The International Association of Lions Clubs
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 BYLAWS
The Lions Club of Jane Lew, WV
Chartered by and under the jurisdiction of
THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS
ARTICLE I
Name
The name of this organization shall be the Lions Club of Jane Lew, West Virginia, chartered by, and under the
jurisdiction of the International Association of Lions Clubs.
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 bylaws, 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 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.
Section 3. FORFEITURE OF MEMBERSHIP.
Any member may be expelled from the club for cause by a two-thirds vote of the entire board of directors.
Upon removal from this club, any and all right to use the name "LIONS," the emblem and other insignia of this
club and this association shall be forfeited. This club shall remove members whose conduct has been deemed a
violation of the International Constitution and By-Laws and Board Policy and unbecoming a Lion by the
International Office or otherwise face charter cancellation.
ARTICLE IV
Emblem, Colors, Slogan and Motto
Section 1. EMBLEM.
The emblem of this association and each chartered club shall be of a design as follows:
Section 2. USE OF NAME AND EMBLEM.
Use of the name, goodwill, emblem and other logos of the association shall be according to the guidelines
established from time to time in the by-laws.
Section 3. COLORS.
The colors of this association and of each chartered club shall be purple and gold.
Section 4. SLOGAN.
Its Slogan shall be: Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety.
Section 5. MOTTO.
Its Motto shall be: We Serve.
ARTICLE V
Supremacy
The Standard Form Club Constitution and By-Laws shall govern the club unless otherwise amended so as not to conflict with the district (single or multiple) and International Constitution & By-Laws and policies of Lions Clubs International. Whenever there may exist a conflict or a contradiction between the provisions set out in the club constitution and by-laws and the district (single and multiple) constitution and by-laws, the respective district constitution and by-laws shall govern. In addition, whenever there may exist a conflict or a contradiction between the provisions set out in the club constitution and by-laws and the international constitution and by-laws or board policy, the international constitution and by-laws and board policy shall govern.
ARTICLE VI
Club Size
The Jane Lew Lions club should strive to maintain 20 members; the numerical minimum membership required
to receive a charter.
ARTICLE VII
Officers
Section 1. OFFICERS.
The officers of this club shall be a president, immediate past president, the first and second vice presidents,
secretary, treasurer, membership director, director/administrator and all other elected directors.
Section 2. REMOVAL.
Any officer of this club may be removed from office for good cause by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire club
membership.
ARTICLE VIII
Board of Directors
Section 1. MEMBERS.
The members of the board of directors shall be the president, immediate past president, the vice presidents,
secretary, treasurer, membership director 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 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 internally raised club funds.
A second fund shall be established to record activity or public funds 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.
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.
Section 3. SELECTION OF CLUB DELEGATE(S) AND ALTERNATE(S).
The Board of Directors or its designated committee shall name and appoint, subject to approval of the club
membership, the delegates and alternates of this club to district (single, sub- or multiple) and international
conventions. Eligible delegates must be members in good standing in the club and entitled to vote in accordance with the rights and privileges chart set forth in Exhibit A of this Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE X
Club 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
club's 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 spective 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. RESPONSE TO COMPLAINT.
The respondent(s) to the complaint may file a written response to the complaint with the district governor
within ten (10) days of receiving notice of the complaint. A copy of the response shall be sent to the
complainant(s).
Section 4. CONFIDENTIALITY.
Once a complaint has been filed, communications between the complainant(s), respondent(s), district governor
and conciliator should be kept confidential to the extent possible.
Section 5. 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 party's 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 6. 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. Failure to comply with
the final and binding decision of the conciliator constitutes conduct unbecoming a Lion and is subject to loss of
membership privileges and/or charter cancellation.
ARTICLE XI
Club Funds
Section 1. PUBLIC (ACTIVITY) FUNDS.
All funds raised from the public must be returned to public use, including money accumulated from invested
public funds. The only deductions that may be made from the activity account are the direct operating expenses
of the fundraising activity. Money accumulated from interest must also be returned to public use.
