1. Call to Order – CC Jim Worden
2. Roll Call of Governors – SST Cecilia Wesselman
3. Approval of the Agenda – CC Jim Worden
4. Old Business
• None
5. New Business
• Review of State Convention Contract Proposals for 2027 and 2028
6. Adjournment – CC Jim Worden

• Notice of Special Zoom Meeting (Special_Zoom_COG_Meeting_April_30_2026.pdf)

• All Proposed Amendments to CBL 2026 (Proposed_Amendments_to_CBL_2026.pdf)
• (Magazine_Resolution_2026.pdf)

• One (1) Delegate and One (1) Alternate for each ten (10) members, or major fraction thereof
• Delegates and Alternates must be duly elected in accordance with Article IX, Sections 8 and 9 of the MD-1 Constitution

• All Delegates and Alternates must be registered for the State Convention prior to certification
• Certification will occur only after registration at the Convention Registration Desk
• Certification hours:
• Saturday, May 16, 2026: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (District Caucus)
• Sunday, May 17, 2026: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
• Voting will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
• Any changes to certified Delegates:
• May only be made by the Club President, Club Secretary, or District Governor
• Require return of the original Credential Card (issued at convention) before a new one is issued
• Must be completed during certification hours only

• Delegate and Alternate Certification Form (MD-1_2026_State_Convention_Delegate_Form.pdf)

Important Notice for Lions of Illinois!

Campaign & Liaison

Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP)

Constitution & By-Laws

Marketing

International Convention

State Convention

Information Technology

State Magazine

Leo Clubs & Youth Activities

Additionally, applications are open for:

Council Parliamentarian (1-year term)

Finance Committee Member (3-year term)

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

Submit a letter of intent and resume to the State Office

Be prepared to interview with the District Governors-Elect

Submit your application to:

State Secretary-Treasurer

Lions of Illinois, Inc.

828 S. 2nd Street, Suite 101

Springfield, IL 62704

sst@illinoislionsmd1.org

Step up. Get involved. Lead with purpose.

The future of Lions of Illinois starts with YOU!

• Notice to Apply - State Committee Chairperson (MD1_2025-2026_State_Committee_Chairpersons_Notice_Extension.pdf)

• 3rd COG Meeting Minutes - December 6, 2025 (Third_COG_Meeting_Minutes_-_Approved_02_07_2026.pdf)
• Chair Reports - 4th COG Meeting (Chair_Reports_-_4th_COG_Meeting.pdf)
• Reviewed Financial Statements 2024-2025 (20250630_-_Review_Report.pdf)

Now Accepting Applications: 2026–2027 State Committee Chairpersons

The Lions of Illinois (MD1) is now accepting applications for State Committee Chairperson positions for the 2026–2027 Lion year.

Open Committee Positions:

• Campaign & Liaison

• Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP)

• Constitution & By-Laws

• Marketing

• International Convention

• State Convention

• Information Technology

• State Magazine

• Leo Clubs & Youth Activities

Additionally, applications are being accepted for:

• Council Parliamentarian (one-year term)

• Finance Committee Member (three-year term)

Eligibility Requirements

To serve as a State Committee Chairperson, applicants must have completed at least one year as a district appointee to the respective State Committee. This requirement may be waived by the District Governors-Elect under certain circumstances.

Term of Service

Positions are for one-year terms unless otherwise noted. Duties and responsibilities are outlined in the Lions of Illinois Constitution & By-Laws and Policy Manual, available on the MD1 website.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit:

• A Letter of Intent (specifying the position sought)

• A Resume of relevant Lions and/or business experience

Applications must be received by close of business on March 31, 2026.

Candidates must be available for an interview with the District Governors-Elect at the State Convention or at a mutually agreed time

Submit materials via mail or email to the Lions of Illinois State Office. Applicants are encouraged to confirm receipt with the State Secretary-Treasurer.

• State Committee Chairperson Notice (MD1_2025-2026_State_Committee_Chairpersons_Notice.pdf)

• (4th_COG_Agenda.pdf)

2026 District 1-F Lions Convention

“A Celebration of Lions”

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Hilton Chicago / Northbrook

2855 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL

Registration Information

Early Bird Registration available before February 15, 2026

Regular registration accepted through March 7, 2026

Late/on-site registration available (meal availability not guaranteed)

Hotel Reservations

• Hilton Chicago/Northbrook

• Special Lions rate: $129 per night

• Reservations must be made by February 17, 2026

• Call 847-480-7500 and mention District 1-F Convention or book at Hilton.com

Payment Options

• Check payable to District 1-F Lions

• Zelle available: LIONSD1F@YAHOO.COM

Registration forms must be completed for each attendee, even if paying electronically.

