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Anyone familiar with the Lions Club International? It's a civic organization whose purpose is to provide vision/hearing assistance to those who cannot afford the same - everything from cornea transplants, service dogs, glasses to hearing aids. Many of you probably have a local club right where you live...

Anyway, DH was inducted this evening into our local club as Tail Twister for the weekly meetings for the next year. Now, the purpose of the Tail Twister is to provide some good-hearted fun by "fining" members in a public way at the meetings - usually as a way to call attention to something GOOD they have done such as being written up in the newspaper, having received a promotion or otherwise having been "caught" being a really good civic-minded person who would not normally call attention to themselves or their achievements.

In the past, it has usually been a monetary fine - usually 50 cents or a dollar - but, with the economy being the way it is, we're trying to come up with some different ideas. Now, this is a very small group (usually around 20 at the weekly meetings held at lunchtime in a local restaurant on Wednesdays - age 30 to 75 or so) with really great people who love to laugh and have fun while seriously helping out others.

They all know each other very well and, for anything physical, DH would be selective to make sure it is something the person could easily do, so no worries there. So far, here are a few things I have thought of: 5 jumping jacks, 5 push-ups (only for those dressed appropriately - thinking about the 3 police officers in the group), reciting "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or "Jack and Jill Went Up the Hill," singing the "Alphabet Song" or, the old classic, patting your head while simultaneously rubbing your stomach in a circle....

Now, it should be something that can be done in a minute or so, is meant in good humor and will bring laughter - meaning laughing WITH the person, not at them. Knowing how smart all the people on this board can be, I told DH that I was sure that you all could help him come up with enough ideas for the 52 weeks! Don't let me down!

My husband is in Rotary, they pay the $1 and the money goes on a quarterly basis to International to support their projects.

And they are inclusive fining for spouses and children as well.

The Kiwanis here do the same. But is is "self promoted" -- they have a period during their meetings that you can share "good" news and donate a $1 to their cause.

Our area of our state is one of the most economic depressed areas in our state, so economic times are tough here too. But it is only $1 and usually it isn't every week.

Since they are a civic organization with an international project they support, what's wrong with the $1?

Martha

Sounds like fun. Our local Lions group did not have a 'tail twister'.

How about the old rub tummy/pat head. Do a jig. (everyone claps to provide a beat).

I'm thinking... may be back with more.

Thanks, Linderhof and metwo, for the responses!

Nothing wrong with the $1 fine as it goes to the general fund as well but thought it would be fun for everyone to have some "different" fines to liven up things and bring laughter to the meetings without necessarily dipping into pockets or wallets!

Since I first posted, I have added a couple of ideas: Impersonate Ali M's "Float like a Bumbleebee, Sting like a Bee" and a few others but really hope you all will help out here!

Because it is a small club and everyone who belongs spends a LOT of time devoted to hard work that raises the money - I am talking about people with full-time jobs who work another eight hours or more during the Rodeo or Fair which raises the most funds - we're just thinking about creating some fun (not dollars as so many business-orientated clubs do) for the weekly meetings....

Come on, I KNOW you all have some great ideas!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident,

We did not do this in the Kiwanis club when I was a member, but a quick online search came up with these ideas:

http://lionsoforegon.org/lions...r-Resource-Guide.pdf
(Struggling over the ugly tie and cutting it off! Can you imagine everyone else's surprise?!)

http://www.lions.org.uk/Health...C_5_Tail_Twister.pdf
(LOVE the loose thread!)

Do a search "lions club tail twister" for more ideas.

Thanks, KYIS, for the links but, to be honest, I just wanted to add some laughter into DH's meetings with some original "fun" ideas - not just mimic the "same old, same old!" So, any one have some ideas? I've come up with one more idea since my last post - imaginary hop-scotch on the floor....

Anyone have any more ideas?