Lions Clubs International
PURPOSES
TO ORGANIZE, charter and supervise service
clubs to be known as Lions clubs.
TO COORDINATE the activities and standardize
the administration of Lions clubs.
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 clubs 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.
TO ENCOURAGE service-minded people to
serve their community without personal financial
reward, and to encourage efficiency and
promote high ethical standards in commerce,
industry, professions, public works and private
endeavors.
VISION STATEMENT
TO BE the global leader in community and
humanitarian service.
MISSION STATEMENT
TO EMPOWER volunteers to serve their
communities, meet humanitarian needs,
encourage peace and promote international
understanding through Lions clubs.
Constitution and By-Laws
Toronto Kapuso Lions Club
Chartered by
and under the jurisdiction of
THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS
This standard form is recommended for adoption by the
Lions club as its official local club Constitution and By-Laws.
Immediately upon adoption by the club, a permanent copy
of this Constitution and By-Laws is to be filed by the
secretary in his/her record book.
This Standard Form Club Constitution and By-Laws, and all
amendments thereto, shall be in full force and effect and
govern the operation of any Lions club that has not adopted
its own Constitution and By-Laws.
The International Board of Directors shall and hereby does
declare as policy that with respect to any matter of club
operations which is consistent with the International
Constitution and By-Laws and is not covered by the constitution
and by-laws of the respective club and is covered by
the Standard Form Lions Club Constitution and By-Laws
that the provisions of the latter shall govern and control.
STANDARD LIONS CLUB
ORGANIZATION PLAN
_____________________________________________
Officers and Directors
(Board of Directors)
President
Secretary
Treasurer
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
3rd Vice President
Lion Tamer
Tail Twister (Optional)
Immediate Past President
2 Directors (First Year)
2 Directors (Second Year)
Membership Director
_____________________________________________
Administrative Committees
Attendance
Constitution and By-Laws
Convention
Finance
Information Technology
Lions Information
Membership
Program
Public Relations
Bulletin Editor
Greeter
Leadership Development
_____________________________________________
Activities Committees
Lions Opportunities for Youth (Youth)
Diabetes Awareness
Sight Conservation and Work With the Blind
Hearing and Speech Action and
Work With the Deaf
Environmental Services
Leo Club Program
Youth Camp and Exchange Program
Lioness Club Program
International Relations Program
Other activities of Lionism for which committees may be
appointed are: Citizenship Services, Educational Services,
Health Services, Social Services, Recreational Services,
Public Services.
STANDARD CLUB CONSTITUTION
INDEX
ARTICLE I
Name, Slogan and Motto
SEC. 1 – NAME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2
SEC. 2 – SLOGAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2
SEC. 3 – MOTTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2
ARTICLE II
Purposes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....2
ARTICLE III
Membership
SEC. 1 – ELIGIBILITY FOR CLUB MEMBERSHIP . . 2
SEC. 2 – MEMBERSHIP INVITATION . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2
ARTICLE IV
Forfeiture of Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3
ARTICLE V
Club Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......3
ARTICLE VI
Club Branch Program
SEC. 1 – BRANCH FORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
SEC. 2 – MEMBERSHIP IN PARENT CLUB . . . . . .3
SEC. 3 – FUNDRAISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
SEC. 4 – DISSOLUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
ARTICLE VII
Officers
SEC. 1 – OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...3
SEC. 2 – REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....3
ARTICLE VIII
Board of Directors
SEC. 1 – MEMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....4
SEC. 2 – QUORUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....4
SEC. 3 – DUTIES AND POWERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..4
ARTICLE IX
Delegates to International and District Conventio
SEC. 1 – DELEGATE ENTITLEMENT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS . . .5
SEC. 2 – DELEGATE ENTITLEMENT DISTRICT / MULTIPLE DISTRICT CONVENTIONS . . .5
ARTICLE X
Club Dispute Resolution Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
SEC. 1 – DISPUTES SUBJECT TO PROCEDURE . .6
SEC. 2 – REQUEST FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND FILING FEE . . . 6
SEC. 3 – SELECTION OF CONCILIATOR . . . . . . . . ...6
SEC. 4 – CONCILIATION MEETING & DECISION OF CONCILIATOR . . . .7
ARTICLE XI
Amendments
SEC. 1 – AMENDING PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
SEC. 2 – NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....7
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
Membership Categories
SEC. 1 – MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES . . . . . . . . . . .8
SEC. 2 – DUAL MEMBERSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
SEC. 3 – RESIGNATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
SEC. 4 – REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP . . . .10
SEC. 5 – TRANSFER MEMBERSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . .10