Section 2. ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS.
Administrative funds are supported through contributions from members through dues, fines and other
individual contributions.
ARTICLE XII
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
published to the member through regular post or electronic means, or delivered personally to each member of
this club at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the meeting at which the vote on the proposed amendment
is to be taken.
Adopted: June 28, 2011
Amended June 10, 2014
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 there-of.
(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 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 as the 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 $650.00 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, 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. 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 3. DUAL MEMBERSHIP.
No person shall simultaneously hold membership, other than honorary or associate, in this and any other Lions
club.
Section 4. RESIGNATIONS.
Any member may resign from this club, and said resignation shall become effective upon acceptance by the
board of directors. The board may withhold acceptance, however, until all indebtedness has been paid and/or all club funds and property have been returned. All right to the use of the name "LIONS," the emblem and other insignia of this club and the association cease when membership is terminated.
Section 5. REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP.
Any member dropped from membership in good standing may be reinstated by the club's board of directors, and will retain their prior Lions service record as part of their total Lions service record. Members that have been dropped from membership for more than twelve (12) months must be approved in accordance with Article III,
Section 2 of the Constitution.
Section 6. TRANSFER MEMBERSHIP.
This club may grant membership on a transfer basis to one who has terminated or is terminating his/her
membership in another Lions club, provided that a member is in good standing at the time of transfer requested.
If more than twelve (12) months have elapsed between termination of his/her membership in another club and
submittal of completed transfer member form or current membership card, he/she may acquire membership in
this club only under the provisions of Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution. Members that wish to transfer
from this club to another club must submit a transfer form to be completed by the Secretary. The Secretary is
obligated to complete transfer form without delay unless the board of directors is withholding acceptance of the
member's resignation and transfer due to the member's financial indebtedness to the club and/or failure to return any club funds or property.
Section 7. FAILURE TO PAY.
The secretary shall submit to the board of directors the name of any member who fails to pay any indebtedness
due this club within 60 days after receipt from the secretary of written notice. The board shall thereafter decide
whether the member shall be dropped from or retained on the roster.
Section 8. ATTENDANCE.
The club shall encourage regular attendance at club meetings and activities. Where a member misses
consecutive meetings or activities, the club will make every effort to contact the member to encourage and
promote regular attendance. Annual perfect attendance awards are available to members who have attended
every regularly scheduled meeting of this club for any twelve consecutive months, otherwise making up any
missed meetings in accordance with the attendance make-up rules of the club, if any.
ARTICLE II
Elections and Filling Vacancies
The officers of this club, excluding the immediate past president, shall be elected as follows:
Section 1. ANNUAL ELECTION.
Subject to the provisions of Sections 7 and 8 of this Article, all officers, shall be elected annually and shall take
office on July 1st, and shall hold office for one year from that date, or until their successors shall have been
elected and qualified. The Secretary shall promptly report the newly elected officers to the International Office
within 15 days of the election.
Section 2. DIRECTORS ELECTION.
Four at-large directors shall be elected. One-half of the directors shall be elected annually and shall take office
on the July 1st next following their election. They shall hold office for two (2) years from that time, or until
their successors shall have been elected and qualified. 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 3. ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE.
No person shall be eligible to hold office in this club unless he/she is an active member in good standing.
Section 4. NOMINATION MEETING.
A nomination meeting shall be held in March of each year or as determined by the board of directors, with the
date and place of such meeting to be determined by the board of directors. Notice of the meeting shall be
published by regular post or electronic means or by personal delivery to each member of this club at least
fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting.
Section 5. NOMINATING COMMITTEE.
The president shall appoint a nominating committee which shall submit the names of candidates for the various
club offices to the club at the nomination meeting. At this meeting, nominations for all offices to be filled in the
succeeding year may also be made from the floor.
Section 6. ELECTION COMMITTEE.
