Meetings

 

The Carbondale Lions Club

By-Laws

 

Adopted September 17, 1994; Amended December 5, 2012;Amended July 26, 2014

 

The Lions Club of

Carbondale, Illinois

Chartered by and under the jurisdiction of

 

The

International Association

Of Lions Clubs

Contents

ARTICLE

TITLE

I

Name, Slogan, and Motto

II

Purposes

III

The Lions of Carbondale Foundation

IV

Membership

V

Miscellaneous (emblem, fiscal year, Roberts Rules)

VI

Officers

VII

Board of Directors

VIII

Elections and Filling Vacancies

IX

Committees

X

Fees and Dues

XI

Resignations

XII

Meetings

XIII

Delegates to International and District (Single of Sub and Multiple) Conventions

XIV

Amendments to the By-laws

XV

Conduct of Members and Visitors

 

By Laws

 

Article l Name, Slogan, and Motto

 

A.  The name of this organization is the Lions Club of Carbondale, Illinois chartered by and under the jurisdiction of the International Association of Lions Clubs (hereafter referred to as “Association”).

B.  Its slogan is:  Liberty, Intelligence, and Our Nation’s Safety.

C.  Its motto is:  We Serve.

 

Article II Purposes

Purposes of this club are:

 

  1.  To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.
  2. To promote the principles of good government and good citizenship.
  3. To take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.
  4. To unite the members in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.
  5. 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.
  6. 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 The Lions of Carbondale Foundation

The Carbondale Lions Club has created a separate organization hereafter called “the Foundation.”

  1. The Foundation is a charitable not-for-profit corporation.  Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible under the Internal Revenue Code. 
  2. The Club and Foundation must carefully coordinate methods used to collect and distribute funds to ensure compliance with Federal tax law.
  3. The Foundation supports Lions Club charitable activities that qualify under Paragraph 501c3 and Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Generally, the projects funded by the Foundation will be of a local and one-time nature. 
  4. The Foundation is governed by a Board of nine Directors nominated and elected by the members of the Lions Club.  Directors serve 6-year terms staggered so that three directors are elected every odd numbered year.
  5. The Foundation annually elects from its Directors a president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary.
  6. The Foundation maintains two funds:  the Endowment Fund, which is a permanent endowment from which only the interest can be used for charitable purposes, and the General Fund, which is used for charitable grants as determined by the Board of Directors. 
  7. Club members and/or non-members of the public may donate to the Foundation. Donors may designate the fund to which they wish to contribute.  Donations to the General Fund may be made to specific or general Lion projects or other Federal IRS recognized charitable organizations. 

 

Article lV Membership

  1. Subject to the provisions of Section B hereinafter, any person of legal majority and good moral character and good reputation in his community - irrespective of their race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, marital status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status - may be granted membership in this Lions club.

 

B.  Membership in this Lions club shall be as follows:

 

  1. 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.
  2.  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 periodically 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                                                                                        
  3.  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 privileges of active membership.
  4. PRIVILEGED:   Members of this club who have 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 their active status.  Privileged members shall pay such dues as the local club may charge, which dues shall include district and international dues.  They 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.
  5. .LIFE MEMBER:  Any member of this club who has maintained continuous Active membership as a Lion for 20 or more years and has rendered outstanding service to this club, the community, or this Association; or any member who is critically ill or any member of this club who has maintained such continuous active membership for 15 or more years and is at least 70 years of age; or any member of this club who has maintained such continuous active membership for 20 or more years and has served as an Officer of this association may be granted Life membership in this club upon:             

 

  1. Recommendation of this club to the association, 
  2. Payment to the association of $300.00 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.  Nothing herein shall prevent this club from charging a Life Member such dues as it shall deem proper.
  4. A Life Member shall have all privileges of active membership so long as all obligations thereof are fulfilled. 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.

         6. EMERITUS STATUS:  Any member of this club who has maintained continuous active membership, but is unable to continue in this capacity due to illness or relocation or any other reasonable situation as deemed so by the Board of Directors, may request from the Board they receive Emeritus Status.  Emeriti members (will not pay dues) and may elect to receive the club newsletter and occasionally attend meetings as a guest. All other privileges of membership do not apply. 

