New members don't know what they don't know until someone tells them. A short, interactive tour of why orientation matters, who should give it, what to cover — and how ongoing mentoring turns a new Lion into a lifelong one.
~20 min readMind map + curriculum pyramidSelf-check quiz
They're not going to know what they don't know until you tell them what they may not know.
What you'll be able to do
By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
Explain the purpose of orientating and mentoring new club members.
Identify who should give — and who should receive — new member orientation.
Suggest what content to cover and how to deliver it.
Describe what makes a good mentor and how a structured match works.
Why we orientate new members — mind map
Six reasons drive the whole exercise. Tap any branch to reveal what it actually involves.
New Member Orientation
Add a light acronym challenge to your orientation — it turns intimidating Lions jargon into a quick, fun game instead of a wall of confusion.
Who should deliver it
Not one single role — a small cast working together.
District Orientation Chair
Not every district has one — but an outside voice brings a fresh perspective and an open ear.
Club Membership Chair
Every club should have one. Their job isn't necessarily to give orientation themselves, but to find the right person who can.
A Knowledgeable Facilitator
Someone well-versed within the Lions group actually delivers the session — chosen for knowledge, not job title.
The Sponsor
Loop the sponsor into the process too, so they understand their own responsibilities — even though they aren't automatically the best fit to be the ongoing mentor.
What to cover — built like a pyramid
One tested order, from the ground up. Tap any box to see how it plays out.
Start with the foundation
Then build their identity
Then show them where they fit
Then hand them the resources
Cover these in whatever order fits your club — this is simply one facilitator's tried-and-tested sequence, built from the ground up like a pyramid.
What makes a good mentor
Orientation opens the door. Mentoring keeps them walking through it. Tap a card to learn more.
A mentorship program develops tomorrow's leaders — and gives veteran Lions a renewed sense of purpose along the way.
Setting up a structured match
Orientate first
Cover new member orientation within the first 0–6 months, laying the foundation before deep mentoring begins.
Watch for engagement
Notice who keeps asking questions, showing up, and wanting more — that's who's ready for a mentor.
Make the match
Pair by shared interest, not just seniority — typically with a veteran Lion, for roughly 6 months to 2 years.
Coach toward the "aha moment"
A mentor's job is done well when the mentee finds their own spark and starts drawing others in too.
A Lions Clubs International report found that member attrition peaks between the 14th and 18th month of service — exactly the window a good mentor can help a new Lion push through.
Why it's worth the effort
Personal investment & pride
New members feel personally vested in Lions, the flame is sparked, and pride grows in being part of something bigger than themselves.
The full picture, top to bottom
A better understanding of Lions' structure from top to bottom means members no longer wear that befuddled look when the acronyms start flying.
Ambassadors — and growth
Well-oriented members become better ambassadors of the program, talking to friends and family — and the questions they ask promote growth for the club and the district alike.
Orientation vs. mentoring
New member orientation
A single session or short series — individual, club, zone/region, or forum-sized
Covers the "what": history, mission, structure, dues, and resources
Open to everyone, no matter how long they've been a Lion
Mentoring
An ongoing relationship, typically 6 months to 2 years
Covers the "how" and "why": leadership skills, judgment, hands-on guidance
Matched one-on-one with a Lion who shares interests or experience
Check yourself
Eight quick questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback.
1. Who, according to this lesson, should attend new member orientation?
2. When is the best time to give a new member their orientation?
3. What did the presenter call the single most important reason for new member orientation?
4. Which of these delivery settings was NOT described in the lesson?
5. Per the Lions Clubs International report cited in the lesson, when is member attrition highest?
6. Roughly how long does the formal mentoring match typically last?
7. Does a mentor need to be a nationally or internationally recognized leader?
8. Why should a club also loop the new member's sponsor into the orientation process?
Bring it home
Does your club give new member orientation to everyone, no matter how long they've been a member?
Who in your club could take on the role of facilitator, and who could be looped in as a sponsor?
Is there a new Lion in your club right now who could use a structured mentor match?
This interactive lesson was written by Amman Royal Swords Lions Club from the material presented in Lions University Course 126 (Orientating and Mentoring New Members), part of the Bachelor's Program, produced by the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum. For the official webinar, handout and the graded quiz, visit the official course page.
Official course