SEC. 6 – FAILURE TO PAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
SEC. 7 – ATTENDANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
ARTICLE II
Officers
SEC. 1 – DUTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
SEC. 2 – ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
SEC. 3 – COMPENSATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
ARTICLE III
Meetings and Quorum Requirements
SEC. 1 – REGULAR MEETINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
SEC. 2 – SPECIAL MEETINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
SEC. 3 – CHARTER ANNIVERSARY . . . . . . . . . . . .14
SEC. 4 – ANNUAL MEETING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
SEC. 5 – QUORUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
SEC. 6 – GOOD STANDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
SEC. 7 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR
MEETINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
SEC. 8 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL
MEETINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
ARTICLE IV
Elections and Filling Vacancies
SEC. 1 – NOMINATION MEETING . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
SEC. 2 – NOMINATING COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . . .15
SEC. 3 – NOMINEE UNABLE TO SERVE . . . . . . . .15
SEC. 4 – ELECTION COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
SEC. 5 – ANNUAL ELECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
SEC. 6 – MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . . .15
SEC. 7 – DIRECTORS ELECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
SEC. 8 – BALLOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
SEC. 9 – VACANCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
SEC. 10 – REPLACEMENT OF OFFICERS-ELECT . .16
ARTICLE V
Fees and Dues
SEC. 1 – ENTRANCE FEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
SEC. 2 – ANNUAL DUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
ARTICLE VI
Club Branch Administration
SEC. 1 – COORDINATOR/VICE COORDINATOR . .18
SEC. 2 – LIAISON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
SEC. 3 – VOTING ENTITLEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
ARTICLE VII
Committees
SEC. 1 – STANDING COMMITTEES . . . . . . . . . . . .18
SEC. 2 – SPECIAL COMMITTEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
SEC. 3 – PRESIDENT EX-OFFICIO . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
SEC. 4 – COMPOSITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
SEC. 5 – COMMITTEE REPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . .19
ARTICLE VIII
Parliamentary Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
ARTICLE IX
Miscellaneous
SEC. 1 – EMBLEM, COLORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
SEC. 2 – FISCAL YEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
SEC. 3 – HONORARY MAILING LIST . . . . . . . . . . . .20
SEC. 4 – PARTISAN POLITICS/RELIGION . . . . . . .20
SEC. 5 – PERSONAL BENEFIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
SEC. 6 – SOLICITATION OF FUNDS . . . . . . . . . . . .20
ARTICLE X
Amendments
SEC. 1 – AMENDING PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . .20
SEC. 2 – NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
EXHIBIT A – MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES CHART . . .21
STANDARD CLUB CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I
Name, Slogan and Motto
Section 1. NAME. The name of this organization shall
be the Lions Club of _______________, chartered by, and
under the jurisdiction of Lions Clubs International.
Section 2. SLOGAN. Its slogan shall be: Liberty,
Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety.
Section 3. MOTTO. Its motto shall be: We Serve.
ARTICLE II
Purposes
The purposes of this club shall be:
(a) To create and foster a spirit of understanding
among the peoples of the world.
(b) To promote the principles of good government and
good citizenship.
(c) To take an active interest in the civic, cultural,
social and moral welfare of the community.
(d) To unite the members in the bonds of friendship,
good fellowship and mutual understanding.
(e) 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.
(f) To encourage service-minded people to serve their
community without personal financial reward, and
to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical
standards in commerce, industry, professions,
public works 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 fee 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
Forfeiture of Membership
Any member may be expelled from the club for cause
by a two-thirds vote of the entire board of directors.
ARTICLE V
Club Size
A Lions club should strive to maintain 20 members; the
numerical minimum membership required to receive a
charter.
ARTICLE VI
Club Branch Program
Section 1. BRANCH FORMATION. Clubs may form
branches to permit the expansion of Lionism into locations
where and when circumstances do not support the formation
of a charter club. The branch shall meet as a committee
of the parent club and shall conduct service activities in
its community.
Section 2. MEMBERSHIP IN PARENT CLUB. The
members of the branch shall be granted membership in the
parent club and the branch by membership invitation issued
by the board of directors of the parent club. Membership shall
be in one of the categories listed in Article I of the By-Laws.
Section 3. FUNDRAISING. Activity or public welfare
monies raised by the branch by asking for public support
shall be held in a fund established to record such purpose.