 

  1. No person shall simultaneously hold membership, other than Honorary, in this and any other Lions club.
  1. Membership in this Lions club shall be acquired by invitation only.  Nominations shall be made on forms provided by t
  2. he International Office, which shall be signed by a member in good standing who shall act as sponsor, and be submitted to the membership chairman or the club secretary, who, after investigation, 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.

 

D.      Transfer Membership:  This club may grant membership on a transfer basis to an individual who has or is terminating membership in another Lions club, provided that:

1.  A completed transfer member form is received by the secretary of this club following the date of termination,

2.   Such termination was in good standing, and

3.   Such transfer member form or membership card is approved by the board of directors.  If more than six (6) months have elapsed between termination of membership in another club and submittal of completed transfer member form or current membership card, the transferee may acquire membership in this club only under the provisions of Section D of this Article III.

 

G.     Forfeiture of Membership:

1.  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 thereof.  The board shall thereafter decide whether the member shall be dropped from or retained on the roster.

 

2.  Any member may be expelled from the club for cause by a two-thirds vote of the entire board of directors.

 

3.  The Board may periodically review the attendance of members and determine if an individual has abandoned his or her membership and will or not be retained as a member.

 

  1. Reinstatement of Membership:  Anyone dropped from membership in this club may be reinstated, within six (6) months from the date of termination of their membership by a majority vote of the board of directors.  In the event more than (6) months have elapsed between such termination and the reinstatement application, it will be necessary for them to come into the club under the procedure set forth in Section D of this Article IV.

 

Article V Miscellaneous

 

  1. The emblem and colors of this club are the same as the emblem and colors of The International Association of Lions clubs.
  2. The fiscal year of this club is July 1 through June 30.  For example, the year starting July 1 2013 through June 30 20114 shall be considered FY2014.

 

C.  Club meetings are conducted and decisions made following the principles of Roberts Rules of Order Revised.  The intent of this provision is that the conduct of all business is controlled by the general will of the whole membership - the right of the deliberate majority to decide. Following Robert's Rules shall provide for constructive and democratic meetings, to help, not hinder, the business of the assembly. Under no circumstances should "undue strictness" be used which intimidates members or limits full participation. 

 

Article VI Officers

 

  1. Elected officers of this club are a president, immediate past president, first vice president, second vice president, third vice president, secretary, membership director, treasurer, and four elected directors - two directors elected in odd numbered fiscal years and two elected in even numbered fiscal years.

 

B. Appointed officers of this club are a Lion tamer, tail twister, and membership director.

 

C.  Only active members in good standing are eligible to hold office in this club.

 

D.  DUTIES of Elected Officers.

 

  1. PRESIDENT:  The president is the chief executive officer of the club; he or she:
    1. presides at all meetings of the board of directors and this club;
    2. issues the call for regular and special meetings of the board of directors and the club;
    3. appoints the standing and special committees of this club and cooperates with chairperson thereof to effect regular functioning and reporting of the committees;
    4. Ensure that  elections are duly called, noticed and held; and
    5. Cooperate with, and be an active member of the district governor’s advisory committee of the zone in which this club is located.

 

  1. IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT:  The immediate past president shall provide counsel to the incoming president, as required or requested, and shall attend all board meetings and enter into the board’s deliberations in order to provide continuity to the programs of the club. He/she shall chair the nominating committee. 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.

 

  1. VICE-PRESIDENTS:  The First Vice President becomes the President at the start of the next Fiscal Year.  Simultaneously the Second Vice President becomes the First Vice President and the Third Vice President becomes the Second Vice President. Vice presidents shall, under the direction of the president, oversee the functioning of such committees or functions of this club as the president shall designate

 

  1.  SECRETARY:  The secretary 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:
    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 therein and otherwise by the board of directors of the association;
    2. Submit to the district governor’s cabinet such reports as it may require including copies of regular membership and activities reports;
    3. Include the International Association of Lions Clubs and the district governor shall be included on the mailing list of this club.
    4. Cooperate with and be an active member of the district governor’s advisory committee of the zone in which this club is located;
    5. Have custody and keep and maintain general records of this club, including records of minutes of club and board meetings; attendance; committee appointments; elections; classifications (if any); addresses and telephone numbers of members; members club accounts;
    6. Issue 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.
    7. Review bank statements prior to forwarding to the treasurer.

