Burrillville Lions Club - Lions e-Clubhouse

Burrillville Lions Club

Chartered April 17, 1947

Constitution and By-Laws

Adopted January 16, 1985

Amended February 3, 1993

Amended September 2003

Amended September 7, 2011

Amended January 4, 2017

Amended February 7, 2018

Constitution

Article I

Name, Slogan and Motto

Section 1: The name of this organization shall be the Lions Club of Burrillville, chartered by, and under the jurisdiction of, the International Association of Lions Clubs (hereinafter referred to as the "Association”).

Section 2: Its slogan shall be: Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety.

Section 3: Its Motto shall be: We Serve.

Article II

Purposes and Objects

The purposes of this club shall be:

To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.
To promote the principles of good government and good citizenship.
To take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.
To unite the members in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.
To provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members at club functions.
To encourage service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and to promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public service and private endeavors.

Article III

Membership

Section 1: ELIGIBILITY FOR CLUB MEMBERSHIP. Subject to the provisions of Article I of the by-laws, any person of legal majority and good moral character and good reputation in his/her community, may be granted membership in this Lions Club. Wherever the male gender or pronoun presently appear in this constitution and by-laws, it shall be interpreted to mean both male and female persons.

Section 2: MEMBERSHIP BY INVITATION. Membership in this Lions club shall be acquired by invitation only. Nominations shall be made on forms provided by the international office, which shall be signed by a member in good standing who shall act as sponsor, and be submitted to the membership chairperson or the club secretary, who, after investigation by the membership committee, shall submit the same to the board of directors. If approved by a majority of said board, the prospect may then be invited to become a member of this club. A properly filled out membership form duly signed, as well as, the entrance fees and dues must be in the hands of the secretary before the member is reported to and officially recognized by the association as a Lion member.

Article IV

Emblem and colors

Section 1: EMBLEM. The emblem of this association shall be of a design as established by the international association.

Section 2: COLORS. The colors of this association shall be purple and gold.

Article V

Supremacy

The Burrillville Lions Club Constitution and By-Laws shall govern unless otherwise amended so as not to conflict with the district and International Constitution and By-Laws and policies of Lions Clubs International. Whenever there may exist a conflict or a contradiction between the provisions set out in the club constitution and by-laws and the district constitution and by-laws, the respective district constitution and by-laws shall govern. In addition, whenever there may exist a conflict or a contradiction between the provisions set out in the club constitution and by-laws and the international constitution and by-laws or board policy, the international constitution and by-laws and board policy shall govern.

Article VI

Club Size

The Club should strive to maintain 20 members; the numerical minimum membership required to receive a charter.

Article VII

Club Officers

Section 1: OFFICERS. The officers of this club shall be a president, immediate past president, the vice presidents, secretary, treasurer, Lion tamer, tail twister, membership director and all other elected directors.

Section 2: REMOVAL. Any officer of this Club may be removed from office for good cause by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Club membership.

Article VIII

Board of Directors

Section 1: The members of the Board of Directors shall be the President, Immediate Past President, the Vice presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Lion Tamer, Tail Twister, membership director, and all other elected Directors.

Section 2: Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such time and place as the Board shall determine.

Section 3: Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held when called by the President, or when requested by three (3) or more members of the Board of Directors, at such time and place as the president shall determine, with a minimum of 48 hours notice to all Board Members. Telephonic or other electronic means may be used, with the same notice required.

Section 4: The presence in person of a minimum of eight (8) of its members shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise specifically provided, the act of a majority of the Directors present at any meeting of the Board shall be the act and decision of the entire Board of Directors.

Section 5: Duties and Powers: In addition to those duties and powers, express and implied, set forth elsewhere in this Constitution and By-Laws, the Board of Directors shall have the following duties and powers:

