Instructor Guide / The Role of the Zone Chairperson


Session BackGround

Every successful zone chairperson must have a basic understanding of the responsibilities of this important position. This session reviews this information, provides an overview of a key resource (the Zone Chairperson Manual), and identifies the anticipated challenges of the position.

Session Objective

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

•Recognize the responsibilities of the zone chairperson in accordance with the Lions Clubs International Standard District Constitution and By-Laws

•Utilize the Zone Chairperson Manual as a resource during their term

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Instructor Guide / The Role of the Zone Chairperson

Session Preparation

Preparation Suggestions:

  • Consider the technical requirements for the session. Do a test of the laptop/computer, the LCD projector and screen, PowerPoint slides, and the wireless mouse/laser pointer, if appropriate.
  • Conduct an inventory of the materials for the session. Utilize the Training Materials Checklist in the Instructor Preparation Guide to verify that you have everything you will need for the session.
  • Familiarize yourself with the content of the Zone Chairperson Manual. A significant instructional component of this session is a guided overview of this resource, so it is important for the instructor to review the content of the manual prior to the session.
  • Review all activities that will take place during the session. Have you obtained and organized all materials needed to complete the activities?
  • Do a review of content prior to the start of the session as a final measure of preparation.

Materials

  • Instructor Guide

  • Participant Guide

  • PowerPoint slides
  • Handout: Zone Chairperson Manual (download from the District Resource Center on the LCI Web site, or search for ‘DA100’) – 1 per participant
  • Optional Handout: Workshop Schedule – 1 per participant

Equipment

  • Computer

  • LCD projector and screen

  • Flipchart and markers

  • Wireless mouse/laser pointer (optional)

Action Icons

Refer to
Participant Manual / Activity / Distribute
Handout

Session Timeline

Overview of Instruction / Materials
INTRODUCTION
(7:00) / Presentation: Evidence of Impact
Presentation: Workshop and Session Overview / Participant Manual p. 1
PowerPoint slides 1-3
PowerPoint slide 4
Optional Handout: Workshop Schedule
MODULE 1:
The Role of the
Zone Chairperson
(40:00) / Presentation/Discussion: A Review of Responsibilities
Presentation/Discussion: The Global Membership Team and the Global Leadership Team
Activity: Challenges / Participant Manual p. 2
PowerPoint slides 5-8
Handout: Zone Chairperson Manual
PowerPoint slides 9-10
Participant Manual p. 3
Participant Manual p. 4
CONCLUSION
(3:00) / Presentation: Session Summary / PowerPoint slides 9-10
Total Time: 50:00

INTRODUCTION

Total Time: 7:00

Presentation: Evidence of IMpact (4:00)

Welcome participants to the session.

Refer participants to page 1 of the Participant Manual, and read the definition/description of ‘footprint’ aloud.

Show

Display Slide 1: Footprints

Footprints are much more than the marks left behind when our feet make contact with the ground. Footprints can:

  • Show us where we have been
  • Indicate the direction we are going
  • Provide evidence of the impact we have had on our surroundings

Show

Display Slide 2 and read the quotation aloud.

State

As you embark upon your journey as zone chairperson and accept the responsibilities of your position, each of you will have the opportunity to make your own footprints – your own impact – on your zone.

But what will your footprints look like at the end of your journey?

Show

Display Slide 3: Where Will Your Footprints Go?

  • Will your footprints have progressed purposefully toward your goals?
  • Will they be marked by circles as you struggled to find your way without a clear path to action?
  • Or will your two foot prints have stood still as you hesitated to move forward, afraid to take risks?

State

We can all agree that we would like to see our footprints moving forward toward our goals. Sometimes you may find that you have to take a step backward or change direction, but you should strive to move forward whenever possible. However, as you progress through the year, be sure that your steps are intentional and impactful. As American politician and historical figure, Benjamin Franklin, once said: “Never confuse motion with action”.

Presentation: Workshop and Session Overview (3:00)

State

Each of you has already taken some important steps toward ensuring a successful term as zone chairperson by completing your preparation for this workshop. The online training and the pre-assignment have provided you with an important foundation of information and resources that will help you make a positive impact in your zone.

This workshop is designed to build on that foundation by developing key skills in an interactive environment. You will have the opportunity to share ideas, solve problems, set goals, and create plans drawing on the experience and knowledge of your peers.

Optional: Distribute a workshop schedule to participants to fit the parameters of your training event. Briefly review session topics with participants. A sample schedule can be found in the Instructor Preparation Guide for this program.

We will begin this workshop by revisiting some basic, but extremely important, information - the roles and responsibilities of the zone chairperson.

Show

Display Slide 4: Session Objectives

State

Having a complete knowledge of your roles and responsibilities and the resources available to guide you in this position will enable you to be successful and maximize your footprints.

Transition to Module 1: The Role of the Zone Chairperson.

MODULE 1: The Role of the Zone Chairperson

Total Time: 40:00

Instructor Note: This module has been designed to allow individual instructors the opportunity to highlight the position responsibilities most critical to high performing zone chairpersons in their areas. Facilitation suggestions and guidelines have been provided; however, instructors are encouraged to also consider area-specific needs and incorporate additional content as needed. Remember: ‘one size does not fit all’!

Presentation/Discusson: A Review of responsibilities (20:00)

Instructor Preparation Note: Prior to the training, download and print a copyof this module’s handout, the Zone Chairperson Manual (DA100), for each participant.

Begin the module by explaining that this section is a review of zone chairperson responsibilities.This information was covered in the online portion of their pre-workshop preparation.

As you review the responsibilities, encourage participants to ask questions for clarification.

State

We will begin by reviewing the responsibilities of the zone chairperson as outlined by the Standard District Constitution and By-Laws. Adhering to these responsibilities will ensure you move forward in your role successfully and with integrity.