 

 

  1. TREASURER:  The treasurer shall:
  2.  Receive all monies, from the secretary and others, and deposit the same in a bank or banks recommended and approved by the Board.   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 other designated member determined by the board of directors;
  3. Have custody and keep and maintain general records of club receipts and disbursements and submit monthly financial reports to the board and present them to the members at the monthly club meeting;
  4. Prepare and submit annual federal “990” and Illinois “AG990Il” not for profit reports.

 

6.   DIRECTORS: Directors are Board Trustees who serve to represent the will of the Club members. Directors shall serve as active committee members and represent their respective committee and the membership at large during Board deliberations.

 

 E.  DUTIES of Appointed Officers.

 

  1.    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;  put each in its proper place before each meeting and return the same to the proper storage area after meeting;  act as sergeant-at-arms at meetings, seeing  that those present are properly seated; distribute bulletins, favors and literature as required at club and board meetings;  and give special attention to assure that new members sit with a different group at each meeting so that they can become better acquainted.

 

  1. TAIL TWISTER:  The tail twister 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 25 cents 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.

 

  1. MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR:  The membership director is chairperson of the membership committee.  The responsibilities for this position include:
    1. Development of a growth program specifically for the club and presented to the board of directors for approval.
    2. Regular encouragement at club meetings to bring in new quality members.
    3. Ensuring proper recruitment 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. Develop and implement an ongoing system to monitor the members’ satisfaction with the Club.
    8. Serving as a member of the zone level membership committee.

 

 

Article VII Board of Directors

 

A.  The members of the board of directors are

 

1. Elected members

  1. president,
  2. immediate past president,
  3. First Vice President
  4. Second Vice President
  5. Third Vice President
  6. Secretary
  7. Treasurer
  8. Director even numbered year determined by the date of election.
  9. Director even numbered year determined by the date of election
  10. Director odd numbered year determined by the date of election
  11. Director odd numbered year determined by the date of election”

(*A director elected in May 2013 election is elected in an odd numbered year and will serve from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2015)

 

Appointed members

  1. Lion Tamer
  2. Tail Twister
  3. Membership Director

 

Ex-Offcio member

  1. Lions of Carbondale Foundation President

 

B.  Regular meetings of the board of directors shall be held monthly at such time and place as the board shall determine.

 

C.  Special meetings of the board of directors shall be held when called by the president or when requested by (3) three or more members of the board of directors, at such time and place as the president shall determine.  Except when held in conjunction with and announced at a regular meeting of the club, each member of the board of directors must be offered notice of the time, place, and agenda of a special meeting 48 hours in advance, when possible, at his regular residence, place of business, or such other place as he is known to be.

 

D.  Approval of any motion requires a majority of voting members.  A quorum of eight members is required to consider motions.  Proxy voting is not permitted

 

E.  Duties and Powers:  In addition to those duties and powers, expressed and implied in these By-Laws, the board of directors has the following duties and powers:

       

  1.  It is 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 policies 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.
  2. The Board shall ensure adequate fund raising activity is planned and conducted in a manner which creates the funds necessary to meet the intended charitable activity of the members.  This activity shall be coordinated with the Lions of Carbondale Foundation.
  3. 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.
  4. It shall have power to modify, override or rescind the action of any officer of this club.
  5. It shall have the books, accounts and operations of this club audited at its discretion; it 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.
  6. It shall appoint a bank or banks for the deposit of the funds of this club.
  7. 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.
  8. It may submit all matters of new business and policy to the respective standing or special club committee for study and recommendation to the board.
  9. It shall name and appoint, subject to approval of the club membership, the delegates and alternates of this club to district (single or sub-multiple) and international conventions.

 

F.  Actions without meeting, even with written consent of all directors, are not permitted.

 

Article VIII Elections and Filling Vacancies

  1. Election of Officers

 

  1. The elected officers of this club, ( President, Secretary, Treasurer, 3rd Vice President, and directors) shall be elected as follows:

 

  1. The Nominating Committee shall submit a slate of willing candidates for all vacancies during the Club’s April business meeting.  Members present during the April meeting may also move to add additional names of willing candidates for any office.  If seconded that name will be added to the suggested slate and a contested election for that position will occur the following month.

 

  1.  During the Club’s May business meeting the members will vote to accept or reject the slate of candidates offered by the nominating committee.  A separate secret ballot will be conducted for each contested position.