It shall constitute the Executive Board of this Club and be responsible for the execution, through the Club officers, of the policies approved by the Club. All new business and policy of this Club, including, without limitation, any proposals for new fund-raising activities or renewal of existing fund-raising activities, shall be considered and shaped, first, by the Board of Directors for presentation to and approval by the Club members at a regular or special club meeting.
It shall authorize all expenditures and shall not create any indebtedness beyond the current income of this Club, nor authorize disbursement of Club funds for purposes inconsistent with the business and policy authorized by the Club membership. No Board shall authorize an expenditure of funds which shall bind a subsequent Board.
It shall have the power to modify, override or rescind the action of any officer of this club.
It may have the books, accounts, and operations of this Club audited annually, or in its discretion, more frequently and may require an accounting or have an audit made of the handling of any Club funds by any officer, committee, or member of this Club. Any member of this Club in good standing may inspect any such audit or accounting upon request at a reasonable time and place.
It shall appoint, on recommendation of the finance committee, a bank or banks for the deposit of the funds of this Club. Club funds shall be accounted for separately; a special account, to be used only for charitable and civic activities, and an administrative account wherein general purpose funds shall be accounted for. Additional savings accounts may be utilized, provided separate accounting will be provided for the general purpose and civic/charitable funds at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
It may appoint a surety for the bonding of any officer of this Club.
It shall not authorize, nor permit, the expenditure, for any administrative purpose, of the net income of projects or activities of this Club by which funds are raised from the public.
It shall submit all matters of new business and policy to the respective Standing or Special Club Committee for study and recommendation to the Board.
It shall name and appoint, following recommendation by the President, the delegates and alternates of this Club to District (Single, Sub- and Multiple) and International Conventions.
It shall require a written project proposal on the Club’s prescribed form, as amended from time to time, by the chairperson of the appropriate committee, for any activity, prior to approval by the board of directors. It shall also require a written report of income and expenditures at the conclusion of the event.

Section 6: Any motion defeated at a meeting of the Board shall not be renewed for a period of three (3) months, except by 2/3 of the Board Members in attendance.

Section 7: Any Past District Governor of this club will automatically serve on the Board of Directors as a Member Emeritus.

Section 8: Any member of the Board of Directors may be removed for cause at a regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present. The member shall be removed if a majority of the Directors present vote for removal. Cause for removal shall include without limitation the failure to attend three (3) consecutive meetings of the Board of Directors without excuse or explanation or other conduct deemed prejudicial to the Club by a majority of the Board of Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

Conduct deemed prejudicial to the club shall include without limitation:

cursing or swearing directed towards another club member, immediately before, during or immediately after a meeting;

a baseless allegation of wrongdoing against another member immediately before, during or immediately after a meeting;

failure to follow a directive /vote approved by the board of directors at a board of directors meeting;

failure to follow a directive/ vote approved by the members at a meeting of the members.

Notice shall be given to the Director who is the subject of the removal proceedings of the intent to consider removal by e-mail, regular mail, telephone contact, or face-to-face contact at least five (5) days prior to the meeting at which the removal, discussion, and/or vote shall be taken.

Article IX

Delegates to International and District

(Single or Sub- and Multiple) Conventions

Section 1: DELEGATE ENTITLEMENT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION. Inasmuch as the International Association of Lions Clubs is governed by Lions Clubs in convention assembled, and in order that this Club may have its voice in Association matters, this Club shall have power to pay the necessary expenses of its delegates to each annual convention of the Association. This Club shall be entitled in any convention of this Association to one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for every twenty-five (25), or major fraction thereof, of its members as shown by the records of the International Office on the first day of the month last preceding that month during which the convention is held, PROVIDED, however, that this Club shall be entitled to at least one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate. The major fraction referred to in this section shall be thirteen (13) or more members. The selection of each such delegate and alternate shall be evidenced by a certificate signed by the President or Secretary or any other duly authorized officer of this Club, or, in the event no such club officer is in attendance at the Convention, by the District Governor or District Governor-Elect of the District (Single or Sub-) of which this Club is a member.

Section 2: DELEGATE ENTITLEMENT DISTRICT/MULTIPLE DISTRICT CONVENTION. Inasmuch as all District matters are presented and adopted at the District (Single, Sub- and Multiple) conventions, this Club shall be entitled to send its full quota of delegates to all such conventions and have power to pay the necessary expenses of such delegates attending such conventions. This Club shall be entitled in each annual convention of its District (Single, Sub- and Multiple) to one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate for each ten (10) members, who have been enrolled for at least one year and one day in this club, or major fraction thereof, of this Club as shown by the records of the International Office on the first day of the month last preceding that month during which the convention is held, PROVIDED, however, that this Club shall be entitled to at least one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate. Each certified delegate present in person shall be entitled to cast one vote of the delegate's choice for each office to be filled by, and one vote of the delegate's choice on each question submitted to, the respective convention. The major fraction referred to in this section shall be five (5) or more members.