They shall be distributed in the branch community unless
otherwise specified. The board of directors of the parent
club may authorize the branch coordinator to countersign
checks and vouchers authorized for payment by the parent
club's board of directors.
Section 4. DISSOLUTION. The branch may be disbanded
by a two-thirds vote of the entire board of directors
of the parent club.
ARTICLE VII
Officers
Section 1. OFFICERS. The officers of this club shall be a
president, immediate past president, the vice president(s),
secretary, treasurer, Lion tamer (optional), tail twister (optional),
membership director and all other elected directors.
Section 2. REMOVAL. Any officer of this club may beremoved from office forgoodcause by two-thirds (2/3) voteof the entire club membership.
ARTICLE VIII
Board of Directors
Section 1. MEMBERS. The members of the board of
directors shall be the president, immediate past president,
the vice president(s), secretary, treasurer, Lion tamer
(optional), tail twister (optional), membership director,
branch coordinator, if so designated, and all other elected
directors.
Section 2. QUORUM. The presence in person of a
majority of the directors 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 3. 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:
(a) 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 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.
(b) It shall authorize all expenditures and shall not create
any indebtedness beyond the current income of
this club, nor authorize disbursal of club funds for
purposes inconsistent with the business and policy
authorized by the club membership.
(c) It shall have power to modify, override or rescind
the action of any officer of this club.
(d) It shall 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.
(e) It shall appoint, on recommendation of the finance
committee, a bank or banks for the deposit of the
funds of this club.
(f) It shall appoint the surety for the bonding of any
officer of this club.
(g) 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.
(h) 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.
(i) It 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.
(j) It shall maintain at least two (2) separate funds
governed by generally accepted accounting practices.
The first fund to record administrative
monies such as dues, tail twisting fines and other
i nternally raised club funds. A second fund shall be
established to record activity or public welfare
monies raised by asking support from the public.
Disbursement from such funds shall be in strict
compliance with Section (g) of this article.
ARTICLE IX
Delegates to International and District Conventions
Section 1. DELEGATE ENTITLEMENT INTERNATIONAL
CONVENTION. Inasmuch as Lions Clubs International 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-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 or 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 a 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 (1) vote of his/her choice for each office to be filled
by, and one (1) vote of his/her choice on each question submitted
to, the respective convention. The major fraction
referred to in this section shall be five (5) or more members.
ARTICLE X
Club Dispute Resolution Procedure
Section 1. DISPUTES SUBJECT TO PROCEDURE. All
disputes arising between any member or members, or a
former member or members, and the club, or any officer on
the board of the club, relative to membership, or the interpretation,
breach of, or application of the clubʼs constitution
and by-laws, or the expulsion of any member from the club,
or any other internal Lions club matter whatsoever which
cannot be satisfactorily resolved through other means, shall
be settled by dispute resolution. Any time limits specified in
this procedure may be shortened or extended by the district
governor, conciliator or the International Board of Directors
(or its designee) upon a showing of good cause. All parties
to any dispute subject to this procedure shall not pursue
administrative or judicial actions during this dispute resolution
process.
Section 2. REQUEST FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND
FILING FEE. Any party to the dispute may file a written
request with the district governor asking that dispute resolution
take place. All requests for dispute resolution must be
filed with the district governor within thirty (30) days after
the member knew or should have known of the occurrence
of the event upon which the request is based. Each district
may determine whether a filing fee will be charged for filing
a complaint under this procedure. Any such filing fee must
be approved by majority vote of the district cabinet in
advance of charging any fee for filing a complaint under this
procedure and any such fee shall not exceed US$250.00,
or its equivalent in the respective national currency, payable
to the district. All expenses incurred relative to this dispute
resolution procedure are the responsibility of the district,
unless established district policy provides that all expenses
incurred relative to this dispute resolution procedure shall
be paid on an equal basis by the parties to the dispute.
Section 3. SELECTION OF CONCILIATOR. Within fifteen
(15) days of receipt, the district governor shall appoint a
neutral conciliator to hear the dispute. The conciliator shall
be a past district governor who is currently a member in
good standing of a club in good standing, other than the
club which is a party to the dispute, in the district in which
the dispute arises, and who is impartial on the matter in dispute
and without loyalties to any party to the dispute. The
appointed conciliator shall be acceptable to the parties and the
district governor shall obtain a written statement signed
by each party certifying that the appointed conciliator is
acceptable. In the event an appointed conciliator is not
acceptable to any party, the objecting party must submit a
written statement to the district governor identifying all the
reasons for such an objection. If the district governor determines,
in his or her sole discretion, that the partyʼs written
statement sufficiently demonstrates that the appointed conciliator
lacks neutrality, the district governor shall appoint a
substitute conciliator as provided above. Upon appointment,
the conciliator shall have all authority appropriate and
necessary to resolve or decide the dispute in accordance
with this procedure.
