Guest Author
By Haripriya Srinivasan
At the Next Gen Leo Club, teens gain Leadership, Experience, and Opportunity (LEO) while turning ideas into action, building skills, and serving with compassion. Founded in July 2025 and sponsored by the Waxhaw Lions Club, the club empowers teens ages 12–18 to make a meaningful difference in their communities. Next Gen Leo Club operates as a nonprofit organization.
In a world that often underestimates young people, the Next Gen Leo Club proves that age is no barrier to making a real difference. By turning ideas into action, members gain confidence, leadership skills, and a lifelong commitment to service, learning that serving others is not just an activity, but a way of life.
Rooted in the cultural value of seva — selfless service — the club reflects the lessons many teens learn at home: giving back, helping others, and strengthening the community.
A Club That Grows with Its Members
The Next Gen Leo Club champions eight global causes — Vision, Hunger, Diabetes, Childhood Cancer, Environment, Disaster Relief, Humanitarian Efforts, and Youth — and will expand its mission by adding Mental Health & Well-Being.
From an interest meeting of just 8 members in July 2025, the club grew to 39 members by November 2025. This milestone was celebrated at a formal Installation Ceremony, where District Governor Juanita Brown presented the Charter Certificate to Leo President Mahathi Mani and Co-Chair Monique Nicolson.
Members describe the club as “a place where everyone can shine.” Whether leading projects, volunteering hands-on, or contributing ideas behind the scenes, every teen finds a role. Leadership positions are filled through elections, giving members firsthand experience in campaigning, voting, and shaping the club’s vision—an engaging lesson in teamwork, responsibility, and democracy.
Service in Action: Youth Leading the Way
Youth Empowering Youth: Back-to-School Project.
Impact: $436 raised + school supplies donated Members kicked off the season with a door-to-door campaign, raising funds and collecting school supplies for underprivileged students. This initiative highlighted the club’s core belief: youth empowering youth. Dozens of students started the year ready to learn, thanks to the dedication of their teen peers. “Seeing the smiles on their faces made all the effort worthwhile—it’s incredible to know we helped kids start school with confidence.” – Club Member
Turning Pages, Inspiring Minds: Book Drive.
Impact: 700+ books delivered + $65 raised
Through the Booktober Book Drive, in partnership with Promising Pages, members collected, cleaned, and distributed books to children in book deserts, areas where reading materials are scarce. This project fostered imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading.
Compassion in Action: Stock the Snack Cart.
Impact: 700+ individually packed snacks delivered
Teens delivered snacks to pediatric cancer patients and their families at Levine Children’s Hospital, offering comfort and encouragement during long treatment days and demonstrating how small acts of kindness can bring meaningful support during difficult times.
Appreciating Our Caregivers: Healthcare Worker Kits.
Impact: 60 kits assembled + $315 raised
Members assembled thoughtful kits for caregivers at Levine Children’s Hospital, including mugs, candles, chocolates, flowers, and handwritten cards. These kits reflected gratitude, creativity, and heartfelt appreciation for frontline healthcare workers.
Joy for the Holidays: Toy Drive.
Impact: $450+ worth of toys collected
During the holiday season, members led a toy drive for families at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte. Delivering gifts and joy, teens reminded families that they are valued and supported, even during challenging times.
Small Gestures, Big Smiles & Symphonies for Seniors
Teens created handmade cards and posters for residents at White Oak Senior Living Center and performed live music at Brookdale Senior Living Center, bridging generations and spreading smiles. “Music brings people together. Playing for the seniors reminded me why service matters — it’s about connection.” – Leo, Musician
Raising Awareness: Microplastics in Blood
Beyond hands-on service, teens launched an awareness campaign on microplastics in blood, combining education with advocacy and highlighting how service can extend to protecting the planet and public health.
Shaping Leaders, One Smile at a Time
The Next Gen Leo Club is more than a youth organization, it is a community where energy, creativity, and kindness collide. From book drives to music outreach, every act of service carries a lesson: leadership is about caring, inspiring, and stepping up. Through each project, card, or smile, members are leading with heart, leaving a lasting impact, and planting seeds for a future where giving back is second nature.
Haripriya Srinivasan is an Advisor for the Next Gen Leo Club of Waxhaw
For more details, contact: nextgenleosclub1@gmail.com or visit waxhawlionsclub.org/nextgen.
Instagram: @nextgenleoclub