Section 3: SELECTION OF CLUB DELEGATE(S) AND ALTERNATE(S). The Board of Directors or its designated committee shall name and appoint, subject to approval of the club membership, the delegates and alternates of this club to district (single, sub- or multiple) and international conventions. Eligible delegates must be members in good standing in the club and entitled to vote in accordance with the rights and privileges chart set forth in Exhibit A of this Constitution and By-Laws.

Article X

Club Funds

Section 1: PUBLIC (ACTIVITY) FUNDS. All funds raised from the public must be returned to public use, including money accumulated from invested public funds. The only deductions that may be made from the activity account are the direct operating expenses of the fundraising activity. Money accumulated from interest must also be returned to public use.

Section 2: ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS. Administrative funds are supported through contributions from members through dues, fines and other contributions.

Article XI

Amendments

Section 1: AMENDING PROCEDURE. This Constitution may be amended at any regular or special meeting of this Club, at which a quorum is present, by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present in person and voting, provided that the Board has previously considered the merits of the amendments.

Section 2: NOTICE. No amendment shall be put to a vote, unless written notice, stating the proposed amendment shall have been published to the member through regular post or electronic means, or delivered personally to each member of this club at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the meeting at which the vote on the proposed amendment is to be taken.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I – MEMBERSHIP.

Section 1: MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES.

ACTIVE: A member entitled to all rights and privileges and subject to all obligations which membership in a Lions Club confers or implies. Without limiting such rights and obligations, such rights shall include eligibility to seek, if otherwise qualified, any office in this club, District, or Association and the right to vote on all matters requiring a vote of the membership; and such obligations shall include regular attendance, prompt payment of dues, participation in club activities and conduct reflecting a favorable image of this Lions club in the community. As provided in the Family Membership Program criteria, qualifying family members shall be Active Members and be entitled to all rights and privileges thereof. As provided in the Student Member Program criteria, qualifying student, former Leo and young adult members shall be Active Members and be entitled to all rights and privileges thereof.

MEMBER-AT-LARGE: A member of this club, who has moved from the community, or because of health or other legitimate reason, is unable regularly to attend club meetings and desires to retain membership in this club, and upon whom the Board of Directors of this club desires to confer this status. This status shall be reviewed each six months by the Board of Directors of this club. A Member-at-Large shall not be eligible to hold office or to vote in District or International meetings or conventions, but shall pay such dues as the local club may charge, which dues shall include district and international dues.

HONORARY: An individual, not a member of this Lions Club, having performed outstanding service for the community or this Lions Club, upon whom this Club desires to confer special distinction. This club shall pay entrance fees and International and District dues on such a member, who may attend meetings, but shall not be entitled to any privileges of Active Membership.

PRIVILEGED: A member of this Club who has been a Lion fifteen or more years, who, because of illness, infirmities, advanced age, or other legitimate reason, as determined by the Board of Directors of this Club, must relinquish his/her Active status. A Privileged Member shall pay such dues as the local Club may charge, which dues shall include District and International dues. Such member shall have the right to vote and be entitled to all other privileges of membership except the right to hold Club, District, or International office.

LIFE MEMBER: Any member of this Club who has maintained Active Membership as a Lion for 20 or more years and has rendered outstanding service to this Club, his/her community, or this Association; or any member who is critically ill; or any member of this Club who has maintained such Active Membership for 15 or more years and is at least 70 years of age may be granted Life Membership in this Club upon:

Recommendation of this Club to the Association;
Payment to the Association of appropriate dues and fees, as set by the Association, by this Club in lieu of all future dues to the Association; and
Approval by the International Board of Directors.

A Life Member shall have all privileges of Active Membership so long as such member fulfills all obligations thereof. A Life Member who desires to relocate and receives an invitation to join another Lions club shall automatically become a Life Member of said club. Nothing herein shall prevent this Club from charging a Life Member such dues as it shall deem proper

ASSOCIATE MEMBER: A member who holds his/her primary membership in another Lions club but maintains a residence or is employed in the community served by this club. This status may be conferred by the invitation of the board of directors and shall be reviewed annually. The club shall not report an Associate Member on its Membership and activities Report.

An Associate Member may be eligible to vote on club matters, at meetings where he/she is present in person, but may not represent the club as a delegate at district (single, sub-, provisional and/or multiple) of international conventions. He/she shall not be eligible to hold club, district or international office, nor district multiple district or international committee assignments through this club. International and district (single, sub-, provisional and/or multiple) dues shall not be assessed on the Associate; PROVIDED, however, nothing shall prevent this club from assessing an Associate such dues as it shall deem proper.

