Membership, Extension, Retention and Leadership (MERL)

What is MERL? MERL is an acronym for chairpersons of Membership, Extension, Retention and Leadership Development. These four chairpersons form a team, identified as the MERL Team.

What is the MERL Team? A group of appointed Lions working together for a common purpose who must rely on each other to achieve mutually defined results.

The multiple district and district level MERL Chairpersons are appointed for three-year terms. The multiple district MERL teams receive training at an LCI sponsored seminar during the first year of their term. The multiple district MERL then trains, coaches and inspires the district MERL teams.

The district MERL team receives direction, training and inspiration from the multiple district MERL team. The communication of multiple district goals and action plans establish priorities for the districts. Districts may have additional priorities depending on their district goals. The district MERL team works in cooperation with the district governor and the district cabinet.

Membership, Extension, Retention and Leadership development are vital to building a solid foundation for Lions clubs worldwide. As a team, in conjunction with the Global Membership Team, these chairpersons work together to grow and strengthen membership.

Multiple and single district MERL chairpersons are eligible to attend the MERL Chairpersons Seminar, a four-day intensive and interactive program that focuses on developing and refining the skills necessary to promote team success. As seminars rotate through each constitutional area, MERL teams are trained at the start of their three-year term. This year, dates are set and seminars will be conducted for Constitutional Area V, the Orient and Southeast Asia, and Constitutional Area VI, India, South Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

MERL Tools

Membership

Membership growth chairpersons, elected at the club, district and multiple district level, oversee membership growth and invitation.

View dues discounts available to students, family members and graduating Leos.

Extention

Extension chairpersons contribute to the success of their districts by leading extension efforts. The dedication, knowledge and leadership skills of extension chairpersons are essential to ensure the continued growth of Lions Clubs International.

Extension Awards (pdf) are presented to Lions who have provided the greatest assistance in the organization of new Lions clubs, as determined by the district governor.

Retaintion

Retention chairpersons are elected to each Lions club, district and multiple district. Retention chairpersons oversee efforts to maintain current members.

Leadership

Leadership Development Chairpersons promote the growth and vitality of clubs, districts and multiple districts through the development and implementation of programs designed to develop and encourage quality leadership.  Knowledge of Lions, experience as an effective leader, enthusiasm for quality leadership development and collaborative skills are essential to each leadership development chairperson.