 

  1. If a candidate for office withdraws between the April and May business meetings, the Nominating Committee shall submit a substitute candidate for that office.  In such cases no nominations may be made from the floor.

 

  1. In any contested election the candidate receiving the most votes is the winner.

 

  1. Elected officers other than Directors shall serve one fiscal year starting July 1 in the year elected.

 

  1. Two directors shall be elected annually and shall take office on the July 1st following their election, and shall hold office for two years from that time.

 

  1. Appointed Board members:  The tail twister, the lion tamer and the membership chair shall be appointed by the President with the concurrence of the club’s Board.

 

  1. Removal of officers.  
    1. Any elected officer of this club may be removed from office for good cause by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire club membership. 
    2. Any appointed officer may be removed by the President with the concurrence of the club’s Board

 

  1. Filling vacancies.
    1. 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 provisions for advancement shall fail to fill the office of president, or first or second vice president, the board of directors shall call a special election. The membership will be advised a minimum of one week in advance of the reason for and date of any such election.  The Nominating Committee shall provide a candidate slate for any such election.

 

  1. In the event of a vacancy in the office of third vice president, the board of directors may appoint a member to fill the unexpired term. 

 

  1. In the event of a vacancy in any other office, the President with the concurrence of the Club’s Board shall appoint a member to fill the unexpired term.

 

  1. Electing Directors for the Lions of Carbondale Foundation.  The Foundation has nine Directors each of which serves for six years.  Three Directors are selected by the Club in October of every odd numbered year.  An individual elected in October 2013 takes office January 1, 2014 and serves until December 31, 2019.  The Nominating Committee shall recommend candidates for these positions and move for their election during the October business meeting (odd numbered years only).  Additional nominations may be made from the floor.  If there are additional nominations a secret ballot will be conducted.  The three candidates with the most votes shall fill the vacancies.  If there is a tie between two candidates receiving the fewest votes, a secret ballot run-off election will be held among those two individuals.

Special elections will be held as necessary to fill any unplanned vacancies which occur.

ARTICLE IX Committees

  1. The Board shall ensure that sufficient committees exist, with identified leadership and purpose, to carry out the Club’s business.   These committees shall include, but not be limited to
  1. Community Service
  2. Diabetes
  3. External Communication
  4. Highway beautification
  5. Internal Communication
  6. Membership
  7. Nominating
  8. Pancakes
  9. Programs
  10. Sight and Hearing Preservation, Awareness & Action
  1. Organization and responsibility of Committees:   
  1. The size of any committee varies in relation to the task(s) performed and member interest
  2. All committees shall have a chairperson.  If not appointed by the Board, the committee members will select their chairperson.
  3. Committee chairpersons shall submit brief written or oral monthly reports for Board review.  The report shall identify key plans, accomplishments, challenges, or anticipated needed future support.
  4. Committees may not commit the Club to financial obligations without specific Board or membership approval.
  5. Committees are encouraged to open and maintain dialog with their counterparts in other Clubs to ensure an exchange of general information ideas.
  6. The Club President is an ex-officio member of all committees.

 

  1. Community Service Committee
    1. Article II describes the purposes of this Club which includes providing support to the community. This committee guides the Club’s activities in this area.
    2. The Chairperson is appointed by the Board. The committee shall
      1. Receive and evaluate requests for assistance,
      2. Prepare an annual plan to distribute funds raised by the club among needy and deserving not-for-profit community organizations.
      3. Coordinate activities with the Lions of Carbondale Foundation to insure the optimal mix of organizations is identified to receive funds provided by both organizations and to prevent unplanned duplication.
      4. Based on received requests, and input from the members, prepare and submit to the Board for approval a fiscal donation plan which includes recommended organizations and amounts for each.
      5. Retain historical records of donations made by the Club.

 

  1. Diabetes Awareness Committee
  1. Lions International is committed to conduct and support local and large-scale efforts leading to the control and treatment of diabetes and its complications through education, prevention and research.
    1. The chairperson is appointed by the Board.  The chairperson shall recruit members to serve on this committee.
    2. The Committee plans  and encourages  the Club’s members to undertake local service projects that:

a)       Promote diabetes awareness, education and prevention.

  1. Lead to the control and treatment of diabetes and its complications.

c)       Provide programs and assistance to underserved children and adults who are living with diabetes.