AFFILIATE MEMBER: A quality individual of the community who currently is not able to fully participate as an Active member of the club but desires to support the club and its community service initiatives and be affiliated with the club. This status may be conferred by the invitation of the club’s board of directors.

An Affiliate Member may be eligible to vote on club matters at meetings where he/she is present, but may not represent the club as a delegate at district (single, sub-, provisional, and/or multiple) or international conventions.

He/she shall not be eligible to hold club, district, or international office, nor district, multiple district or international committee assignment. An Affiliate Member shall be required to pay district, international and such dues as the local club may charge.

Section 2: GOOD STANDING. Any member who fails to pay any indebtedness due this Club within 60 days after receipt of written notice from the Secretary shall forfeit his/her good standing and shall so remain until such indebtedness is paid in full. Only members in good standing may exercise the voting privilege and hold office in this club.

Section 3: DUAL MEMBERSHIP. No person shall simultaneously hold membership, other than honorary or associate, in this and any other Lions Club.

Section 4: RESIGNATIONS. Any member may resign from this Club, and said resignation shall become effective upon acceptance by the Board of Directors. The Board may withhold acceptance, however, until all indebtedness has been paid, and/or all club funds and property have been returned. All right to the use of the name "Lions", the emblem, and other insignia of this Club and the Association cease when membership is terminated.

Section 5: REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP. Any member dropped from membership in good standing may be reinstated by the club’s Board of Directors, and will retain their prior Lions service record as part of their total Lions service record. Members that have been dropped from membership for more than twelve (12) months must be approved in accordance with Article III, Section 2 of the constitution.

Section 6: TRANSFER MEMBERSHIP. This Club may grant membership on a transfer basis to one who has terminated or is terminating his/her membership in another Lions Club, provided that a member is in good standing at the time of transfer requested. If more than twelve (12) months have elapsed between termination of his/her membership in another club and submittal of completed transfer member form or current membership card, he/she may acquire membership in this club only under the provisions of Article III, Section 2 of the constitution. Members that wish to transfer from this club to another club must submit a transfer form to be completed by the Secretary. The Secretary is obligated to complete transfer form without delay unless the board of directors is withholding acceptance of the member’s resignation and transfer due to the member’s financial indebtedness to the club and/or failure to return any club funds or property.

Section 7: FAILURE TO PAY. The secretary shall submit to the board of directors the name of any member who fails to pay any indebtedness due this Club within 60 days after receipt from the Secretary of written notice. The board shall thereafter decide whether the member shall be dropped from or retained on the roster.

Section 8: ATTENDANCE. The club shall encourage regular attendance at club meetings and activities. Where a member misses consecutive meetings or activities, the club will make every effort to contact the member to encourage and promote regular attendance. Annual perfect attendance awards are available to members who have attended every regularly scheduled meeting of this club for any twelve consecutive months, otherwise making up any missed meetings in accordance with the attendance make-up rules of the club, if any.

Attendance Policy: Attendance rules of the Club are as follows:

A missed meeting can be made up in the following manner:

Attendance at a Board of Directors’ meeting If the member is not a member of the Board of Directors. If the member who missed the meeting is a member of the Board of Directors, he/she shall not receive credit for attending the Board of Directors’ meeting.
Working at a Club function held outside a regular meeting; for example, at a Scholarship Breakfast, at a White Cane Day, at a Family Fair. The participation of the member at said function shall be certified by the Chairperson of the event. The purchase of fundraising tickets or the selling of fundraising items shall not constitute participation in a club function as would entitle a member to credit for missing a meeting.
Attendance at a meeting of another Lions Club if a member is out of state, for whatever reason, as certified by that club’s secretary in writing.

A member shall not be charged with a missed meeting if the meeting is missed for the following reasons:

Military service by an active member of the military, or by a member of the National Guard or Reserve Forces of the Army, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard. Attendance at a meeting of the Civil Air Patrol or any other quasi-military group shall not qualify.
A documented medical illness.
A death in the immediate family (i.e. child, parent, sibling).
Vacation out of state.
Travel out of state for business purposes.

