Communication

Lions Clubs Belgium

The Marketing & Communications Committee plays a significant strategic role within Lions Clubs Belgium and actively works in line with the long-term vision of the organization.

The committee focuses on visibility, impact communication and membership recruitment, with the aim of strengthening the image of Lions as well as supporting the growth, diversity and rejuvenation of the membership base with committed members.

Structure of the committee

The committee consists of the four MarCom managers, each from one of the districts.

Each person is in charge of:

• Oversees communications within his or her district;
• Supports local clubs with communications advice, tools and visuals;
• Efficiently informs clubs and members about activities, campaigns and priorities within the association.

Close cooperation between districts ensures consistency and efficiency while maintaining local individuality. Attention to the cultural diversity in the different districts as well as priorities remains crucial.

If required, the MarCom managers are assisted by Lions who manage the website, social media, news flashes and other communication tools.

Composition :

MD Chairperson: PDG Bart DIRCKX – LC Leuven Erasmus

District 112A:    Johan GYSSELS – LC Knokke Zoute

District 112B:    Sabine CORNELIS – LC Leuven Fiere Margriet

District 112C:     PCC Eric BENOIT – LC Bruxelles Val Duchesse

District 112D:    PDG Jean-Pierre DOCLOT – LC Tournai Childric

Main tasks of the committee

• Promotion of service projects: Visualize social actions realized locally as well as nationally, through social media, press, newsletters/flashes, forums and events, emphasizing the social added value of Lions initiatives.
• Strengthening the image/branding: positioning Lions as a dynamic, committed and connecting volunteer organization with a strong tradition that really makes a difference.
• Member recruitment: Through inspiring communication campaigns, efforts are made to attract new, committed members who want to get involved in their community.
• Support for local clubs: The committee provides tools, guidelines and support for clubs to strengthen their communications and reach a wider audience.

Branding and positive image

A core mission of the committee is to build a strong and recognizable Lions branding.
This is done by, among other things:

• Adopting a uniform visual style, in line with international guidelines and monitoring compliance with this;
• Spreading positive, people-oriented messages, in which service, solidarity and impact are central;
• Actively promoting Lions as a modern, warm and socially engaged organization;
• Monitoring a consistent tone of voice in all communications – both internal and external.

A strong brand not only enhances visibility and recognizability, but also generates trust and pride among members and sympathizers.

Campaign example – month March dedicated to service – We Serve

In March, a national campaign was dedicated entirely to service projects. It was set up as follows:

A different project every day on social media and websites

• A unified layout/template in line with the colors of the IP Fabricio Oliviera and guidelines of Lions Clubs International
• Concise but powerful communication with facts & figures & an image (picture)
• Focused on both internal pride and external appearance

National projects in the spotlight

The committee also ensures that nationally supported projects receive proper visibility.
Some examples:

• SOHAP (Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Program)
• Food banks – in casu the Delhaize action
• Lions Music Competition
• Youth Camps & Exchange
• LCIF (Lions Clubs International Foundation)
• Aid actions for Ukraine (a.o. action with the stoves (WICTU3), toy collection…)

By promoting these initiatives through social media, websites and press, they are widely supported both inside and outside Lions.

Conclusion

The MarCom Committee connects and strengthens. Through storytelling, attention to branding and strengthening a positive image, strategy and collaboration, it succeeds in making the rich workings of Lions visible – to members, the wider community and potential new volunteers.

One mission. One driving force. One promise. We Serve.