An election meeting shall be held in April or as determined by the board of directors, at a time and place
determined by the board of directors. Notice of the election meeting shall be published by regular post or
electronic means or by personal delivery to each member of the club at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior
the date of the meeting. Such notice shall include the names of all nominees approved at the preceding
nomination meeting, and, subject to Section 3 above, a statement that these nominees will be voted upon at this
election meeting. No nominations may be made from the floor at the election meeting.
Section 7. BALLOT.
The election shall be conducted by a secret written ballot by those present and qualified to vote.
Section 8. VOTES REQUIRED.
The officer candidate is required to secure a majority of the votes cast by the club members present and voting
in order to be declared elected; for purpose of such election, a majority is defined as a number more than one-
half of the total valid votes cast excluding blanks and abstentions. If, on the first ballot, and subsequent ballots,
no candidate receives a majority, the candidate or tied candidates receiving the lowest number of votes shall be
eliminated and balloting shall continue until one candidate receives a majority. In case of a tie on any ballot,
balloting shall continue on the tied candidates until one is elected.
Section 9. NOMINEE UNABLE TO SERVE.
If in the interim between the nomination meeting and the election meeting any nominee is unable for any reason
to serve in the office to which he/she was nominated and for which office there was no other nominee, the
nominating committee shall submit, at the election meeting, names of additional nominees for that office.
Section 10. VACANCY.
If the office of president or of any vice president shall become vacant for any reason, the vice presidents shall
advance in office, according to their rank. In the event such provision for advancement shall fail to fill the office
of president, or any office of vice president, the board of directors shall hereon 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 11 hereinafter. Such
notice may be given by any remaining officer or director, but if none, then by any member.
Section 11. REPLACEMENT OF OFFICERS-ELECT.
In the event any officer-elect, before his/her term of office commences, is unable or refuses for any reason to
serve therein, the president may call a special nomination and election meeting to elect a replacement for such
officer elect. Fourteen (14) calendar days prior notice of such meeting, setting forth the purpose, time and place
shall be given to each member, by mail or personal delivery. The election shall be held immediately after
nominations have been closed and a plurality vote shall be necessary for election.
ARTICLE III
Duties of Officers
Section 1. PRESIDENT.
He/she shall be the chief executive officer of this club; preside at all meetings of the board of directors and this
club; issue the call for regular 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.
Section 2. IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT.
He/she and the other past presidents shall officially greet members and their guests at club meetings and shall
represent this club in welcoming all new service-minded people in the community served by this club.
Section 3. FIRST AND SECOND 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.
Section 4. SECRETARY. He/she shall be under the supervision and direction of the president and the board of
directors and shall act as the liaison officer between the club and the district (single, sub- and 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 forms provided by
the international headquarters 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.
(7) Deliver, in a timely manner, at the conclusion of his/her term in office, the general records of the club to
his/her successor in office.
Section 5. TREASURER.
He/she shall:
(1) Receive all monies, from the secretary and otherwise, and deposit the same in a bank or banks recommended
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. No two officers authorized as signatories may reside in the same household.
(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 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.
(6) Deliver, in a timely manner, at the conclusion of his/her term in office, the financial accounts, funds
and records of the club to his/her successor in office.
Section 6. 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.
Section 7. DIRECTOR/ADMINISTRATOR
1. Leadership and Governance:
Oversee club operations and ensure adherence to Lions Club policies and bylaws.
Facilitate effective meetings and decision-making processes.
Support the club president and other officers in achieving club goals.
2. Membership Development:
Recruit new members and retain existing ones.
Promote member engagement and participation.
Organize membership drives and orientation sessions.
3. Program Planning and Implementation:
Coordinate service projects and community outreach programs.
Ensure projects align with Lions International priorities.
Monitor and evaluate ongoing projects for impact and effectiveness.
4. Communication and Public Relations:
Maintain communication within the club and with external partners.
Promote club activities through media, social platforms, and community events.
Prepare reports and updates for Lions International and local stakeholders.
5. Administrative Tasks:
Manage club records, membership data, and financial reports.
Coordinate fundraising activities and manage budgets.
Ensure compliance with Lions International standards and policies.
6. Training and Development:
Provide training for new and current members.