The President shall not have authority to excuse a member from attendance at a meeting for a reason other than as previously specified. The Board of Directors, however, shall have authority to declare an absence as excused at a Board of Directors’ meeting subsequent to the date of the absence if a cogent or compelling reason is presented other than as hereinbefore set forth.

Section 9: REMOVAL. Any member of the Club may be removed for cause at a regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum of the Board of Directors is present. The member shall be removed if a majority of the Directors present vote for removal. Cause for removal may include the failure to attend five (5) consecutive meetings of the Club without excuse or explanation, or for other conduct deemed prejudicial to the Club by a majority of the Board of Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

Conduct deemed prejudicial to the club shall include without limitation:

cursing or swearing directed towards another club member, immediately before, during or immediately after a meeting;
a baseless allegation of wrongdoing against another member immediately before, during or immediately after a meeting;
failure to follow a directive /vote approved by the board of directors at a board of directors meeting;
failure to follow a directive/ vote approved by the members at a meeting of the members.

Notice shall be given to the member who is the subject of the removal proceedings of the intent to consider removal by e-mail, regular mail, telephone contact, or face-to-face contact at least five (5) days prior to the meeting at which the removal, discussion, and/or vote shall be taken.

ARTICLE II – ELECTIONS AND FILLING VACANCIES

The officers of this Club, excluding the Immediate Past President, shall be elected as follows:

Section 1: ANNUAL ELECTION. Subject to the provisions of Section 7 and 8 of this Article, all officers, other than Directors, shall be elected annually and shall take office on July 1st, and shall hold office for one year from that date, or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified. The Secretary shall promptly report the newly elected officers to the International Office within 15 days of the election.

Section 2: DIRECTORS ELECTION. One-half of the six (6) directors shall be elected annually and shall take office on the July 1^st following their election, and shall hold office for two (2) years from that time, or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified.

Section 3: ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE. No person shall be eligible to hold office in this club unless he/she is an active member in good standing.

Section 4: NOMINATION MEETING. A nomination meeting shall be held in March of each year, or as determined by the board of directors, with the date and place of such meeting to be determined by the board of directors. Notice of the meeting shall be published by regular post or electronic means or by personal delivery to each member of this club at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting.

Section 5: NOMINATING COMMITTEE. The President shall appoint a nominating committee which shall submit the names of candidates for the various Club offices to the Club at the nomination meeting. At this meeting, nominations for all offices to be filled in the succeeding year may also be made from the floor. Such committee shall consist of one past President, two members at large, and the incumbent 1st Vice President.

Section 6: ELECTION MEETING. An election meeting shall be held no later than April 15 of each year, or as determined by the board of directors, at a time and place determined by the board of directors. Notice of the election meeting shall be published by regular post or electronic means or by personal delivery to each member of the club at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting. Such notice shall include the names of all nominees approved at the preceding nomination meeting, and, subject to Section 3 above, a statement that these nominees will be voted upon at this election meeting. No nominations may be made from the floor at the election meeting.

Section 7: BALLOT. The election shall be conducted by a secret ballot by those present and qualified to vote.

Section 8: VOTES REQUIRED. The officer candidate is required to secure a majority of the votes cast by the club members present and voting in order to be declared elected; for purpose of such election, a majority is defined as a number more than one-half of the total valid votes cast excluding blanks and abstentions. If, on the first ballot, and subsequent ballots, no candidate receives a majority, the candidate or tied candidates receiving the lowest number of votes shall be eliminated and balloting shall continue until one candidate receives a majority. In case of a tie vote on any ballot, balloting shall continue on the tied candidates until one is elected.

Section 9: NOMINEE UNABLE TO SERVE. If in the interim between the nomination meeting and the election meeting any nominee is unable for any reason to serve in the office to which he/she was nominated and for which office there was no other nominee, the nominating committee shall submit, at the election meeting, names of additional nominees for that office.

Section 10: VACANCY. If the office of President or of any Vice President shall become vacant for any reason, the Vice Presidents shall advance in office, according to their rank. In the event such provision for advancement shall fail to fill the office of President, or any office of vice president, the Board of Directors shall thereon call a special election giving each member in good standing prior fourteen (14) calendar days notice of the time and place, which time and place shall be determined by said board, and such office shall be filled at said election meeting.

In the event of a vacancy in any other office, the Board of Directors shall appoint a member to fill the unexpired term.

