LYLEV Program
Lions Youth Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Volunteerism — Future Leaders Through Service, Business, and Communication
Youth Empowerment
Building Future Leaders Through Service
The Lions Youth Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Volunteerism Program (LYLEV) of the Mississauga Crescent Commerce Lions Club, aligned with Lions Clubs International, is a youth empowerment initiative designed to inspire the next generation of leaders through meaningful community service, leadership development, and real-world learning experiences.
To align with the Lions Clubs International youth engagement structure, the program integrates Leo Clubs (LEOs) and clearly defined age-based cohorts to ensure age-appropriate learning, leadership development, and progression.
Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Service
LEOs in Action
Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Service
Leo Structure
Participant Age Groups
Three age-based cohorts ensure age-appropriate learning and a clear path of progression.
Ages 12–14
Leo Cubs (Junior Youth)
Focus: Foundation of character, communication, and service
Key development & activities
Key Development Areas
- Introduction to leadership
- Basic public speaking confidence
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Simple volunteer activities
- Understanding kindness, respect, and inclusion
Activities
- Guided storytelling and speech practice
- Group service projects (food drives, cleanups)
- Fun leadership games and teamwork challenges
Ages 15–18
Leo Club Members (Core Youth Leaders)
Focus: Leadership, public speaking, volunteerism, and early entrepreneurship
Key development & activities
Key Development Areas
- Leadership roles within projects
- Structured public speaking training
- Community service leadership
- Introduction to entrepreneurship
- Financial literacy basics
Activities
- Managing community service projects
- Delivering presentations and speeches
- Participation in business pitch workshops
- Peer mentoring of Leo Cubs
Ages 19–24
Leo Advanced / Young Adults
Focus: Advanced leadership, entrepreneurship, and career readiness
Key development & activities
Key Development Areas
- Strategic leadership and project management
- Advanced public speaking and professional communication
- Entrepreneurship and business development
- Career planning and workplace readiness
- Mentorship of younger participants
Activities
- Leading full community initiatives
- Business pitch competition participation
- Internship and mentorship engagement with local businesses
- Public speaking at community events and conferences
Five Pillars
Program Structure
All program pillars are adapted across the Leo progression pathway. Select a pillar to explore it.
Pillar 01
Pillar 1: Leadership Development
Progressive leadership training from teamwork (Leo Cubs) to project leadership (Leo Club Members) to strategic leadership (Advanced Leos).
Pillar 02
Pillar 2: Public Speaking & Communication
Age-appropriate development from basic confidence building to advanced presentations, debates, and professional speaking.
Pillar 03
Pillar 3: Entrepreneurship & Business Skills
Introduction of ideas in early stages, structured learning in mid-level, and full business development in advanced level.
Pillar 04
Pillar 4: Volunteerism & Service
Hands-on service participation evolving into leadership and coordination of community projects.
Pillar 05
Pillar 5: Career & Professional Development
Gradual introduction of career awareness leading to mentorship, internships, and job readiness training.
Learn. Lead. Innovate.
Enhanced Youth Leadership Pathway
Learn
Build confidence, values, and basic communication skills.
Lead
Take responsibility for service projects and teamwork.
Innovate
Develop entrepreneurship, leadership, and community impact initiatives.
We Serve
Integration with the Leo Clubs International Model
This program strengthens the Lions youth structure by:
- Supporting the Leo Clubs International development framework
- Encouraging progression from junior youth to young adult leadership
- Creating a continuous pipeline of future Lions members
- Aligning youth service with the Lions Clubs International mission: “We Serve”
Impact
Expected Outcomes
Youth Development Outcomes
- Strong leadership identity across age groups
- Increased confidence in public speaking
- Early exposure to entrepreneurship and business thinking
- Deep engagement in volunteerism and service
- Smooth transition into the adult Lions membership pipeline
Community Outcomes
- Strong intergenerational engagement
- Increased youth-led community service projects
- Enhanced business-community-youth partnerships
- Reduced social isolation and improved community cohesion
Lions Club Outcomes
- Strengthened Leo Club membership pipeline
- Increased youth retention into Lions Clubs
- Enhanced visibility of Lions youth programs
- Strong alignment with Lions International youth engagement priorities
Join the Movement
We welcome motivated youth who are eager to serve, learn, and lead. By joining the LYLEV Program, young individuals become part of a global network of service-minded leaders dedicated to creating lasting change in their communities and beyond.
“From Cubs to Leaders — Building Confidence, Character, and Community Impact.”
“Learn. Lead. Serve. Innovate.”
“Growing the Next Generation of Lions Through Service and Leadership.”
