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.
(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 Lions 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 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 twenty (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 fifteen (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 Lions Clubs International a one-time fee as specified in the associations Constitution and By-Laws 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.
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 receive an invitation to join another Lions club shall automatically become a Life Member of said club.
(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 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 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 qualified 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 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. MEMBER CATEGORY LIMITS.
(a) HONORARY MEMBERS. The number of honorary members in this club shall not exceed 5% of the total actual membership; any fraction shall permit one additional honorary member.
(b) AFFILIATE MEMBERS. The number of affiliate members in this club shall not exceed 25% of the total actual membership.
Section 3. DUAL MEMBERSHIP. No person shall simultaneously hold membership, other than honorary or associate, in this and any other Lions club; however, a person is permitted to hold membership in this Lions club and any other service club of like character providing that they do not hold office in another service club and this Lions club simultaneously.
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, 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 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.
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 request. If more than six (6) 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 7. FAILURE TO PAY. The Treasurer shall submit to the board of directors the name of any member who fails to pay any indebtedness due this club within 120 days after receipt from the Treasurer 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.
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 chairmen 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 in which the 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 the minutes of club and board meetings; attendance; committee appointments; elections; member information, addresses and telephone numbers of members.
(e) TREASURER. He / she shall:
(1) Receive all monies 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 voucher shall be signed by two (2) of the officers of the club, one usually being the Treasurer. The board of directors shall designate the officers to serve as counter signers;
(3) Have custody and keep and maintain general records of club receipts and disbursements;
(4) Arrange for issuance of quarterly statements to each member for dues and other financial obligations owed to this club;
(5) Prepare and submit monthly and quarterly financial reports to the board of directors of this club;
(6) If required by Multiple District 2, District 2-S3 or the board of directors, give bond for the faithful discharge of his / her office. Said bond shall name all other officers authorized by the board of directors to sign checks or otherwise handle funds or finances of the club. Said bond shall be of such sum and with such surety as determined by the board of directors.
(f) MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR. The membership director shall be the chairman 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 meetings 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 committees.
(g) 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, etc. 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. 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 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.
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, usually two monthly, 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.
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, e-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 presents 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 one hundred twenty (120) days after receipt of written notice from the treasurer 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 MEETING. Regular meetings of the board of directors shall be held at such times and places as the board shall determine. The board of directors shall meet a minimum of once each month.
Due to the necessity of the presence of at least a quorum at all regular and special Board of Directors meetings to conduct the business of the club, members of the Board of Directors who are unable to attend a Board meeting shall be required to notify the Club President, Vice President or other Board member conducting the meeting prior to that meeting of their necessary absence. This notice of proposed absence shall be in sufficient time so that the meeting can be rescheduled, if necessary, due to the lack of a quorum. Failure to give notice of a proposed absence or if in the opinion of those Board members present at the meeting insufficient reason is given for the absence, the missed meeting shall constitute an unexcused absence. Two consecutive unexcused absences or a total of three unexcused absences in a Lion’s year shall automatically remove that Board member from office. The vacant office shall be filled as described in ARTICLE IV, Elections and Filling Vacancies, Section 9, Vacancy, of these By-Laws.
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. NOMINATING COMMITTEE. The three (3) most recent past presidentsin an active membership status and the current First Vice President are the nominating committee. Should the First Vice President fail to complete his/her term or choose not to advance to the Presidency, then the person named to advance to the Presidency will replace the First Vice President on this committee. The most recent past President in an active membership status serves as chairman. In the event the four (4) member nominating committee vote is tied, the current club President automatically becomes a temporary member of the nominating committee and shall cast the tie breaking vote of the committee. At the designated club meeting for nominations, the Committee shall submit its nominations to the club, when nominations may also be made from the floor.
Section 2. 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 be given by mail, e-mail or personal delivery to each member of this club at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting.
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 MEETING. 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, e-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. The membership committee shall be composed of the three most recent past presidentsin an active membership status of the club. Each member shall serve for three (3) continuous years on a rotation system. The first year member, the immediate past president of the club, shall be a member of the committee, the second year member of the committee shall be its vice chairman and the third year member shall serve as its chairman 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 (chairman) 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.