 

  1. External Communication
    1. The purpose of the External Communication Committee is to ensure effective external communication to the general public and other appropriate Lions groups.
    2. The chairperson is appointed by the Board. The chairperson shall, with assistance from the Board, recruit an adequate number of members to meet the Committee’s purpose.
    3. The Committee provides important products such as publicity releases, promotional documents, signage, and educational and promotional material, etc.
    4. The Chair
      1. Coordinates with other Committee Chairs and the Board to identify needed communication and opportunities to improve the effectiveness of existing communication products.
      2. Request needed financial or other support from the Board.

 

  1. Highway Beautification Committee
    1. In support of our Purpose to serve the community the Club has an ongoing commitment to maintain a roadside section of Highway.
      1. The chairperson is appointed by the Board. The chairperson shall recruit members to serve on this committee.
      2. The Committee plans and encourages members to participant in this and similar projects planned by the committee.
      3. The Committee’s planning efforts must include consideration of tools, clothing, and procedures which reduce the risk of personal injury of participants.

 

  1. Internal Communication
    1. The purpose of the Internal Communication Committee is to ensure effective internal communication to the members
    2. The chairperson is appointed by the Board. The chairperson shall, with assistance from the Board, recruit an adequate number of members to meet the Committee’s purpose.
    3. The Committee provides important products such as a newsletter, calendar of club activities, signage, and educational and promotional material, etc.
    4. The Chair
      1. Coordinates with other Committee Chairs and the Board to identify needed communication and opportunities to improve the effectiveness of existing communication products.
      2. Requests needed financial or other support from the Board.

 

  1. Membership Committee
    1. The Membership Director is appointed by and serves on the Board.  The Membership Director serves as the Chair of the Membership Committee.  The chairperson shall, with assistance from the Board, recruit an adequate number of members to perform required tasks, maintaining a minimum of two individuals in addition to the Chair. (This follows the National plan for a three person membership committee.)
  2. The purpose of the committee is to plan and promote programs to:
    1. Recruit individuals who value and will work to support the purposes of this Club.
    2. Indoctrinate new members with the Club’s history, organization, customs and activities.
    3. Retain members by monitoring member satisfaction with the Club and recommend needed or desired changes in conduct of the club’s business to the Board.
    4. Open and maintain communication with District and other local Clubs which allows the free exchange of helpful ideas pertaining to membership recruiting, training, and indoctrination.
  3. The Chair
    1. Coordinates with other Committee Chairs and the Board to identify opportunities to improve recruiting, indoctrination and retention
    2. Requests needed financial or other support from the Board.

 

  1. Nominating Committee
    1. The purpose of this committee is to identify and recommend the leadership of the Club and Foundation.
    2. The Chairperson is the immediate Past President.
    3. Members include the three most recent Past Presidents. 
    4. The Committee prepares a slate of willing candidates for the known Club Board vacancies and presents this slate to the members during the April business meeting.
    5. Election of Club officers occurs in May.  If any candidates remove themselves before the May election, the committee must identify a substitute candidate.
    6. In odd numbered calendar years the committee prepares a slate of three candidates for the Lions of Carbondale Foundation Board and presents this slate to the members during the October business meeting.
    7. Nominations from the floor may be made for both Club and Foundation positions.  This action creates a contested election. If this occurs the nominating committee members shall conduct a secret ballot election, tabulate and advise the Club President of the results.

 

 

  1. Pancakes
    1. The key source of revenue to support the Club’s charitable activities is a twice a year pancake sale.  A successful and profitable pancake sale requires significant planning, coordination and effort.
      1. The chairperson is appointed by the Board. The chairperson shall, with assistance from the Board, recruit members to serve both in the planning function and actual conduct of the event.
      2.  The expectation is that all members of the Club will participate in this event to the degree they are physically able.
    2. The Board and committee chairperson shall jointly monitor the planning and conduct of this event to ensure all legal and sanitary requirements are met; and that the health and welfare of customers and members is considered and protected.

 

 

  1. Programs
    1. The purpose of this committee is to provide programs and activities that educate members on subjects related to the Club’s purposes and to provide entertaining activities which build camaraderie among the members.
    2. The chairperson is appointed by the Board. The chairperson shall, with assistance from the Board, recruit an adequate number of members to meet the Committee’s purpose.
    3. The Chair shall:
      1. Coordinate the schedule of programs and activities with the Board
      2. Coordinate with the Membership Chair to ensure program quality is part of the Club’s efforts to monitor member satisfaction.
      3. Request needed financial or other support from the Board.