Section 4. CONCILIATION MEETING & DECISION OF
CONCILIATOR. Upon being appointed, the conciliator shall
arrange a meeting of the parties for the purpose of conciliating
the dispute. The meeting shall be scheduled within
thirty (30) days of the appointment of the conciliator. The
objective of the conciliator shall be to find a prompt and
amicable resolution to the dispute. If such conciliation
efforts are unsuccessful, the conciliator shall have the
authority to issue his or her decision relative to the dispute.
The conciliator shall issue the decision in writing no later
than thirty (30) days after the date on which the initial meeting
of the parties was held, and the decision shall be final
and binding on all parties. A copy of the written decision
shall be provided to all parties, the district governor and,
upon request, to the Legal Division of Lions Clubs
International. The decision of the conciliator must be consistent
with any applicable provisions of the International,
Multiple District and District Constitutions and By-Laws and
policies of the International Board of Directors, and is subject
to the authority of and further review by the International
Board of Directors at the sole discretion of the
International Board of Directors or its designee.
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 vote,
unless written notice, stating the proposed amendment shall have
been mailed 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.
(a) 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.
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
(d) 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 asthe local
club may charge, which dues shall
include district and international dues. He/she 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.
(e) 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:
(1) recommendation of this club to the association,
(2) payment to the association of US$500.00, or
its equivalent in the respective national currency,
by this club in lieu of all future dues to the
association, and
(3) approval by the International Board of Directors.
A Life Member shall have all privileges of active
membership so long as he/she 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. Former Lioness members,
who are now Active members of their Lions clubs
or who become Active members of a Lions club on
or before June 30, 2007, may apply all of their
prior Lioness service toward Life membership eligibility.
Lioness members who become Active members
of a Lions Club after June 30, 2007, will not
be eligible for Lioness service credit for the purposes
of Life membership eligibility.
(f) 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)
or 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.
(g) 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 in
person, 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. DUAL MEMBERSHIP. No person shall
simultaneously hold membership, other than honorary or
associate, in this and any other Lions club.
Section 3. 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, all club funds and property have been returned,
and all right to the use of the name "LIONS," the emblem
and other insignia of this club and this association have
been surrendered.
Section 4. 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.
Section 5. 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 Section 2 of Article III of the constitution.
Section 6. 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 7. 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.
ARTICLE II
Officers
Section 1. DUTIES.
a. 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 meetings 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.
b. 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.
c. Vice Presidents. 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.
d. 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 suband
multiple) in which this club is located, and the
association. In fulfillment of this, he/she shall:
(1) Submit regular monthly and other reports to the
international office of the association on blanks
provided by it containing such information as
may be called for by the board of directors of
this association;
(2) Submit to the district governor's cabinet such
reports as it may require including copies of
regular membership and activities reports;
(3) Cooperate with and be an active member of
the district governor's advisory committee of
the zone in which the club is located;
(4) Have custody and keep and maintain general
records of this club, including records of minutes
of club and board meetings; attendance;
committee appointments; elections; member
information, addresses and telephone numbers
of members; members club accounts;
(5) 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;
(6) Give bond for the faithful discharge of his/her
office in such sum and with such surety as
determined by the board of directors.
e. Treasurer. He/she shall:
(1) 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;
(2) 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 and countersigned by one other officer,
determined by the board of directors;
(3) Have custody and keep and maintain general
records of club receipts and disbursements;
(4) Prepare and submit monthly and semi-annual
financial reports to the international office of
the association and the board of directors of
this club;
(5) Give bond for the faithful discharge of his/her
office in such sum and with such surety as
determined by the board of directors.
f. Membership Director. The membership director
shall be the chairperson of the membership committee.
The responsibilities for this position shall
be:
(1) Development of a growth program specifically
for the club and presented to the board of
directors for approval.
(2) Regular encouragement at club meeting to
bring in new quality members.
(3) Ensuring implementation of proper recruitment
and retention procedures.
(4) Preparation and implementation of orientation
sessions.
(5) Reporting to the board of directors on ways to
reduce the loss of members.
(6) Coordination with other club committees in fulfilling
these responsibilities.