Section 8. BALLOT. If there are no contested club office positions to be elected a voice vote may be taken, however, in the event there is more than one nominee for a club office, 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, than 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 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, e-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
Section 1. ENTRANCE FEE. Each new, reinstated and transfer member shall pay an entrance fee of $ 35.00 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 six (6) 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 shall include an amount to cover current international and district dues and shall be paid in advance in quarterly installments due upon receipt of billing in July, October, January and April of each year; or at such times as the board of directors shall determine:
Regular Active Member $ 200.00
Regular Active Family Member $ 176.00
Life Member $ 84.00
Affiliate Member $ 176.00
Member-at-Large $ 176.00
Member-at-Large Family $ 156.00
Associate Member $ 104.00
For Honorary and Privileged members, the club shall pay the dues of these members as defined in Article I Section 1. of these Bylaws.
The treasurer of this club shall remit international and district dues to the parties, and at such times, specified in the respective international and district constitution and by-laws.
Section 3. MEAL COST. The cost of a meal is what the food service (e.g. restaurant, caterer) bills the club for an ordered meal. Each member shall pay the cost for the meals that member has ordered for a club meeting to the club treasurer during that club meeting. This plan for payment of meal cost shall apply to all categories of club membership. For payment of meals that a member has ordered for a special club meeting, such as the holiday party, annual picnic, installation and awards banquet, and an anniversary celebration, the payment plan and billing of meal costs to members shall be as determined by the board of directors.
ARTICLE VI
Branch Club 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 chairman of the membership committee, who are elected.
(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 Exchange Program
Youth Outreach
Other activities of Lionism for which committees may be appointed are:
Citizenship Services
Educational Services
Health Services
Social Services
Recreational Services
Public Services
International Youth Camps
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 chairman, 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 chairman, 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, the District Governor, the Region Chairman and the Zone Chairman 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, e-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.
Adopted by the New Braunfels Evening Lions Club membership at the regular club meeting on January 7, 2004.
Record of Amendments
July 7, 2004
Amended Article V, Section 2, ANNUAL DUES of the By-Laws by the New Braunfels Evening Lions Club membership at the regular club meeting on July 7, 2004.
August 17, 2005
Amended Article II, Section 1, DUTIES, (e) TREASURER, (2), Article IV, Section 1, NOMINATING COMMITTEE and Article V, Section 2, ANNUAL DUES of the By-Laws by the New Braunfels Evening Lions Club membership at the regular club meeting on August 17, 2005.
September 5, 2007
Amended Article IV, Section 1, NOMINATING COMMITTEE and Article IV, Section 6, MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE of the By-Laws by the New Braunfels Evening Lions Club membership at the regular club meeting on September 5, 2007.
July 15, 2009
Amended Article V, Section 2, ANNUAL DUES of the By-Laws by the New Braunfels Evening Lions Club membership at the regular club meeting on July 15, 2009.
July 20, 2011
Amended Article V, Section 2, ANNUAL DUES of the By-Laws by the New Braunfels Evening Lions Club membership at the regular club meeting on July 20, 2011. (Increased all classes of membership dues by $40.00 per year.)
October 17, 2012
Amended Article I, Membership, Section 1., MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES, Para. (e) LIFE MEMBER: Sub-para. (2) of the By-Laws deleting $300. and becoming compatible with the Lions International Constitutional and By-Laws, and Article III, Meetings and Quorum Requirements, Section 7., BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING, of the By-Laws adding a section on unexcused absences and forfeiture of office. All of the foregoing was adopted by the New Braunfels Evening Lions Club membership at the regular club meeting on October 17, 2012.
July 17, 2024
Amended Article V, Fees and Dues of the By-Laws as approved by the New Braunfels Evening Lions Club membership at the regular club meeting on July 17, 2024. Annual dues for all membership types are changed, and now do not include meal costs for all membership types. Section 3 is added to define the separate payment of meal costs.