2026 Michigan Lions Forum: The Power of Service and American Sign Language

Before I ever began my keynote at the Michigan Lions Forum, I received a standing ovation.

So fun! To begin my presentation, nearly 200 Lions rose to stretch and, while standing, discovered how to applaud in American Sign Language. Hands lifted. Fingers dancing. Smiles lit every face. It was the perfect start to a message about how American Sign Language opens hearts and minds.

Michigan Lions Forum 2026

The Michigan Lions Forum, in Kalamazoo, started with action.

On Friday evening, members packed 500 backpacks for Forget Me Not Little Heroes. The Three Rivers Club had a goal to fill 200 backpacks with essential items to support fostered, homeless, and displaced children ages 3-12. Holly Johnson Tessman, director of operations for Little Heroes and a Lions Club member, saw that the goal quickly grew beyond their expectations. Bright orange, blue, yellow, and red bags were filled with care, each representing a delighted and grateful child.

Three scholarships were awarded to young women pursuing degrees in education. Each navigating vision loss with white canes and the steady support of friends, they spoke about futures in art, math, and elementary education. Their determination was inspiring.

Many Michiganders are familiar with the Leader Dog program based in Rochester, where volunteers raise puppies who are trained to guide the blind safely through their day.  Australia has a similar initiative, training hearing guide dogs to alert their partners to doorbells, crying babies, and other important sounds. Leader Dogs for the Blind is also training service dogs to support individuals who are deafblind, an extraordinary example of program development in motion.

Eversight shared the life-changing impact of cornea transplants. I met Mark Dawson, who looked at me and said, “I was blind, and now I can see.” Before his surgeries, he saw only clouds of color, no shapes, no words, no faces. After receiving two cornea transplants, years apart, he now sees clearly enough to read the newspaper with only cheater reading glasses. The gift of sight, passed from donor to recipient, is nothing short of extraordinary.

In addition to these programs, clubs discussed building public libraries, recycling hearing aids and eyeglasses, sending pill bottles abroad, and supporting braille literacy.

Among the many exhibits, one booth stood out, hosted by Lion Roger Blackwell, of the Wixom/Walled Lake Lions Club, District 11-A2, supporting the Foundation Fighting Blindness.  He shared information about the upcoming Michigan VisionWalk and the ongoing efforts to fund research aimed at finding treatments and cures for retinal degenerative diseases. This highlighted how Lions not only serve immediate community needs but also champion long-term medical research that restores hope for families facing vision loss. The upcoming 19th Annual Michigan VisionWalk will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 9:00 A.M. at Kensington MetroPark, Milford, MI.

Two hundred men and women, eager and joyful in service.

My sincere thanks to Wendy Burns, Executive Director of the Michigan Lions, and the entire leadership team for organizing such a meaningful and influential Forum. The attention to detail, hospitality, and vision were visible throughout the weekend. It was an honor to be invited to share this message with such dedicated leaders.

I was especially touched by the kindness of Forum Chair Julie Mayuiers and her spouse, Jeff Mayuiers, who flew in from Florida to oversee this event. Her warmth, gracious spirit, and steady leadership were felt throughout the conference. It was great to share conversation and community with her.

Personal Connections

Between scheduled sessions, participants had ongoing conversations. These informal moments built personal connections and enabled the exchange of stories and experiences.

In Caro, Lion Jean Brinkman leads the “Get Caught Reading” campaign as Chair of District 11-D1’s Reading Action Program. This spring, from March through May, she is encouraging clubs across her zone, and beyond, to visit local schools and model the joy of reading. Last year, Lions from Caro and Kingston participated, reading aloud to third graders during March Reading Month. One moment stood out: a young girl eagerly raised her hand not once, not twice, but three times during the reading. Afterward, she came forward for a hug. Another highlight was receiving a manila envelope filled with handwritten thank-you notes from the students. “When adults model reading and interest in reading to children, children are inspired to read more,” Jean shared. Her hope is that, in time, many districts across Michigan will take on this simple but powerful project.

After my talk, I signed books, heading to the table, one Lion met my gaze and signed, “HOW ARE YOU?” My hands were full, but my heart was fuller. I thanked him for his kindness and his knowledge of sign language. The moment reminded me: when invited into language, people step forward.

A grandfather told me he visits his grandchildren every Wednesday to read to them. This weekly reading creates an intentional connection, and the ripple effect of his consistency is immeasurable.

A father of a one-year-old daughter shared his excitement about her growing proficiency in American Sign Language. Imagine—a baby already communicating through sign language. Early language gives children access when we offer the tools.

I was blessed and honored to have my dear friend Lisa Bauer by my side. She ran our table with professionalism and grace, engaged in thoughtful conversations, and supported every detail from setup to teardown. I am deeply grateful for her help and friendship.

The Bigger Message

When I began my keynote, The Power of Language: How American Sign Language Opens Hearts and Minds, I acknowledged something important:

Lions are masters of program development and implementation.

From leader dog programs to hearing dog programs, from vision restoration to scholarship funding — Lions build systems that change lives.

I shared the historical thread connecting Alice Cogswell and Helen Keller, two young girls who lost hearing (and, for Helen, sight) near the age of two.

Thomas Gallaudet saw potential in Alice and traveled to Europe, returning with Laurent Clerc and French Sign Language. Anne Sullivan, who was raised at Perkins School for the Blind, later taught Helen Keller that letters form words and that words carry meaning.

In 1925, Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become “Knights of the Blind.”

In 2026, I challenged them to imagine the limitless potential of American Sign Language for today’s children.

Ninety to ninety-five percent of deaf children are born to hearing families, a fact that highlights the importance of early language access. By integrating American Sign Language into books, classrooms, and community spaces, we foster inclusion, communication, empathy, and connection for all.

When language access meets service leadership, communities change, and new possibilities open for children, families, and the future.

An Invitation

There is likely a Lions Club near you.

If you’re looking to join a community known for service, leadership, and compassion, you can find a Lions Club near you here. Serving alongside others strengthens local communities and often brings unexpected personal and collective rewards.

And if your organization is seeking a keynote speaker who weaves history, heart, and actionable inspiration, I would be honored to carry on the conversation.