In the event vacancies shall be of such number as to reduce the number of Directors to less than the number required for a quorum, the membership of the Club shall have the power to fill such vacancies by an election held at any regular meeting of the Club upon prior notice, and in the manner specified in Section 11 hereinafter. Such notice may be given by any remaining Officer or Director, but if none, then by any member.

Section 11: REPLACEMENT OF OFFICERS-ELECT. In the event any officer-elect, before his/her term of office commences, is unable or refuses for any reason to serve therein, the President may call a special nomination and election meeting to elect a replacement for such officer-elect. Fourteen (14) calendar days prior notice of such meeting, setting forth the purpose, time, and place shall be given to each member by mail, electronic means, or personal delivery. The election shall be held immediately after nominations have been closed and a plurality vote shall be necessary for election.

ARTICLE III – Duties of Officers

Section 1: PRESIDENT. He/she shall be the Chief Executive Officer of this Club; preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and this Club; issue the call for regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors and the Club; appoint the Standing and Special Committees of this Club and cooperate with chairpersons to effect regular functioning and reporting of such committees; see that regular elections are duly called, noticed and held; and cooperate with, and be an active member of, the District Governor's Advisory Committee of the Zone in which this Club is located.

Section 2: IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT. He/she and the other Past Presidents shall officially greet members and their guests at Club meetings and shall represent this Club in welcoming all new service-minded people in the community served by this Club.

Section 3: VICE PRESIDENT(S). If the President is unable to perform the duties of his/her office for any reason, the Vice President next in rank shall occupy his/her position and perform his/her duties with the same authority as the President. Each Vice president shall, under the direction of the President, oversee the functioning of such committees of this Club as the President shall designate.

Section 4: SECRETARY. He/she shall be under the supervision and direction of the President and the Board of Directors and shall act as the liaison officer between the Club and the District (Single or Sub-and Multiple) in which this Club is located, and the Association. In fulfillment of this, the Secretary shall:

Submit regular monthly and other reports to the International office of the association on forms provided by the international headquarters containing such information as may be called for by the board of directors of this association;
Submit to the district governor's cabinet such reports as it may require including copies of regular membership and activities reports;
Cooperate with and be an active member of the district governor's advisory committee of the zone in which this club is located;
Have custody and keep and maintain general records of this club, including records of minutes of the club and board meetings; attendance; committee appointments; elections; member information, addresses and telephone numbers of members; members' club accounts.
Arrange for issuance, in cooperation with the treasurer, quarterly or semi-annual statements to each member for dues and other financial obligations owed to this Club, collect and turn the same over to the Club Treasurer and obtain a receipt.
Deliver, in a timely manner, at the conclusion of his/her term in office, the general records of the club to his/her successor in office.

Section 5: TREASURER. He/she shall:

Receive all monies, from the Secretary and otherwise, and deposit the same in a bank or banks recommended by the Finance Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
Pay out monies in payment of Club obligations only on authority given by the Board of Directors. All checks and vouchers shall be signed by the Treasurer or the President. Bills less than $50.00 may be paid without Board approval if approved by the President.
Have custody and keep and maintain general records of club receipts and disbursements.
Prepare and submit monthly and semi-annual financial reports to the Board of Directors of this Club.
Give bond, if required, for the faithful discharge of his/her office in such sum and with such surety as may be determined by the Board of Directors.
Deliver, in a timely manner, at the conclusion of his/her term in office, the financial accounts, funds and records of the club to his/her successor in office.
File applicable tax returns.

Section 6: MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR. The membership director shall be the chairperson of the membership committee. The responsibilities for this position shall be:

Development of a growth program specifically for the club and presented to the board of directors for approval.
Regular encouragement at club meeting to bring in new quality members.
Ensuring implementation of proper recruitment and retention procedures.
Preparation and implementation of orientation sessions.
Reporting to the board of directors on ways to reduce the loss of members.
Coordination with other club committees in fulfilling these responsibilities.
Serving as a member of the zone level membership committee.
Consult with and consul any member who has expressed a desire to resign from the Club, and any member who is delinquent more than 60 days on any indebtedness to the Club.

Section 7: LION TAMER. The Lion Tamer shall have charge of and be responsible for the property and paraphernalia of the Club, including flags, banners, gong, gavel, song books and button board. The Lion Tamer shall put each in its proper place before each meeting and return the same to the proper storage area after each meeting. He/she shall act as Sergeant-at-Arms at meetings, see that those present are properly seated, and distribute bulletins, favors, and literature as required at Club and Board meetings. He/she shall give special attention to assure that each new member sits with a different group at each meeting so that the new member can become better acquainted.

