then, we hear the usual voices: “That’s not right,” “That’s not how Lions is done.” But most of the time, these come from Lions who haven’t kept up with the transformations our association has gone through — Lions who perhaps haven’t read — or fully understood — the spirit of “Your Club, Your Way.”

The diversity of formats, rhythms, contexts, and styles doesn’t weaken Lionism. It strengthens it.That’s the kind of plurality that will ensure our continuity and sustainable growth.

So, we proudly affirm:

There’s no single way to be a Lion.

Each club has its own path.

And they’re all valid.

🟡 United in Diversity, Serving with Equality.

✍️ Raniere Pontes

President, Lions Clube São Paulo ELOS

2024/2025