The LVS Ambassadors program increases public awareness and understanding of LVS and vision and eye health through a year-long curriculum that provides an in-depth look into LVS operations for Lions Club and civic leaders.

Purpose
A Lions Vision Services (LVS) Ambassador is a local consultant and mentor to your club that may need additional guidance to improve club participation in giving to LVS and promoting awareness of LVS in your community. As a LVS Ambassador, you will share LVS stories, motivate fellow Lions to personally and corporately financially support LVS, and enable LVS to advance its work. Your service as a LVS Ambassador will aid in the creation of a better life for South Carolinians in need of LVS services.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as a point of contact and reference for LVS resources and benefits
• Attend LVS events, including LVS Ambassador Training, as your schedule permits
• Check email and social media accounts regularly for LVS updates
• Attend club meetings, events, and fundraisers as your schedule permits
• Present verbal and written updates and fundraising appeals for LVS to your club
• Report progress regularly to the LVS Ambassador Coordinator
• Make recommendations for improvement of the LVS Ambassador program

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years active membership in a South Carolina Lions Club
• Completed the LVS Ambassador training program
• Obtained one or more recommendations from a South Carolina Lion leader (ID, PID, CC, VCC, PCC, DG, VDG, or PDG) or past or present LVS Board Officer (Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, or Secretary)
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills
• Basic computer literacy (i.e. – read/respond to emails and check social media/websites)

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a mentor or coach
• Previous nonprofit Board experience
• Previous financial support of LVS

Are you ready to become an LVS Ambassador? Apply online today!

Applications are accepted year-round. The deadline for applications for the current calendar year’s class is the third Wednesday of May. Decisions are announced by June 10th. The first training program session is the second Monday of July.

Training Program

The LVS Ambassador Training Program is a dynamic and thorough curriculum designed to give participants unique institutional insight into LVS, industry insight into eyecare in South Carolina, and leadership development. This training is a vital part of being an LVS Ambassador and lays a foundation for Ambassadors to be successful.

Unless otherwise noted, all sessions take place on the second Monday of the month in July, August, September, and October. LVS Ambassadors are expected to pay travel costs. LVS will cover meals and meeting/tour costs. Dates and times are subject to change up to 1 month prior to each session.

Session 1: Immersion in LVS
Location: Columbia, SC
Monday, July 22, 9:00am – 4:00pm

The LVS Ambassador Training Program begins with the end in mind. After an overview of the program goals, structure, and expectations, participants will explore the history, mission, vision, and strategic direction of Lions Vision Services in detail. Staff and board members will provide insight into programs, fundraising, finances, impact, the Strategic Plan, the board, and LVS’s strategic initiatives.

Session 2: Partnerships and Public Policy
Location: Spartanburg, SC
Monday, August 12, 9:00am – 3:00pm

“Community” is more than just a Core Value at LVS, it is an integral part of what we do. In this session, participants will develop a robust understanding of the extensive community partners that support LVS’s work. Special emphasis will be placed on the unique relationship between South Carolina Lions and LVS. We will also explore LVS’s role in the broader global community of Lions charities. This session will include a Public Policy module offering insight into advocacy and a Legislative update.

Session 3: Eye Health Deep Dive
Location: Charleston, SC
Monday, September 9, 9:30am – 3:00pm

Eyecare is the heart of what we do at LVS. This session will immerse participants in the historic and current trends of eyecare locally and globally, including a thorough survey of the South Carolina Big Data Project on vision loss and blindness. Participants will understand the inner workings of LVS’s flagship service: the Affordable Eye Surgery Program. Topics in rural health, outreach, and public health will be explored in detail.

Session 4: Future Challenges
Location: Florence, SC
Monday, October 14, 9:00am – 3:30pm

Our ever-evolving world presents many known and unknown challenges that LVS will navigate to continue successfully ending blindness in poverty for years to come. This session will explore four specific challenges in detail: (1) the philanthropic landscape; (2) Lions Club membership; (3) barriers to accessing eyecare; and (4) our pipeline of talent and leadership at the staff and board levels. As our training concludes, participants will reflect on all they have learned and create an Action Plan for their Club and community.