Submit forms by email or mail to:

PDG Barb Lahtinen

Lionbarbara@comcast.net

Whether you’re a new Lion or a seasoned leader, this convention is your chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the incredible service of Lions.

Mark your calendar and register early!

• District 1F Convention Registration (District_1F_Convention_Registration.pdf)

DG Rob Wirth and Denise would like to invite you to attend the 2026 District 1-G Convention to be held on March 27 & 28, 2026. This year the convention will be at The Great River Ascend Hotel, 3559 College Avenue, Alton IL 62002.  The Registration Form is provided here for you to print and mail.  

1. Registration: The registration opens at 4pm Friday. There is a night dinner followed by a Lions Trivia game night. The Saturday morning meeting starts at 9 a.m. with a short business meeting, nominations and voting. The lunch will start at noon followed by the necrology ceremony and then informational seminars. The Saturday night banquet will feature the Landolfi String Quartet with District Awards and ending with a special and enjoyable speech from our International Director Dave Wineman

2. Hotel: The Hotel is The Great River Ascend Hotel. Room block will close on February 26th but if rooms are still available, the hotel will honor the $132 plus tax if told that you are with the Lions Convention. Reservations can be made with the hotel at 618-462-1220. Breakfast is included for those staying overnight.

3. Silent Auction: To help in keeping the cost of the convention down, it is very much appreciated when the Clubs and Lions members donate silent auction items. This is aways a fun event.

4. Delegates: A delegate form is attached and needs to be filled out and mailed to Lion Nila Hemming, Cabinet Secretary by March 15, 2026. Voting for District Governor, First and Second Vice Governor and Trustee will be on Saturday morning.

5. Necrology: There will be a necrology service for the deceased members of 1-G after lunch on Saturday. Please fill out the form and return it to PDG Judy Fenton, Convention Chairperson by March 1, 2026.

6. Ads: The ads for the Program Book is an important part of the convention. We are asking that each Club submits an ad for the book. If there is any Lion who would like to advertise their business, we are encouraging them to put in an ad to let other Lions know what you do, Lions helping Lions. Full page $75; half page $50; quarter page $35 and business card $25. Make checks out to District 1-G.

All convention information is attached, included in the monthly newsletter and will be mailed to the Club secretary.

Thank you for being a Lion in One Great District.

PDG Judy Fenton, Convention Chairperson

• (DISTRICT_1-G_Convention_Registration_Form__2025.pdf)

Wish you could do more, but not sure where to start - should you strengthen your club leadership, membership or service? Whether you have a club success story to share, or are looking for a new idea or maybe you want to network further….

Join District 1M and District 1G for the first combined Forum to be held February 28, 2026 in Springfield.  

See attached Registration Form and Invitation! 

• (Dist_1M_and_1BK_Forum_Invitation_and_Registration.pdf)

• (Synopsis_Lions_12_06_2025.pdf)

• Second COG Meeting Minutes Approved 12 06 2025 (Second_COG_Meeting_Minutes_Approved_12_06_2025.pdf)
• State Chair Report 12 06 2025 (All_Files_01_to_19.pdf)
• Budget Presentation - 1st Quarter (2025_3rd_COG_Budget_Presentation_R01.pptx)
• Policy Manual Proposed Changes (Policy_Manual.pptx)

• Agenda - 3rd COG Meeting 12/6/2025 (3rd_COG_Agenda_12_06_2025.pdf)

• (First_COG_Meeting_Minutes_Approved_09_27_2025.pdf)

• Agenda - 2nd COG Meeting 09 27 2025 (2_COG_September_27_2025_Agenda.pdf)

• (MD1_2025-2026_1st_COG_Meeting_Agenda_-_Orlando__062025_V2.pdf)
• (Draft_Meeting_Minutes_05_02_2025.pdf)
• (2025-2026_Rules_of_Audit_-_20250701.pdf)

• (MD1_2024-2025_Rules_of_Audit--09142024.pdf)
• (MD1_Policy_Manual_&_Budget--Approval_of_Invoices_&_Expense_Claims-FEB_2023.jpg)
• (BLANK--MD1_2024-2025_Expense_Claim_Form--05282025.xlsx)