Section 8: TAIL TWISTER. He/she shall promote harmony, good fellowship, life and enthusiasm in the meetings through appropriate stunts and games and the judicious imposition of fines on Club members. There shall be no ruling from the Tail Twister's decision in imposing a fine, provided, however, that no fine shall exceed $1.00, and no member shall be fined more than twice at any one meeting. The Tail Twister may not be fined except by the unanimous vote of all members present. All monies collected by the Tail Twister shall be immediately turned over to the Treasurer.

Article IV – Committees

Section 1: STANDING COMMITTEES. The following standing committees may be appointed by the president, except for the chairperson of the membership committee, who is elected.

Administrative Committees:

Attendance

Constitution and By-Laws

Finance

Lions Information

Membership

Program

Public Relations and Communications

Greeter

Leadership Development

Information technology

Activities Committees:

Community Services

Disaster Preparedness & Relief

Environmental Services

Hearing Preservation, Awareness & Action

Sight Preservation, Awareness & Action

International Relations

Lions Opportunities for Youth

Lions Services for Children

The Finance Committee shall consist of five members, four of whom shall be appointed by the President. The Treasurer shall be the Finance Committee Chairperson and will constitute the fifth person.

All requests for money shall be presented to the Finance Committee for its recommendation/review prior to presentation to the Board of Directors for its consideration as stipulated in Article VIII, Section 5 of the Constitution. In emergency situations, especially with time constraints, the Finance Committee may present its findings to the general membership for a vote thereupon. A request for money may be acted upon by the Finance Committee at any regularly scheduled meeting of the membership at which there exists a quorum of the members of the Finance Committee. The decision of the Finance Committee shall be advisory only and can be affirmed and/or rejected by the members voting at any general membership meeting.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the President of the Club shall have discretion to expend an amount not to exceed $50.00 in response to a request for financial assistance, if (a) the request is deemed legitimate after review by the President, and (b) due to time constraints, it is impossible to obtain the advice of the Finance Committee and a vote of the general membership.

Section 2: SPECIAL COMMITTEES. From time to time, the President may appoint, with the approval of the Board of Directors, such special committees as may be necessary in the President's judgment or the judgment of the Board of Directors.

Section 3: PRESIDENT EX-OFFICIO. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.

Section 4: COMPOSITION. All committees shall consist of a chairperson and as many members as shall be considered necessary by the President.

Section 5: COMMITTEE REPORTING. Each committee, through its chairperson, shall report, either verbally or in writing, each month to the Board of Directors.

Section 6: Use of Electronic Meetings. All committee meetings may be held by e-mail if the chairperson of the committee so elects. If the chairperson of the committee elects to hold a meeting by e-mail, the e-mail shall contain the subject of the topic in the Subject line of the e-mail. A copy of the e-mail notice sent to the committee members and the e-mail responses of the committee members shall be retained by the chairperson until the end of the current fiscal year (i.e. June 30 of each year). If no response is received within a reasonable time (e.g. two days) from the sent e-mail, a follow-up call to those "non-response" members shall be made to solicit their response. Such response shall be recorded and retained by the chairperson until the end of the current fiscal year.

The club president shall be an ex-officio member of each committee and shall be entitled to notice of all committee meetings.

The telephonic of e-mail response of a majority of the committee shall be deemed a quorum.

ARTICLE V – Meetings

Section 1: BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the board of directors shall be held at such times and places as the board shall determine. (It is recommended that the board of directors meet at least once each month).

Section 2: BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the board of directors shall be held when called by the president, or when requested by three (3) or more members of the board of directors, at such time and place as the president shall determine.

Section 3: REGULAR CLUB MEETINGS. Regular meetings of this Club shall be held at times and places recommended by the board of directors, and approved by the club. All meetings shall begin and end promptly, at the regular set times. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Constitution and By-Laws, notice of regular meetings shall be given in such manner as the Board of Directors deems proper. (It is recommended that clubs meet at least twice each month.)

Section 4: SPECIAL CLUB MEETINGS. Special meetings of this Club may be called by the President in his/her discretion, and shall be called by the President when requested by the Board of Directors, at a time and place determined by the person or body requesting the same. Notice of special meetings setting forth the purpose, time, and place shall be published to each member of this Club, by regular post, electronic means or personal delivery, at least ten (10) days prior to the date thereof.