Attend district and international conventions and training sessions.
Keep updated on Lions Club initiatives and resources.
Section 8. 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. 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.
Section 9. TAIL TWISTER.
He/she shall promote harmony, good fellowship, life and enthusiasm in the meetings through appropriate stunts
and games and the judicious imposition of fines on club members. There shall be no ruling from 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 10. BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
(1) All actions of the Board of Directors are subject to the approval of the membership.
(2) The Board of Directors shall have the following duties:
(a) Cause an audit to be performed at the end of each fiscal year.
(b) Oversee all planned activities and fund raisers.
(3) The newly elected Board of Directors shall propose a budget for the next fiscal year by July 1,
ARTICLE IV
Committees
Section 1. STANDING COMMITTEES.
The following standing committees may be appointed by the president, except for the chairperson of the
membership committee, who is elected.
(a) Administrative Committees:
Attendance
Constitution and By-Laws
Finance
Information Technology
Lions Information
Membership
Program
Public Relations and Communications
Greeter
Leadership Development
(c) Activities Committees:
Community Services
Disaster Preparedness & Relief
Environmental Services
Diabetes Awareness & Action
Hearing Preservation, Awareness & Action
Sight Preservation, Awareness & Action
International Relations
Lions Opportunities for Youth
Lions Services for Children
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 V
Meetings
Section 1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETINGS.
Regular meetings of the board of directors shall be held at such times and places as the board shall determine.
board of directors shall meet at least once each month.
Section 2. BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETINGS.
Special meetings of the board of directors shall be held when called by the president, or when requested by
three (3) or more members of the board of directors, at such time and place as the president shall determine.
Section 3. REGULAR CLUB MEETINGS.
Regular meetings of this club shall be held at times and places recommended by the board of directors, and
approved by the club. All meetings shall begin and end, promptly, at the regular set times. Except as otherwise
specifically provided in his constitution and by-laws, notice of regular meetings shall be given in such manner
as the board of directors deems proper. The Jane Lew Lions Club shall meet the 2 nd and 4 th Tuesday of each
month at the Jane Lew American Legion unless changed by a membership vote.
Section 4. SPECIAL CLUB 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 communicated
to each member of this club, by regular post.
Section 5. ANNUAL MEETING.
An annual meeting of this club shall be held in conjunction with the close of each Lions' year at a time and
place determined by the board of directors, at which meeting the final reports of the retiring officers shall be
read and newly elected officers shall be installed.
Section 6. ALTERNATIVE MEETING FORMATS.
Regular and/or special meetings of this club and/or board of directors may be held through the use of alternative
meeting formats, such as teleconference and/or web conference upon initiation of the President or by any three
(3) members of the board of directors.
Section 7. CHARTER ANNIVERSARY.
A charter night anniversary meeting of this club may be held each year, at which time special attention shall be
devoted to the purposes and ethics of Lionism, and the history of this club.
Section 8. QUORUM.
The presence in person of one-third 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 9. BUSINESS TRANSACTED BY MAIL.
This club may transact business by mail (including letters, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, or cable),
provided that no such action shall be effective until approved in writing by two-thirds (2/3) of the entire
membership of the club. Such action may be initiated by the president or any three (3) members of said board.
ARTICLE VI
ANNUAL DUES AS APPROVED BY THE CLUB MEMBERS AT AN ANNUAL MEETING.
Each member of this club shall pay the 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 LION Magazine,
administrative and annual convention costs of the association and similar district costs) and shall be paid in
advance at such times as the board of directors shall determine. The treasurer of this club shall remit
international and district (single 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 VII
Miscellaneous
Section 1. FISCAL YEAR.
The fiscal year of this club shall be July 1 through June 30.
Section 2. 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.
Section 3. PARTISAN POLITICS/RELIGION.
This club shall not endorse or recommend any candidate for public office, nor shall partisan politics or sectarian
religion be debated by members in meetings of this club.
Section 4. PERSONAL BENEFIT.
Except to further 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 5. COMPENSATION.
