Today, we truly stand astride the millennia. This "Lions Club Year" 2000-2001 will span the last six months of the last year of the 20^th Century and the first six months of the first year of the 21^st Century. But that reality is not as significant as another reality it symbolizes. If we seize this opportunity, we are poised on the threshold of a new era in the life of the Oak Cliff Lions Club and the community we serve.

Literally, with one foot planted firmly in the past and the other stepping confidently into the future, we have an opportunity to play a significant role in the rebirth of the Oak Cliff community. From April,1929 through June, 2000, those who have worked, built, given, led, inspired and pioneered before us have handed to us a legacy of accomplishment, pride, benevolence, leadership and community service. That legacy has distinguished the Oak Cliff Lions Club among all service clubs and community organizations in Dallas. And our influence has been felt around the world in Lions International.

The broad shoulders of that rich tradition provide a firm foundation upon which we can stand and which we can use as a launching pad for what we can yet accomplish. Our accomplishments can (and must) be significant. We must live up to, and even surpass, the tradition of this Club that we look upon with such pride. In this era when service clubs are suffering from inattention and un-involvement, we must pledge ourselves to making the Oak Cliff Lions Club, once again, the most relevant and significant service club in our community. We must reclaim the rightful position of the Oak Cliff Lions Club as the organization for the leaders and workers of Oak Cliff and beyond.

Here are the challenges. In four years, we will celebrate our 75^th Anniversary. With your support, I pledge to lead you on a rebirth that will take the Oak Cliff Lions Club to once again capturing its place as "the largest Lions Club in Lions International" by our 75^th birthday. With your support, I pledge to lead you on a rebirth that will take the Oak Cliff Lions Club to once again annually contributing to our worthy charities funds in six figure amounts by our 75^th birthday. With your support, I pledge to lead you on a mission that will establish the Oak Cliff Lions Club Humanitarian Award as one of the most meaningful, significant, and coveted awards given by a Dallas organization.

Membership, stewardship, leadership and community service; these are the challenges. Will you pledge with me to meet them? We have all we need to achieve these goals and more. Accept the challenges with me! Together, we will meet them; no…we will exceed them!

Let the renaissance begin!

Wayne Meachum
President, 2000-2001