Section 5: ANNUAL MEETING. An annual meeting of this club shall be held in conjunction with the close of each Lions’ year at a time and place determined by the board of directors, at which meeting the final reports of the retiring officers shall be read and newly elected officers shall be installed.

Section 6: ALTERNATIVE MEETING FORMATS. Regular and/or special meetings of this club and/or board of directors may be held through the use of alternative meeting formats, such as teleconference and/or web conference upon initiation of the president or by any three (3) members of the board of directors.

Section 7: CHARTER ANNIVERSARY. A charter night anniversary meeting of this club may be held each year, at which time special attention shall be devoted to the purposes and ethics of Lionism, and the history of this club.

Section 8: QUORUM. Except as otherwise specifically provided, the act of a majority of the members present at any club meeting shall be the act and decision of the entire club.

Section 9: BUSINESS TRANSACTED BY MAIL. The club may transact business by mail (including letters, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, or cable), provided that no such action shall be effective until approved by a majority of those in attendance at the next Club meeting. Such action may be initiated by the president or any there (3) members of said board.

Article VI – Fees and Dues

Section 1: ENTRANCE FEE. Each new, reinstated and transfer member shall pay an entrance fee as established by the Board of Directors, which fee shall include the current Association entrance fee and be collected before such member is enrolled as a member of this club and before the secretary may report such member to Lions Clubs International; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may elect to waive all or any part of the club portion of said entrance fee as to any member granted membership by transfer or reinstatement within twelve (12) months of termination of his/her prior Lions Club membership.

Section 2: ANNUAL DUES. Each member of this club shall pay regular annual dues; which dues shall include an amount to cover current International and District (Single or Sub- and Multiple) dues (to defray the subscription price of The Lion Magazine, administrative and annual convention costs of the Association and similar District costs) and shall be paid in advance at such times as the Board of Directors shall determine. The Treasurer of this club shall remit International and District (Single or Sub- or Multiple) dues to the parties, and at the times, specified in the respective International and District (Single or Multiple) Constitution and By-Laws.

Article VII – Miscellaneous

Section 1: FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of this Club shall be July 1 through June 30.

Section 2: PARLIMENTARY PRACTICES. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Constitution and By-Laws, all questions of Order of Procedure with respect to any meeting or action of this Club, its Board of Directors, or any committee appointed hereunder, shall be determined in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, as revised from time to time.

Section 3: PARTISAN POLITICS/RELIGION. This club shall not endorse or recommend any candidate for public office, nor shall partisan politics or sectarian religion be debated by members in meetings of this Club.

Section 4: PERSONAL BENEFIT. Except to further one's progress in Lionism, no officer or member of this Club shall use such membership as a means of furthering any personal, political, or other aspiration, nor shall the Club, as a whole, take part in any movement not in keeping with its purpose and objects.

Section 5: COMPENSATION. No officer shall receive any compensation for any service rendered to this Club in any official capacity. The President shall be entitled to an expense account in any amount to be approved by the Board of Directors, payable in two installments in July and January. With the prior approval of the Board of Directors, the President shall also be entitled to payment of the normal "package costs", which normally consists of room and meals, for the President and the President's guest at the annual District 42 convention and the annual State Night. The President, Secretary, Treasurer, and First Vice President, or their alternates, shall be reimbursed for their meal expense at three State Advisory Meetings per year. The President, Secretary, and Treasurer, or their alternates, shall be reimbursed for the cost of meals at three Zone meetings per year. The President-elect, Secretary-elect, and Treasurer-elect shall be reimbursed for the cost of attending the yearly officer training seminar.

Section 6: SOLICITATION OF FUNDS. No funds shall be solicited from members of the Club during meetings by any individual or individuals who are not members of the Club. Any suggestion or proposition made at any meeting of this Club calling for the expenditure of money for other than the regular obligations shall be referred to the Finance Committee or to the board of directors for further review.

Article VIII – Amendments

Section 1: AMENDING PROCEDURE. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed at any regular or special meeting of this Club at which a quorum is present, by the vote of a majority of the members present in person and voting.

Section 2: NOTICE. No amendment shall be put to vote, unless written notice stating the proposed amendment shall have been published to the member through regular post or electronic means, or delivered personally to each member of this club at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the meeting at which the vote on the proposed amendment is to be taken.

Attachments: Exhibits A & B

End