(7) Serving as a member of the zone level membership
committee.
g. Lion Tamer (Optional). 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. He/she
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 he/she can become
better acquainted.
h. Tail Twister (Optional). 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 his/her decision
in imposing a fine, provided, however, that no fine
shall exceed an amount fixed by the board of
directors of this club, and no member shall be
fined more than twice at any one meeting. The tail
twister (optional) may not be fined except by the
unanimous vote of all members present. All
monies collected by the tail twister (optional) shall
be immediately turned over to the treasurer and a
receipt be given.
Section 2. 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 3. COMPENSATION. No officer shall receive
any compensation for any service rendered to this club in
his/her official capacity with the exception of the secretary,
whose compensation, if any, shall be fixed by the board of
directors.
ARTICLE III
Meetings and Quorum Requirements
Section 1. REGULAR 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 2. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of
the 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
given to each member of this club, by mail or personal
delivery, at least ten (10) days prior to the date thereof.
Section 3. 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 4. 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 5. QUORUM. The presence in person of a
majority of the members in good standing shall be necessary
for a quorum at any meeting of this club. Except as
otherwise specifically provided, the act of a majority of the
members present at any meeting shall be the act and decision
of the entire club.
Section 6. GOOD STANDING. Any member who fails
to pay any indebtedness due this club within sixty (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 7. 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 8. 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.
ARTICLE IV
Elections and Filling Vacancies
The officers of this club, excluding the immediate past
president, shall be elected as follows:
Section 1. NOMINATION MEETING. A nomination
meeting shall be held in March of each year, with the date
and place of such meeting to be determined by the board of
directors and notice mailed to each member of this club at
least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the date of the
meeting.
Section 2. 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.
Section 3. 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 4. ELECTION COMMITTEE. An election meeting
shall be held no later than April 15 of each year, at a
time and place determined by the board of directors, and
fourteen (14) calendar days prior written notice shall be
given to each member of the club by the secretary, by mail
or personal delivery. 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 5. ANNUAL ELECTION. Subject to the provisions
of Section 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.
Section 6. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE. A membership
committee shall be composed of three elected members
for a three year term. Initially three members will be elected.
One member shall serve for one (1) year, the second
member for two (2) years and the third member for
three (3) years. Each year thereafter, a new member will be
elected. Each member shall serve for three (3) continuous
years on a rotation system subject to annual confirmation
for the years remaining by the clubʼs board of directors. The
first year member shall be a member of the committee, the
second year member shall be its vice chairperson and the
third year member shall serve as its chairperson and as
membership director on the club's board of directors. The
first-year member is encouraged to focus on membership
development, the second-year member is encouraged to
focus on retention and leadership, while the third-year
member (chairperson) is encouraged to focus on extension.
Section 7. DIRECTORS ELECTION. One-half of the
directors shall be elected annually and shall take office on
the July 1st next following their election, and shall hold
office for two (2) years from that time, or until their successors
shall have been elected and qualified, with the exception
that at the first election held after the adoption of this
constitution and by-laws, one-half of the directors shall be
elected for two year terms and the other one-half of the
directors shall be elected for one year terms.
Section 8. BALLOT. The election shall be by ballot by
those present and qualified to vote. A plurality vote shall be
necessary to elect.
Section 9. 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 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 10 hereinafter. Such notice
may be given by any remaining officer or director, but if
none, then by any member.
Section 10. 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 officerelect.
Fourteen (14) calendar days prior notice of such
meeting, setting forth the purpose, time and place shall be
given to each member, by mail or personal delivery. The
election shall be held immediately after nominations have
been closed and a plurality vote shall be necessary for
election.
ARTICLE V
Fees and Dues
REVISE–
AS PER SCHEDULE ATTACHED APPROVED AT AN
ANNUAL MEETING TO BE DETERMINED BY THE CLUB.
Section 1. ENTRANCE FEE. Each new, reinstated and
transfer member shall pay an entrance fee of $________
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 the following indicated 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:
Active $ ______
Member-at-Large $ ______
Honorary $ ______
Privileged $ ______
Life $ ______
Each associate member of this club shall pay the following
indicated annual dues in advance at such times as
the board of directors shall determine.
Associate $ ______
Each affiliate member of this club shall pay the following
indicated annual dues in advance at such times as the
board of directors shall determine.
Affiliate $ _______
The treasurer of this club shall remit international and
district (single or sub- and multiple) dues to the parties, and
at the times, specified in the respective international and
district (single or multiple) constitution and by-laws.