 

  1. Sight and Hearing Conservation
    1. The purpose of the Sight and Hearing Committee is to plan, promote and coordinate the Club’s activities in support of the Lion’s International efforts to:
      1. Prevent sight and hearing loss
      2. Give hope and independence to those who cannot see
      3. Provide hope and independence to those who cannot hear
    2. The chairperson is appointed by the Board. The chairperson shall, with assistance from the Board, recruit an adequate number of members to meet the Committee’s purpose.
    3. The committees activities include:
      1. Providing a local system for collection of used glasses and hearing aids and delivering them to a Lion’s collection center
      2. Screening requests received by the Club for assistance with vision and hearing assistance
      3. Maintaining communication with local schools and other agencies which are sources for repetitive requests for assistance.
      4.  Maintain communication with local area vision and hearing professionals to establish a source for assistance with vision and hearing requests.
      5. Coordinating with the Publicity Committee to publicize the Club’s successful efforts.
      6. Monitoring the cost of requested assistance and seek necessary funds from the Board to provide those recommended by the Committee.

 

 

ARTICLE X Fees and Dues

 

A.  Each new, reinstated and transfer member shall pay an entrance fee as prescribed 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; however, 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 six (6) months of termination of his prior Lions Club membership.

 

B.  Each member of this club shall pay regular annual dues as determined by the board of directors, 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.

 

  1. The treasurer of this club shall remit international and district (single or sub- and multiple) dues to the parties, and at times, specified in the respective international and District (single or multiple) Constitution and By-Laws.     

 

  1. This club may require any member to pay club meeting luncheon costs in advance of any luncheon, but such costs shall not be assessed as a part of regular annual dues.  No dues, fees or assessments in addition to those set forth herein may be levied on, or required of, any member by this club, its board of directors or any officer or member of this club.

 

Article XI Resignations

    

     Any member may resign from this club, and said resignation shall become effective upon acceptance thereof 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.

 

 

Article XII Meetings

 

A.  Regular meetings of this club shall be held, no less than twice in each month, at a time and place 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 these bylaws, written notice of regular meetings shall be given at least five and no more than 60 days prior to the meeting.

 

B.  Special meetings of the club may be called at the discretion of the president, and shall be called by the president when requested by the board of directors, or by 10% of the members, 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 thereof shall be given to each member of this club electronically, by US mail or personal delivery, at least ten (10) days prior to the date thereof.

 

C.  A charter night anniversary meeting of this club may be held each year, at which time special attention shall be devoted to the objects and ethics of Lionism, and the history of this club.  The meeting time and place shall be established by resolution of the board.

 

D.  An annual meeting of this club shall be held in June of each 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.

 

 E.  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.  Actions without a meeting, even with written consent of all members, are not permitted.  Proxy voting is not permitted.

 

 F.  Any member who fails to pay any indebtedness due this club within 60 days after receipt from the secretary of written notice thereof shall thereupon have the voting privilege and any office held suspended, which suspension shall remain until such indebtedness is paid in full.  Only members in good standing may exercise the voting privilege and hold office in this club.

 

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

 

H.  No action to remove a director, dissolve the club or sell all or substantially all the assets of the club may be taken unless that purpose is set forth in a written notice to members given not less than 20 nor more than 50 days prior to the meeting.

 

 

 

 

Article XIII Delegates to International and District (Single or Sub- and Multiple) Conventions

 

A.  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.

 

B.  In as much as all district matters are presented and adopted at the district (single, sub- and multiple conventions), this club shall 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, 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 (1) alternate.  Each certified delegate present in person shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote of his or 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 XIV Amendments to the By-laws

 

A.  These By-Laws 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 the board has previously considered the merits of the amendments.

 

B.  No amendment shall be put to vote, unless notice thereof, stating the proposed amendment, shall have been given no later than at the regular meeting of the members immediately preceding the meeting at which the amendment is considered.

 

Article XV Conduct of Members and Visitors

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. Except to further their progress in Lionism, no officers or members of this club shall use their 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.

 

 

 

C.  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 Board

 

 
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