• (COG__May_2__2025_Agenda.pdf)
• (MD1_2024-2025_5th_COG_Meeting_-_May_2_at_Springfield_ALL_REPORTS.pdf)
• (2026_Convention_-_Bloomington_Marriott_Proposal_05_2026.pdf)
• (2026_Convention_-_BMI_Marriott_Fact_Sheet.pdf)
• (KEB_Management_Letter_02_15_2025_Signed.pdf)

• (LCI_New_MEMBER_Certificate_Template.docx)
• (LCI_New_Member_SPONSOR_Certificate_Template.docx)

• (MD1_Special_COG_Meeting_Agenda_--_March_30_2025.pdf)
• (COG_Hotel_Proposals_Sept_2025.pdf)
• (COG_Hotel_Proposals_February_2026.pdf)

• (MD1_Constitution_&_By-Laws_--_FEB_2025.pdf)
• (MD1_Policy_Manual_&_Budget_-_FEB_2023.pdf)
• (MD1_State_Office_Manual_&_Handbook_-_JUN_2023.pdf)

• (LCI_Lions_Club_Organization_Structure_Chart.pdf)

• (2024-2025_MD1_Council_Goals--09022024.pdf)

• (MD1_2024-2025_Cabinet_Secretaries_&_Treasurers--02162025.pdf)

• (MD1_Feb_15_2025_COG_Meeting_--_ALL_REPORTSb.pdf)
• (20_MD-1_GLT_February_2025_Report_Darren_Van_Duyn.pdf)
• (19__MD-1_State_Convention_Report_2-15-2025_Lion_Peg_Morris.pdf)

• (MD1_2024-2025_Full_State_Committee_Listings--02142025.pdf)

• (LCI_Model_DGs_Advisory_Committee_(ZONE)_Meetings_Guide_-_NOV_2023.pdf)
• (LCI_Club_Officer_Installation_Ceremony_-_JUN_2023.pdf)
• (LCI_New_Member_Induction_Ceremony_-_MAR_2024.pdf)
• (Lions_Membership_Application_-_JUL_2024.pdf)

• (LCI_DG_Expense_Claim_Presentation--SEP_2021.pdf)
• (LCI_Chapter_9_DG_Expense_Reimbursement_Policy_--_OCT_2024.pdf)
• (LCI--BLANK--DG_Expense_Claim_Form_C30_--_Aug_2022.xlsx)
• (LCI_DG_Expenses_Allowed-Disallowed_List_--_JUL_2024.pdf)
• (LCI_DG_Travel_Expense_Claim_Instruction_Tips_--_JUL_2024.pdf)

• (LCI_DG_Budget_Request_Increase_Worksheet.xlsx)
• (LCI_Direct_Deposit_Authorization_Form.pdf)
• (LCI-DG_Claim_Expense_Reimbursement_FAQ--2022-2023.pdf)

• (LCI_International_Constitution_&_By-Laws_-_JUN_2024.pdf)
• (LCI_Board_Policy_Manual_Table_of_Contents.pdf)
• (LCI_Board_Meeting_Executive_Summary_-_June_2024.pdf)
• (LCI_Board_Meeting_Executive_Summary_-_October_2024.pdf)
• (LCI_District_e-Book_-_MAR_2023.pdf)

• (LCI_Standard_MD_Constitution_&_By-Laws_--_JUN_2024.pdf)
• (LCI_Standard_District_Constitution_&_By-Laws_--_JUN_2024.pdf)
• (LCI_Standard_Form_Club_Constitution_&_By-Laws_--_JUL_2024.docx)

• (MD1_GETS_2025_DG_Roles_&_Responsibilities_Presentation.ppt)
• (MD1_GETS_2025_Know_Your_Documents_Presentatioon.ppt)

• (MD1_3rd_COG_Meeting_ALL_REPORTS_Package--12072024.pdf)
• (2025_Tentative_State_Convention_Agenda.pdf)

• (2nd_COG_Meeting_--_ALL_REPORTS_--_09142024.pdf)

• (MD1_2024-2025_1st_COG_Meeting_Agenda_-_Melbourne_June_2025--Revised_06172024.pdf)
• (1st_COG_Meeting_Minutes_Melbourne--06252024.pdf)

• (IL_A_Guide_for_Organizing_Not-For-Profit_Corporations.pdf)

• (MD1_Map_070115.jpg)