ARTICLE VI
Club Branch Administration
Section 1. COORDINATOR/VICE COORDINATOR.
The members comprising the branch shall elect a coordinator
and vice coordinator. The coordinator shall also be a
member of the parent club's board of directors and be
encouraged to attend general and/or board meetings of the
parent club to provide branch records and a report of
planned branch activities, a monthly financial report and
coordinate efforts to encourage open discussion and effective
communication between the branch and parent club.
Members of the branch are encouraged to attend scheduled
meetings of the parent club.
Section 2. LIAISON. The parent club shall designate a
member of the parent club to oversee the progress of the
branch and provide assistance to the branch, when necessary.
The member serving in this capacity shall also serve
as the third officer of the branch.
Section 3. VOTING ENTITLEMENT. The members of
the branch may vote on activities of the branch and are voting
members of the parent club, when in attendance at
meetings of the parent club. Branch members shall be calculated
in parent club meeting quorum requirements only
when present in person at the parent club meeting.
Attendance at branch meetings fulfills regular club attendance
requirements.
ARTICLE VII
Committees
Section 1. STANDING COMMITTEES. The following
standing committees may be appointed by the president,
except for the members and chairperson of the membership
committee, who are elected. (See Article IV, Sections 6 and 7)
a) Administrative Committees:
Attendance
Bulletin Editor
Constitution and By-Laws
Convention
Finance
Greeter
Information Technology
Leadership Development
Lions Information
Membership
Program
Public Relations
(b) Activities Committees:
Diabetes Awareness
Environmental Services
Hearing and Speech Action and Work with the Deaf
International Relations Program
Leo Club Program
Lioness Club Program
Sight Conservation and Work with the Blind
Youth Camps and Exchange Program
Lions Opportunities for Youth (Youth)
Other activities of Lionism for which committees may
be appointed are: Citizenship Services; Educational
Services; Health Services; Social Services; Recreational
Services; Public Services.
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 his/her 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 subject to Section 2 above, as
many members as shall be considered necessary by the
president.
Section 5. COMMITTEE REPORTING. Each committee,
through its chairperson, should be encouraged as necessary
to report, either verbally or in writing, each month to
the board of directors.
ARTICLE VIII
Parliamentary Practices
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this constitution
and by-laws, all questions of order or 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.
ARTICLE IX
Miscellaneous
Section 1. EMBLEM, COLORS. The emblem and colors
of this club shall be the same as the emblem and colors
of Lions Clubs International.
Section 2. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of this club
shall be July 1 through June 30.
Section 3. HONORARY MAILING LIST. Lions Clubs
International and the district governor shall be included on
the mailing list of this club.
Section 4. 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 5. PERSONAL BENEFIT. Except to further
his/her progress in Lionism, no officer or member of this
club shall use his/her 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 purposes and objects.
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 appropriate
committee or to the board of directors.
ARTICLE X
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 mailed or delivered personally to each
member at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the
meeting at which the vote on the amendment is to be
taken.
YES
RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES
23
EXHIBIT A (Continued)
MEMBER CATEGORY LIMITS
Honorary Members – Not to exceed 5% of total actual
membership; any fraction shall permit one additional honorary
member.
Affiliate Members – Not to exceed 25% of total actual membership.
LIONS CODE OF ETHICS
to show my faith in the worthiness of my
vocation by industrious application to the end
that I may merit a reputation for quality of service.
To seek success and to demand all fair
remuneration or profit as my just due, but to
accept no profit or success at the price of my
own self-respect lost because of unfair
advantage taken or because of questionable
acts on my part.
To remember that in building up my business it
is not necessary to tear down another’s; to be
loyal to my clients or customers and true to myself.
whenever a doubt arises as to the right or
ethics of my position or action towards others,
to resolve such doubt against myself.
To hold friendship as an end and not a means.
To hold that true friendship exists not on
account of the service performed by one to
another, but that true friendship demands
nothing but accepts service in the spirit in which
it is given.
Always to bear in mind my obligations as a
citizen to my nation, my state and my
community, and to give them my unswerving
loyalty in word, act and deed. To give them
freely of my time, labor, and means.
to aid others by giving my sympathy to those in
distress, my aid to the weak, and my substance
to the needy.
To be careful with my criticism and liberal with
my praise; to build up and not destroy.
THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF LION CLUBS
300 W 22ND STREET
OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS 60523-8842, USA
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL
LA-2 7-09 Printed in USA