Show

Display Slides 5-8 and briefly review the responsibilities of the zone chairperson. A full copy of the constitutional job responsibilities can be found on page 2 in the Participant Manual.

Ask

Are there any questions about the constitutional job responsibilities of the zone chairperson?

The Lions Clubs International Board of Directors recognizes the value of Certified Guiding Lions as an important support position for both new clubs and clubs in need of improvement. Therefore, the Board of Directors has recommended that all zone chairpersons should also be encouraged to complete Certified Guiding Lion training.

Refer participants at, nstorm several solutions. to their GLT district coordinator for more information on how to take advantage of this opportunity.

Distribute a copy of the Zone Chairperson Manual to each participant.

State

The Zone Chairperson Manual serves as a basic guide for Lions in this important position. The manual supplements the responsibilities outlined in the Standard District Constitution and By-Laws with additional suggested practices and resources to guide zone chairpersons during their term and identify the scope of their role.

The information that follows should be used to conduct a brief overview of the information and resources contained in the Zone Chairperson Manual with participants.

Review the sections and information listed below if relevant to your area.

  1. Introduction and Working with the District Cabinet

-Emphasize the role of the zone chairperson as the link between the clubs in the zone and the district team

-Remind participants that as part of the district leadership team, they will be required to work cooperatively with several other members of the district cabinet/team

  1. Responsibilities of the Zone Chairperson

-Remind zone chairpersons of the primary responsibilities and tasks of the position

  1. The Global Membership Team (GMT) and the Global Leadership Team (GLT)

-Ensure that participants understand that the zone chairperson is part of both the GMT and GLT at the district level

-These two teams will be discussed further in the next section

  1. District Governor’s Advisory Committee

-Explain the composition and purpose of the District Governor’s Advisory Committee

-Explain the purpose of committee meetings (commonly referred to as zone meetings) and how frequently they should be conducted

-Highlight the checklist for planning committee meetings

-Emphasize that zone chairpersons should file a committee meeting report (DA-ZCM) after each meeting (a copy of this form can be found on the last page of this manual)

  1. Working with Clubs

-Remind participants of the importance of their position in supporting clubs within the zone and monitoring club health and progress

-Explain that upcoming sessions of this workshop will address key topics of working with clubs and will provide participants with strategies and plans to successfully fulfill this role

  1. Resources

-Remind participants that LCI headquarters and the LCI Web site are excellent sources of information

-Highlight resources to assist clubs

Ask

Are there any questions about the Zone Chairperson Manual?

PRESENTATION/DISCUSSIOn: The global membership team and the global Leadership team (10:00)

State

As a member of the district team, you, as zone chairperson, are also considered an active member of the district Global Membership Team (GMT) and the district Global Leadership Team (GLT). This ensures a cohesive district approach to addressing challenges and opportunities related to membership growth and leadership development.

Show

Display Slide 9: GMT Responsibilities and review the responsibilities as listed. These are also listed on page 3 of the Participant Manual.


Ask participants to select one of the responsibilities listed and find a partner to discuss what specific action they can take as zone chairpersons to support that responsibility as a member of the district GMT.

Call time after 2 minutes. Ask for 2-3 volunteers to share their answers as time allows.

Display Slide 10: GLT Responsibilities and review the responsibilities listed. These are also listed on page 3 of the Participant Manual.


Ask participants to select one of the responsibilities listed and find a partner to discuss what specific action they can take as zone chairpersons to support that responsibility as a member of the district GLT.

Call time after 2 minutes. Ask for 2-3 volunteers to share their answers as time allows.

State

Understanding your responsibilities related to the GMT and GLT will directly impact your ability to serve as a resource and coach for the clubs in your zone. We will discuss strategies for serving your clubs in this capacity later in the training.

Ask

Are there any questions about your responsibilities related to the GMT or GLT?

ACTIVITY: Challenges (10:00)

Instructor Preparation Note: This activity may take more or less time depending on the size of the participant group. Prior to the session, estimate the time needed for the activity and adjust the session timeline accordingly.

State

In a perfect world, your term as zone chairperson would be free of obstacles that might prevent you from being successful. However, experience and the nature of this position indicate that you may indeed face some challenges during your term.

But challenges are not something to be feared or ignored. Instead, it is important to recognize them so that we can be prepared to identify and work toward solutions.

Refer participants to page 4 of the Participant Manual.

State

On page 4 in the Participant Manual, you have the opportunity to identify what you believe will be your one greatest challenge during your term. Consider the knowledge you gained from the online training, the information you collected in the pre-assignment for this workshop, and the responsibilities of your position that we just reviewed.

When you believe you have identified your greatest challenge, write it on page 4, and be prepared to share it with the rest of the group.

Provide participants with approximately 1-2 minutes to consider and identify their greatest challenges.

Once it appears that all participants have completed the task, ask each participant to stand up and share their challenge with the group. (Alternatively, if your training group is large, you may choose to ask for volunteers.)

State

None of the challenges shared today are insurmountable. In fact, this workshop will provide you with skills and resources to address almost all of them. Keep these challenges in mind throughout the workshop, and you will likely find the solutions that you need.

Transition to the conclusion.

CONCLUSION

Total Time: 3:00

Presentation: Session Summary (3:00)

Show

Display Slide 11 and review the session objectives.

Ask

Did we meet our objectives?

Show

Display Slide 12 and read the quotation aloud.

State

The first few steps into any new endeavor are usually marked with hesitation as you attempt to figure out the right path. The skills and knowledge you have already acquired and will continue to learn in this workshop will give you the confidence to take the right steps toward success during your term as zone chairperson.

Conclude the session.

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